bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excitotoxic damage to white matter
Authors: Matute Carlos , Alberdi Elena , Domercq María , Sánchez‐Gómez María‐Victoria , Pérez‐Samartín Alberto , Rodríguez‐Antigüedad Alfredo , Pérez‐Cerdá Fernando 
Published: May 2007

AbstractGlutamate kills neurons by excitotoxicity, which is caused by sustained activation of glutamate receptors. In recent years, it has been shown that glutamate can also be toxic to white matter oligodendrocytes and to myelin by this mechanism. In particular, glutamate receptor‐mediated injury to these cells can be triggered by activation of alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid, kainate andN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate glutamate receptor types. Thus, these receptor classes, and the intermediaries of the signal cascades they activate, are potential targets for drug development to treat white matter damage in acute and chronic diseases. In addition, alterations of glutamate homeostasis in white matter can determine glutamate injury to oligodendrocytes and myelin. Astrocytes are responsible for most glutamate uptake in synaptic and non‐synaptic areas and consequently are the major regulators of glutamate homeostasis. Activated microglia in turn may secrete cytokines and generate radical oxygen species, which impair glutamate uptake and reduce the expression of glutamate transporters. Finally, oligodendrocytes also contribute to glutamate homeostasis. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about the mechanisms leading to oligodendrocyte cell death and demyelination as a consequence of alterations in glutamate signalling, and their clinical relevance to disease. In addition, we show evidence that oligodendrocytes can also be killed by ATP acting at P2X receptors. A thorough understanding of how oligodendrocytes and myelin are damaged by excitotoxicity will generate knowledge that can lead to improved therapeutic strategies to protect white matter.
Follow up and evaluation of the Victorian first‐trimester combined screening programme for Down syndrome and trisomy 18
Authors: Jaques AM , Halliday JL , Francis I , Bonacquisto L , Forbes R , Cronin A , Sheffield LJ 
Published: May 2007

Objective  The objective of this study was to follow up and evaluate the statewide first‐trimester combined screening programme for Down syndrome and trisomy 18 at Genetic Health Services Victoria, Australia.Design  Retrospective population cohort.Setting  Maternal Serum Screening Laboratory records.Sample  All women screened between February 2000 and June 2002 (16 153 pregnancies).Methods  Screening results were matched to Victorian perinatal and birth defect data via record linkage, with an ascertainment of 96.8% of pregnancy outcomes. Manual follow up with health professionals increased ascertainment to more than 99%.Main outcome measures  Fetal Down syndrome or trisomy 18, and combined screen results, to calculate test characteristics.Results  Using a risk threshold of 1 in 300 at time of ultrasound, the sensitivities for standard first‐trimester combined screening and augmented 13‐week combined screening for Down syndrome were 87.3 and 90.5% and the false‐positive rates (FPR) were 4.1 and 3.9%, respectively. The sensitivity for trisomy 18 was 66.7% (10/15, 95% CI 42.8–90.5%) with a 0.4% FPR and 15.2% positive predictive value (1 in 250 risk threshold).Conclusions  The combined use of record linkage and manual follow‐up techniques was effective in ascertaining more than 99% of pregnancy outcomes for calculations of accurate test characteristics of the combined screen. The sensitivity for Down syndrome at Genetic Health is comparable to similar populations. However, the sensitivity for trisomy 18 is lower than that elsewhere, which may reflect the overall low birth prevalence of trisomy 18 and associated small numbers in this particular cohort.
The influence of microbial redox cycling on radionuclide mobility in the subsurface at a low‐level radioactive waste storage site
Authors: WILKINS M. J. , LIVENS F. R. , VAUGHAN D. J. , BEADLE I. , LLOYD J. R. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTAs anaerobic microbial metabolism can have a major impact on radionuclide speciation and mobility in the subsurface, the solubility of uranium, technetium and radium was determined in microcosms prepared from sediments adjacent to the Drigg low‐level radioactive waste storage site (UK). Both uranium (as U(VI); ) and Tc (as Tc(VII); ) were removed from groundwater concurrently with microbial Fe(III) reduction, presumably through reduction to insoluble U(IV) and Tc(IV), respectively, while Ra (Ra2+) that had rapidly sorbed onto mineral surfaces was not released following Fe(III) reduction. Biogenic Fe(II) minerals in reduced Drigg sediments were unable to reduce U(VI) abiotically but could reduce Tc(VII). Following addition of the oxidant nitrate to the reduced sediments, uranium was remobilized and released into solution, whereas technetium remained associated with an insoluble phase. A close relative of Pseudomonas stutzeri dominated the microbial communities under denitrifying conditions, reducing nitrate to nitrite in the microcosms, which was able to reoxidize Fe(II) and U(IV), with release of the latter into solution as U(VI). These data suggest that microbial Fe(III) reduction in the far‐field at Drigg has the potential to decrease the migration of some radionuclides in the subsurface, and the potential for reoxidation and remobilization by nitrate, a common contaminant in nuclear waste streams, is radionuclide‐specific.
Impact of ski pistes on soil properties: a case study from a mountainous area in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Delgado R. , Sánchez‐Marañón M. , Martín‐García J. M. , Aranda V. , Serrano‐Bernardo F. , Rosúa J. L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this study, soils on 17 ski pistes in the Sierra Nevada, Spain, were investigated to identify changes induced by ski management practices and also to determine the effectiveness of grass seeding in restoring soil quality. When compared with unaffected reference soils, those of ski runs had substantial loss of organic carbon (−34%, −11.9 ± 3.6 t ha−1) and micropore volume and size (−33%, −0.07 ± 0.01 cm3 cm−3and −48%, −1.62 ± 0.28 μm). Microstructure showed a dramatic reduction in organic cements and fungal hyphae. The organic content of soil seeded with grass significantly improved compared with soil not seeded or seeded unsuccessfully (P < 0.05), especially where the topsoil was reinstated. Organic C content, microporosity and soil respiration increased by 200% (+21 ± 5 t ha−1), 70% (+0.07 ± 0.03 cm3 cm−3) and 140% (+0.10 ± 0.04 mg CO2 g−1 day−1), respectively. Average micropore size in aggregates which in undisturbed soils was 3.40 ± 0.28 μm reverted to 3.52 ± 0.36 μm. However, the microstructure of the revegetated soils did not attain the levels of organic cements and fungal hyphae in the natural soils. Dolomite and salts were added to the soil to aid slope stabilization, fertility and de‐icing of access tracks. As a consequence, there were increases in pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate equivalent and base saturation. The influence of management on soil properties was found to be greater than that of environmental factors.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in a Turkish group of patients with active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: TURGAY Murat , DURAK Ilker , ERTEN Sukran , ERTUGRUL Esin , DEVRIM Erdinc , AVCI Aslihan , TURGAY Fugen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim:  Although the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is likely to be multifactorial, the inflammatory nature of SLE implies that a state of oxidative stress may exist in this disease, which may contribute to immune cell dysfunction, auto‐antigen production and auto‐antibody reactivity. This study was conducted to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with SLE and to correlate this with disease activity.Methods:  Sixteen clinically active, 12 clinically inactive SLE patients and 11 healthy controls were included into the study and antioxidant potential (AOP), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), adenosine deaminase (ADA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity levels in erythrocytes and AOP, GSH‐Px, MDA, and XO activity levels in plasma were measured.Results:  In erythrocytes; AOP was higher in SLE patients (both active and inactive), CAT activity was higher in inactive SLE patients, GSH‐Px, SOD and XO activity were lower in SLE patients (active and inactive) than the control group. In plasma; SLE patients (active and inactive) had higher AOP levels, activity of GSH‐Px was lower in SLE groups (active and inactive), activity of MDA was lower in active SLE patients, and activity of XO was higher in the active SLE patients than the control group.Conclusion:  Antioxidant status was impaired in SLE patients but there was no significant difference between the active and inactive SLE groups, so oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE but probably is not correlated with disease activity.
Comparative study of anti‐CCP and RF for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: SHARIF Sakineh‐Khatoun , EGHBAL Shahin , GHARIBDOOST Farhad , Kbarian Mahmood A. , SHAHRAM Farhad , NADJI Abdolhadi , JAMSHIDI Ahmad‐Reza , DAVATCHI Fereydoun 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim:  To determine the frequency of anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti‐CCP) in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and another group with other rheumatic diseases.Patients and methods:  Anti‐CCP1 and rheumatoid factor (RF) titres were determined in 320 serum samples; 136 from RA patients, 184 from control patients (165 patients with rheumatic diseases other than RA, and 21 patients with lymphoproliferative diseases).Results:  The sensitivity of Anti‐CCP was 62.5% (95% CI: 53–70%) for the diagnosis of RA with a specificity of 89.1% (95% CI: 83–93%). The sensitivity of RF was 85.3% (95% CI: 79–91%). The specificity was 64.7% (95% CI: 57–71%).Conclusions:  Anti‐CCP1 has not very high specificity for RA regarding other rheumatic disease. However it is still very helpful for the diagnosis of RA.
Post‐Planting Treatments Increase Growth of Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryanaDougl. ex Hook.) Seedlings
Authors: Devine Warren D. , Harrington Constance A. , Leonard Lathrop P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe extent of Oregon white oak woodland and savanna ecosystems in the U.S. Pacific Northwest has diminished significantly during the past century due to land use changes and fire suppression. Planting Oregon white oak seedlings is often necessary when restoring these plant communities. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of post‐planting treatments for establishing Oregon white oak seedlings on sites characterized by low growing season precipitation and coarse‐textured soils. We evaluated the effects of control of competing vegetation, tree shelters, fertilization, irrigation, and planting date on growth of planted seedlings. Survival was generally high (90%), but growth rate varied substantially among treatments. Plastic mulch increased soil water content and increased annual seedling height growth by an average of 56% relative to one‐time manual removal of competing vegetation. Solid‐walled tree shelters reduced browse damage and increased mean annual height growth compared to mesh shelters and no shelter by averages of 7.5 and 10.9 cm, respectively. Controlled‐release fertilizer applied at planting did not consistently increase seedling growth. Weekly irrigation (3.8 L/seedling) increased first‐year seedling growth only where mulch also was applied. Seedlings planted by late February had greater root growth by summer than those planted in early April. Soil water management was necessary for best seedling growth, and the improved height growth in solid‐walled tree shelters allowed the terminal shoot to grow more quickly above the height of animal browse. Our results indicate effective methods for establishing Oregon white oak seedlings, but these results may also be applicable to establishment of other tree species on similarly droughty sites.
Long‐Term Monitoring and Evaluation of the Lower Red River Meadow Restoration Project, Idaho, U.S.A.
Authors: Klein Linda R. , Clayton Stephen R. , Alldredge J. Richard , Goodwin Peter 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Although public and financial support for stream restoration projects is increasing, long‐term monitoring and reporting of project successes and failures are limited. We present the initial results of a long‐term monitoring program for the Lower Red River Meadow Restoration Project in north‐central Idaho, U.S.A. We evaluate a natural channel design’s effectiveness in shifting a degraded stream ecosystem onto a path of ecological recovery. Field monitoring and hydrodynamic modeling are used to quantify post‐restoration changes in 17 physical and biological performance indicators. Statistical and ecological significance are evaluated within a framework of clear objectives, expected responses (ecological hypotheses), and performance criteria (reference conditions) to assess post‐restoration changes away from pre‐restoration conditions. Compared to pre‐restoration conditions, we observed ecosystem improvements in channel sinuosity, slope, depth, and water surface elevation; quantity, quality, and diversity of in‐stream habitat and spawning substrate; and bird population numbers and diversity. Modeling documented the potential for enhanced river–floodplain connectivity. Failure to detect either statistically or ecologically significant change in groundwater depth, stream temperature, native riparian cover, and salmonid density is due to a combination of small sample sizes, high interannual variability, external influences, and the early stages of recovery. Unexpected decreases in native riparian cover led to implementation of adaptive management strategies. Challenges included those common to most project‐level monitoring—isolating restoration effects in complex ecosystems, securing long‐term funding, and implementing scientifically rigorous experimental designs. Continued monitoring and adaptive management that support the establishment of mature and dense riparian shrub communities are crucial to overall success of the project.
Seagrass Transplanting in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia: A Comparison of Manual Transplantation Methodology Using Posidonia sinuosa Cambridge et Kuo
Authors: Paling Eric I. , Van Keulen Michael , Tunbridge David J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Seagrass transplants (plant units [PUs]) were established to examine the feasibility of seagrass rehabilitation in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Five hundred and twenty plant units (plugs and sprigs) of Posidonia sinuosa Cambridge et Kuo were placed at seven locations at depths of 3, 5, and 9 m and monitored to determine the influence of transplant method, location, and depth upon survival and growth over 2 years. Depending on the site, more plugs had survived at the completion of the trial (mean survival 41%) than sprigs (mean survival 15%). Plug and sprig survival differed significantly with transplant depth, decreasing overall with increasing depth. Forty‐five percent of surviving plugs and 50% of sprigs exhibited horizontal rhizome extension. Mean rhizome extension after 2 years was 9.5 cm/plug (1–23 cm) and 18.3 cm/sprig (0.5–31 cm). Declines in PU survival and variable growth correlate with site‐specific variability in light climate. Plug transplantation was deemed the most suitable method for further manual seagrass rehabilitation, exhibiting higher survival across all sites and conditions; however, they are costly to deploy. Sprig PUs have greatest potential in shallow water with fine sands, moderate water movement, and maximum light availability. The low cost of deploying sprigs may outweigh their lower survival compared to plugs; further efforts should be directed to enhancing survival of sprig PUs under a wider range of conditions. Suitable locations for future rehabilitation efforts in Cockburn Sound were the Eastern and Western Banks and shallow areas off Woodman Point and Mangles Bay.
Settlement and Survival of the Oyster Crassostrea virginica on Created Oyster Reef Habitats in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Nestlerode Janet A. , Luckenbach Mark W. , O’Beirn Francis X. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Efforts to restore the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef habitats in Chesapeake Bay typically begin with the placement of hard substrata to form three‐dimensional mounds on the seabed to serve as a base for oyster recruitment and growth. A shortage of oyster shell for creating large‐scale reefs has led to widespread use of other materials such as Surf clamshell (Spisula solidissima), as a substitute for oyster shell. Oyster recruitment, survival, and growth were monitored on intertidal reefs constructed from oyster and Surf clamshell near Fisherman’s Island, Virginia, U.S.A. and on a subtidal Surf clamshell reef in York River, Virginia, U.S.A. At the intertidal reefs, oyster larvae settlement occurred at similar levels on both substrate types throughout the monitoring period but higher levels of post‐settlement mortality occurred on clamshell reefs. The oyster shell reef supported greater oyster growth and survival and offered the highest degree of structural complexity. On the subtidal clamshell reef, the quality of the substrate varied with reef elevation. Large shell fragments and intact valves were scattered around the reef base, whereas small, tightly packed shell fragments paved the crest and flank of the reef mound. Oysters were more abundant and larger at the base of this reef and less abundant and smaller on the reef crest. The availability of interstitial space and appropriate settlement surfaces is hypothesized to account for the observed differences in oyster abundance across the reef systems. Patterns observed emphasize the importance of appropriate substrate selection for restoration activities to enhance natural recovery where an underlying habitat structure is destroyed.
Implementation of Basic Studies in the Ecological Restoration of Surface‐Mined Land
Authors: Tischew Sabine , Kirmer Anita 
Published: May 2007

Abstract This paper focuses on attempts to encourage a new state of the art in the ecological restoration of surface‐mined land in Germany. On most of these sites, the application of traditional recultivation methods often destroys valuable ecological potential by leveling of the surface, ameliorating of nutrient‐poor substrates, and seeding or planting of species not suited to the present habitat conditions. Many studies have shown that even highly disturbed ecosystems, such as large mining areas, can regenerate spontaneously over long‐term periods. Colonization processes were influenced by the availability of diaspore sources as well as the suitability of sites for establishment. The predictability of succession could be improved by the identification of switch points in successional pathways depending on age and conditions of the sites. Based on the developmental potential, orientation by nature and biodiversity are selected as main targets for priority areas for nature conservation in mining sites. On priority areas restoration measures must be restricted to the use of near‐natural methods (e.g., application of fresh, diaspore‐rich plant clipping material, dumping of overburden with seed bank and vegetative propagules, seeding of site‐specific, local seed mixtures) that are very successful in preventing erosion and accelerating vegetation development. Despite the success of these methods, the transfer of knowledge between scientists, practitioners, and administrative organizations has proved to be insufficient. Therefore, one of the main tasks in ecological restoration must be the inclusion of all stakeholders involved in decision‐making processes and the establishment of a network of excellence to enhance the exchange of knowledge.
Setting Effective and Realistic Restoration Goals: Key Directions for Research
Authors: Hobbs Richard J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Restoration ecology has made significant advances in the past few decades and stands to make significant contributions both to the practical repair of damaged ecosystems and the development of broader ecological ideas. I highlighted four main areas where progress in research can assist with this. First, we need to enhance the translation of recent advances in our understanding of ecosystem and landscape dynamics into the conceptual and practical frameworks for restoration. Second, we need to promote the development of an ability to correctly diagnose ecosystem damage, identify restoration thresholds, and develop corrective methodologies that aim to overcome such thresholds. This involves understanding which system characteristics are important in determining ecosystem recovery in a range of ecosystem types, and to what extent restoration measures need to overcome threshold and hysteresis effects. A third key requirement is to determine what realistic goals for restoration are based on the ecological realities of today and how these will change in the future, given ongoing changes in climate and land use. Finally, there is a need for a synthetic approach which draws together the ecological and social aspects of the issues surrounding restoration and the setting of restoration goals.
Land Leverage: Decomposing Home Price Dynamics
Authors: Bostic Raphael W. , Longhofer Stanley D. , Redfearn Christian L. 
Published: May 2007

This article demonstrates the importance of separating the bundled good of housing into land and improvements, arguing that changes in a property's overall value will depend critically on how much of its total value is contained in the land, a proportion we call land leverage. The importance of this deconstruction is demonstrated by highlighting how land leverage helps to explain variation in house price appreciation in Wichita, Kansas. Noting that land leverage should be relevant for many real estate issues and policies, we highlight four specific areas where consideration of land leverage could significantly improve our understanding of real estate markets.
Land is the only thing in the world that amounts to anything … for ‘tis the only thing in this world that lasts, and don't you be forgetting it!‘Tis the only thing worth working for, worth fighting for—worth dying for.Gerald O'Hara in Gone with the Wind1
Black Women and White Women: Do Perceptions of Childhood Family Environment Differ?
Authors: CLAY CASSANDRA M. , ELLIS MICHAEL A. , GRIFFIN MARGARET L. , AMODEO MARYANN , FASSLER IRENE R. 
Published: May 2007

Introduction: Few studies have examined racial differences in perceptions of childhood. Little is known about how Blacks perceive their own families, particularly the family environment that they experienced in childhood.Methods: A community sample of 290 women (55% White, 45% Black) from two‐parent families, heterogeneous in age and social class, was examined using a self‐administered questionnaire, including the Family Environment Scale (FES), followed by a focused interview. Siblings were used as collateral informants.Results: The psychometric properties of the FES showed remarkably little variation by race: The internal scale reliability, correlations between scales, and factor structures were quite similar. Although both White and Black women reported good childhood family environments, Black women when compared with White women rated their families of origin as more cohesive, organized, and expressive, and lower in conflict. Sibling responses corroborated these findings.Discussion: This study addresses a gap in the research literature and provides important evidence of strengths in Black family relationships as reported by a community sample of women. The psychometric properties of the FES, found to be strong for families of both races, lends support to our findings and those of other researchers who have used this measure.