bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistance management in a native plant: nicotine prevents herbivores from compensating for plant protease inhibitors
Authors: Steppuhn Anke , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPlants deploy chemical defenses in complex mixtures, which are thought to be adaptive, but experimental tests have used artificial diets rather than plants. Herbivore attack on Nicotiana attenuata rapidly increases the production and accumulation of trypsin proteinase inhibitors (TPI) and the toxic alkaloid nicotine. By transgenically silencing their respective biosynthetic genes, we were able to abolish TPI activity and reduce inducible nicotine by 85%. Nicotine production was not affected by silencing pi or vice versa, and transformation did not alter levels of other metabolites examined. Spodoptera exigua, a native generalist herbivore that can compensate for heterologous TPI expression, performed better on TPI‐ or nicotine‐deficient plants compared with the wild‐type. Because of a compensatory feeding response to TPI when nicotine is absent, larvae performed better on nicotine‐deficient plants than they did on plants silenced in both defenses. The antifeedant toxin, nicotine, prevents this compensatory response. We conclude that N. attenuata counters an insect adaptation with a defensive synergism.
Species–area relationships from a spatially explicit neutral model in an infinite landscape
Authors: Rosindell James , Cornell Stephen J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe use recently developed technical methods to study species–area relationships from a spatially explicit extension of Hubbell's neutral model on an infinite landscape. Our model includes variable dispersal distances and exhibits qualitatively different behaviour from the cases of nearest‐neighbour dispersal and finite periodic landscapes that have previously been studied. We show that different dispersal distances and even different dispersal kernels produce identical species–area curves up to rescaling of the two axes. This scaling property provides a straightforward method for fitting the model to empirical data. The species–area curves display all three phases observed empirically and enable the exponent describing the power law relationship for species–area curves to be identified as the gradient at the central phase. This exponent can take all values between 0 and 1 and is given by a simple function of the speciation rate, independent of all other model variables.
The effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on human seminal plasma
Authors: Goyal Anuj , Chopra Mridula , Lwaleed Bashir A. , Birch Brian , Cooper Alan J. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietary supplementation with a natural source of the compound, and whether any potential increase of lycopene levels in semen translates into increased free‐radical trapping capacity in the seminal plasma.METHODSReactive oxygen species are detrimental to the health and function of spermatozoa. Semen contains enzymatic and non‐enzymatic defence mechanisms to combat such species, and lycopene, a dietary antioxidant, forms part of the non‐enzymatic arm. Immuno‐infertile men have significantly lower levels of lycopene in their semen, and oral lycopene therapy can improve various seminal variables in idiopathic infertility. Whether this improvement is a direct consequence of increased lycopene levels in semen, resulting in an increased radical scavenging ability, remains unknown. Blood and seminal lycopene levels were measured in healthy volunteers, using high‐performance liquid chromatography, before and after a period of dietary supplementation. The antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma was also assayed to determine if supplementation results in a measurable increase in seminal radical scavenging ability.RESULTSThere were statistically significant increases in blood and seminal plasma lycopene levels after dietary supplementation. The increase in seminal and blood lycopene levels showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.84, P < 0.05). There was no measurable increase in the total radical scavenging capacity of semen.CONCLUSIONThis study confirms the presence of lycopene in human semen, the levels of which can be significantly increased after dietary supplementation with a natural source of lycopene. Further studies to establish whether this would also be the case in infertile men, with possible associated improvements in their seminal quality, are warranted.
Apoptosis induction is associated with decreased NHE1 expression in neonatal unilateral ureteric obstruction
Authors: Manucha Walter , Carrizo Liliana , Ruete Celeste , Vallés Patricia G. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo examine the participation of NHE1 in the regulation of the apoptotic response in neonatal obstruction, as the ubiquitously expressed NHE1 isoform is an important component of regulatory volume increase.MATERIALS AND METHODSRats had a unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) or a sham operation, and the kidneys were harvested 5 and 14 days afterward. Cellular apoptosis in proximal tubules (PT) and collecting ducts (CD) was assessed using a standard assay, and NHE1 expression in the renal cortex assessed using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blots. Mitochondrial apoptosis was evaluated by Bax/BcL2 expression, and caspase‐3 expression and activity. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo administration of increasing doses of 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl)‐amiloride (EIPA) on NHE1 inhibition associated with the induction of apoptosis.RESULTSAfter 14 days there were consistently more apoptotic cells in CD than in PT, associated with a lower expression of NHE1 at the mRNA and protein levels. There was increased expression of the Bax/BcL2 ratio, linked to decreased pro‐caspase‐3 protein levels and with increased caspase‐3 activation. NHE1 inhibition by increasing doses of EIPA induced epithelial cell apoptosis and increased caspase‐3 activity in a dose‐dependent manner. After in vitro incubation with amiloride (100 mm) there was less NHE1 expression associated with reduced 32 kDa pro‐caspase‐3 protein levels. Kidneys obstructed for 5 days showed no changes in NHE1 expression or induction of apoptosis.CONCLUSIONIn neonatal obstruction, we suggest that the decreased NHE1 expression could be a signal‐transduction event participating in the induction of epithelial tubular cell apoptosis, through the regulation of the BcL‐2 gene family and activation of caspase‐3.
The impact of targeted training, a dedicated protocol and on‐site training material in reducing observer variability of prostate and transition zone dimensions measured by transrectal ultrasonography, in multicentre multinational clinical trials of men with symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Murphy Philip S. , Mills Ian W. , Crossland Anna , Patel Anup 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the variability of a standardized protocol of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), with targeted training, and compare it to the variability in other multicentre clinical trials, as TRUS‐estimated total prostate volume (TPV) and transition zone volume (TZV) are considered important efficacy endpoints in assessing new drug therapies for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), but standardizing TRUS remains a challenge in such studies.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 174 patients with BPE in the placebo arm of a 30‐centre clinical trial were analysed at baseline, 13 and 26 weeks with TRUS, to extract TPV and TZV values. All TRUS operators received training in the standardized methods, which was supplemented at the outset by a compact disc‐based video.RESULTSThe mean (sd) changes from baseline in TPV at 13 and 26 weeks were − 2.9 (8.9) and −1.9 (8.5) mL, respectively; the respective mean changes from baseline in TZV were −1.2 (6.4) and + 0.7 (7.8) mL. For TPV, 80% of the measurements had differences of + 5.2 to −13.4 mL at 13 weeks, and + 8.0 to − 10.9 mL at 26 weeks. For TZV, 80% of the differences were + 5.8 to − 7.4 at 13 weeks, and + 9.3 to −6.5 mL at 26 weeks.CONCLUSIONThe performance of TRUS compared favourably with similar published multicentre studies, which we suggest relates in part to the careful implementation of the protocol. We showed that diligent implementation of a detailed protocol, supplemented by targeted training of investigators and provision of on‐site training material, promoted consistent acquisition and successful derivation of key clinical trial endpoints. Quantifying the variability of such endpoints will enable us to track deployment quality for future clinical trials, and will ensure that trials are sufficiently powered to define small changes in prostate size.
Suppression of bone density loss and bone turnover in patients with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer and receiving zoledronic acid
Authors: Ryan Christopher W. , Huo Dezheng , Bylow Kathryn , Demers Laurence M. , Stadler Walter M. , Henderson Tara O. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo report a randomized, placebo‐controlled study of treatment with zoledronic acid every 3 months in patients with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer, both with and without bone metastases, to assess the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone turnover.PATIENTS AND METHODSEligible patients included those with prostate cancer and on androgen‐deprivation therapy for <12 months. Patients received zoledronic acid 4 mg intravenously, or placebo, every 3 months for four treatments. BMD, urinary N‐telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), and serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were measured every 3 months. In all, 42 patients were randomized.RESULTSAfter excluding BMD data from sites of known metastases, patients receiving zoledronic acid had a relative increase in BMD compared with those receiving placebo, of 4.2% and 7.1% at the femoral neck and lumbar spine, respectively. NTX and BAP decreased significantly in patients receiving zoledronic acid. NTX and BAP levels were significantly higher at baseline in patients with bone metastases than in those without.CONCLUSIONSTreatment with zoledronic acid every 3 months preserved bone density and suppressed markers of bone turnover in patients with androgen‐deprived prostate cancer, both with and without bone metastases.
Obesity as a predictor of biochemical recurrence and survival after radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Palma David , Pickles Tom , Tyldesley Scott ,   Prostate Cohort Outcomes Initiative
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVEObesity has been demonstrated to predict biochemical progression in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate adenocarcinoma, and is associated with a higher risk of biochemical and clinical relapse after radiation therapy (RT). We evaluated if obesity, determined by body mass index (BMI), is associated with adverse disease characteristics, pre‐treatment serum testosterone, biochemical disease free survival (bDFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), or overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing radical external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSA cohort of 706 patients with localized prostate adenocarcinoma treated with RT between 1993 and 2001 were categorized as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) or normal (BMI < 25 kg/m2). The association between BMI, disease characteristics, and progression were evaluated by Chi‐square and ANOVA tests, Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression analysis.RESULTS195 patients (27.6%) were normal weight, 358 (50.7%) were overweight and 153 (21.7%) were obese. Obese men had lower serum testosterone levels than overweight and normal‐weight men (means 12.8, 14.1, and 15.7 nmol/L, respectively; p < 0.001). The BMI groups did not differ in Gleason score, pretreatment PSA, or stage. On multivariate analysis, BMI group was predictive of reduced bDFS (p = 0.02) and DSS (p = 0.008), with a trend toward reduced OS (p = 0.062).CONCLUSIONObesity was associated with lower serum testosterone levels but not with adverse pretreatment pathological features. Obese men have a higher risk of biochemical recurrence and prostate‐cancer specific death after RT.
Does intraprostatic inflammation have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Authors: Mishra Vibhash C. , Allen Darrell J. , Nicolaou Christophoros , Sharif Haytham , Hudd Charles , Karim Omer M.A. , Motiwala Hanif G. , Laniado Marc E. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo compare the incidence of acute and/or chronic intraprostatic inflammation (ACI) in men undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for urinary retention and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), as recently a role was suggested for ACI in the pathogenesis and progression of BPH, and urinary retention is considered an endpoint in the natural history of this condition.PATIENTS AND METHODSDetails of TURPs done between January 2003 and December 2005 at one institution were obtained from the operating theatre database. Patients were divided by indication (retention/LUTS). Clinical data and histology reports were then reviewed and bivariate and logistic regression used to compare the pathological features between these groups.RESULTSOf 406 patients, 374 had evaluable data; 70% of men with urinary retention had ACI, vs 45% of those with LUTS (P < 0.001). On logistic regression, the pathological factors associated with TURP for acute retention compared to that for LUTS were ACI, old age, and resection weight to a lesser degree.CONCLUSIONInflammation appears to be important in the pathogenesis and progression of BPH. In this study, the risk of urinary retention due to BPH was significantly greater in men with ACI than in those without, and the association of TURP for retention with ACI was stronger than that with prostate weight. This finding might offer new avenues for the medical treatment of men with LUTS due to BPH.
Type and spatial structure of distribution data and the perceived determinants of geographical gradients in ecology: the species richness of African birds
Authors: McPherson Jana M. , Jetz Walter 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTAim Studies exploring the determinants of geographical gradients in the occurrence of species or their traits obtain data by: (1) overlaying species range maps; (2) mapping survey‐based species counts; or (3) superimposing models of individual species’ distributions. These data types have different spatial characteristics. We investigated whether these differences influence conclusions regarding postulated determinants of species richness patterns.Location Our study examined terrestrial bird diversity patterns in 13 nations of southern and eastern Africa, spanning temperate to tropical climates.Methods Four species richness maps were compiled based on range maps, field‐derived bird atlas data, logistic and autologistic distribution models. Ordinary and spatial regression models served to examine how well each of five hypotheses predicted patterns in each map. These hypotheses propose productivity, temperature, the heat–water balance, habitat heterogeneity and climatic stability as the predominant determinants of species richness.Results The four richness maps portrayed broadly similar geographical patterns but, due to the nature of underlying data types, exhibited marked differences in spatial autocorrelation structure. These differences in spatial structure emerged as important in determining which hypothesis appeared most capable of explaining each map's patterns. This was true even when regressions accounted for spurious effects of spatial autocorrelation. Each richness map, therefore, identified a different hypothesis as the most likely cause of broad‐scale gradients in species diversity.Main conclusions Because the ‘true’ spatial structure of species richness patterns remains elusive, firm conclusions regarding their underlying environmental drivers remain difficult. More broadly, our findings suggest that care should be taken to interpret putative determinants of large‐scale ecological gradients in light of the type and spatial characteristics of the underlying data. Indeed, closer scrutiny of these underlying data — here the distributions of individual species — andtheirenvironmental associations may offer important insights into the ultimate causes of observed broad‐scale patterns.
THE GAP IS SEMANTIC, NOT EPISTEMOLOGICAL
Authors: D'Oro Giuseppina 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper explores an alternative to the metaphysical challenge to physicalism posed by Jackson and Kripke and to the epistemological one exemplified by the positions of Nagel, Levine and McGinn. On this alternative the mind‐body gap is neither ontological nor epistemological, but semantic. I claim that it is because the gap is semantic that the mind‐body problem is a quintessentially philosophical problem that is not likely to wither away as our natural scientific knowledge advances.1
RESTRICTIVE CONSEQUENTIALISM AND REAL FRIENDSHIP
Authors: Henden Edmund 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA familiar objection to restrictive consequentialism is that a restrictive consequentialist is incapable of having true friendships. In this paper I distinguish between an instrumentalist and a non‐instrumentalist version of this objection and argue that while the restrictive consequentialist can answer the non‐instrumentalist version, restrictive consequentialism may still seem vulnerable to the instrumentalist version. I then suggest a consequentialist reply that I argue also works against this version of the objection. Central to this reply is the claim that a restrictive consequentialist is capable of true friendship if the value she aims for is not merely seen as a function of her self‐regarding desires, but includes as a central constituent a form of objective value often referred to as ‘flourishing’ or ‘self‐realization’.1
DO FALLIBILIST ACCOUNTS OF THE GROWTH OF KNOWLEDGE UNDERESTIMATE AND ENDANGER SCIENCE?
Authors: Wettersten John 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAll fallibilist theories may appear to be defective, because they allegedly underestimate the security of at least some scientific knowledge and thereby leave science less defensible than it otherwise might be. When they call all scientific knowledge conjectural they may seem at first blush to underestimate the superiority of science vis a vis pseudo‐science. Fallibilists apparently fail to account for the fact that science turns theory into facts, because even “facts” are held only provisionally. This impression is false: the relatively secure establishment of facts can be accounted for with a fallibilist view. After theories have been honed through sharp criticism, there is often no reason to doubt some aspects of them. These aspects are what we regard to be factual knowledge, even though these facts are also provisionally accepted as such. We then explain the newly won factual knowledge with deeper theories, which often correct our factual knowledge in spite of its apparent security. Theories of justification add nothing useful to the fallibilists' observation that science finds the best theories because it has the highest standards of criticism. Fallibilist theories today give the best account and defence of science. We may abandon the quest for some kind of assurance that goes beyond the determination that some theory can answer all known objections to it and take up more interesting problems, such as how we can find new objections and how criticism may be improved and made institutionally secure.1
What’s in a Name? A Critique of ‘Colonias’ in the United States
Authors: MUKHIJA VINIT , MONKKONEN PAAVO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract‘Colonias’ in the United States are a relatively recent phenomenon for planning practitioners and scholars. Most of the focus of policy and literature has been on the unregulated, substandard settlements in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Past studies of colonias in the three states have criticized policy efficacy and questioned whether colonias are appropriately or adequately defined. Our objective in this essay is complementary. We draw from the literature, and our research in California, to explain and share our concerns with the policy practice of naming settlements with poor infrastructure and living conditions as colonias, a Spanish‐language name. We argue that the name can be misleading, prejudiced and risks being detrimental. We discuss our misgivings about federal public policy using a non‐English title for labeling substandard settlements, and suggest that scholars and policymakers need to revisit the terminology.RésuméLes colonias constituent un phénomène relativement récent aux Etats‐Unis pour les acteurs et chercheurs en aménagement. La plupart des politiques et publications se sont intéressées aux implantations sauvages de qualité déplorable apparues au Texas, au Nouveau Mexique et en Arizona. Les études existantes sur les colonias de ces trois Etats ont remis en cause l’efficacité de la politique publique et la pertinence de la définition donnée au terme colonias. Cet essai vise à les compléter. A partir des publications et de nos recherches en Californie, il explique et expose notre inquiétude de voir la pratique politique désigner par colonias, un nom espagnol, des implantations aux infrastructures et conditions de vie médiocres. A notre avis, cette appellation peut être trompeuse, porteuse de préjugés et potentiellement néfaste. L’article soumet nos interrogations vis‐à‐vis d’une politique publique fédérale qui emploie une désignation en langue étrangère pour cataloguer des implantations d’habitats de qualité inférieure, et invite chercheurs et décideurs politiques à revisiter cette terminologie.
Reflections on Place and Place‐making in the Cities of China
Authors: FRIEDMANN JOHN 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article is about the small spaces of the city we call ‘places’. Places are shaped by being lived in; they are spaces of encounter where the little histories of the city are played out. They are, of course, also shaped by the state through planning, supervision, ordinances, and so forth. The patterns and rhythms of life in the small spaces of the city are therefore not simply a straightforward projection of civil life. Places are also sites of resistance, contestation, and actions that are often thought to be illegal by the (local) state. After introducing the concept of place, the remainder of this article is a reflection on places and place‐making (but also place‐breaking) in urban China. Because the patterns and rhythms of urban life have continuity, however, my approach to their study was historical. The story told here is roughly divided into four major periods: Imperial China, Republican China, the People’s Republic under Mao Zedong, and the reform period from about 1980 onward. I then return to the concepts of place and place‐making with which I began, summarizing my findings and suggesting some topics for further research.RésuméCet article traite des petits espaces de la ville qu’on appelle des ‘lieux’. Les lieux sont modelés par la vie qui s’y déroule; ce sont des espaces de rencontre où se jouent les petites histoires d’une ville. Bien sûr, ils sont aussi façonnés par l’Etat, à travers l’aménagement, le contrôle, les règlements, etc. Les modèles et rythmes de vie dans les petits espaces urbains ne sont donc pas une projection pure de la vie civique. Ce sont aussi des scènes de résistance, de contestation et d’actions souvent jugées illégales par les autorités (locales). Après le concept de lieu, l’article présente une réflexion sur les lieux et leur fabrication (ainsi que leur fracture) dans la Chine urbaine. Les modèles et rythmes de la vie urbaine présentant une continuité, l’approche appliquée à leur étude est historique. Le récit rapporté se décompose en quatre grandes périodes: la Chine impériale, la Chine républicaine, la République populaire de Mao Zedong et l’ère réformatrice depuis 1980 environ. L’article revient ensuite sur les concepts de lieux et de fabrication de lieux en résumant les résultats obtenus et en suggérant quelques thèmes de recherche à approfondir.