bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The river‐bed: a dynamic store for plant propagules?
Authors: Gurnell Angela , Goodson Joanne , Thompson Ken , Clifford Nick , Armitage Patrick 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper investigates temporal variations in the abundance, species composition and richness, and spatial distribution of plant propagules stored on river‐beds.Samples of the surface layers of river‐bed sediments were obtained from two reaches of the River Frome, Dorset, UK, and one reach of the River Tern, Shropshire, UK. Samples were taken from the same bed locations on four occasions spaced at approximately four monthly intervals. Following greenhouse germination trials, 11 384 viable propagules of 105 species were identified in 192 channel bed samples. On average, 32% of the species found in the propagule samples were not present in the channel and riparian vegetation. Most of these additional species were wetland and terrestrial rather than aquatic species. The number of species and density of propagules stored on the river‐bed varied through time and between reaches. These findings indicate that the channel bed is a dynamic store for viable propagules, including a large proportion of species that are not found locally. These propagules are available for redistribution across river‐banks and floodplains during high river flows.Propagules were preferentially stored within particular bed habitats. On the Tern, the most retentive habitats were close to the channel margins and adjacent to riparian vegetation and trees. On the Frome, stands of emergent vegetation along the channel margin were the most retentive habitat, and were also associated with trapping of finer sediment and organic matter. This habitat provides an aggrading environment at the bank toe that could potentially offer germination sites for the non‐aquatic propagules that are stored. Germination and growth of wetland and terrestrial plants during bank profile aggradation and lateral extension would provide root reinforcement and flow resistance across the changing bank profile. The preferential accumulation of sediment and species‐rich propagules around stands of marginal emergent vegetation is indicative of a subtle coupling of geomorphological and ecological systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microarray analyses of transdifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Schilling Tatjana , Küffner Robert , Klein‐Hitpass Ludger , Zimmer Ralf , Jakob Franz , Schütze Norbert 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe molecular events associated with the age‐related gain of fatty tissue in human bone marrow are still largely unknown. Besides enhanced adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), transdifferentiation of osteoblast progenitors may contribute to bone‐related diseases like osteopenia. Transdifferentiation of MSC‐derived osteoblast progenitors into adipocytes and vice versa has previously been proven feasible in our cell culture system. Here, we focus on mRNA species that are regulated during transdifferentiation and represent possible control factors for the initiation of transdifferentiation. Microarray analyses comparing transdifferentiated cells with normally differentiated cells exhibited large numbers of reproducibly regulated genes for both, adipogenic and osteogenic transdifferentiation. To evaluate the relevance of individual genes, we designed a scoring scheme to rank genes according to reproducibility, regulation level, and reciprocity between the different transdifferentiation directions. Thereby, members of several signaling pathways like FGF, IGF, and Wnt signaling showed explicitly differential expression patterns. Additional bioinformatic analysis of microarray analyses allowed us to identify potential key factors associated with transdifferentiation of adipocytes and osteoblasts, respectively. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) was scored as one of several lead candidate gene products to modulate the transdifferentiation process and is shown here to exert inhibitory effects on adipogenic commitment and differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 413–433, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dose‐by‐dose virological and hematological responses to intravenous immunoglobulin in an immunocompromised patient with persistent parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Tang Julian W. , Lau June S.M. , Wong Stephanie Y.N. , Cheung Jo L.K. , Chan C.H. , Wong K.F. , Wong Ann , Chan Paul K.S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA 42‐year‐old male with stage IV mantle cell lymphoma received chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. He developed pancytopaenia, and bone marrow examination indicated a parvovirus B19 (PVB 19)‐induced red cell aplasia, confirmed by virological tests. Multiple doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) were given over the following months, with blood samples being taken after each dose for quantitative PVB 19 DNA and hematological testing to assess the response. Each dose of IVIG produced a 1–3 log10 drop in PVB 19 DNA levels. Eventually, after the fifth dose of IVIG, the PVB 19 DNA was reduced to <10 copies/ml serum, with a gradual improvement in his hematological parameters. This report demonstrates how close monitoring of the virological and hematological response to IVIG therapy for persistent PVB 19 infection in an immunocompromised patient can optimize the usage of this relatively expensive, and sometimes scarce intervention. J. Med. Virol. 79:1401–1405, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and epidemiological study on nosocomial transmission of HCV in hemodialysis patients in Brazil
Authors: Carneiro Megmar A.S. , Teles Sheila A. , Lampe Elisabeth , Espírito‐Santo Márcia P. , Gouveia‐Oliveira Rodrigo , Reis Nádia R.S. , Yoshida Clara F.T. , Martins Regina M.B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn epidemiological and molecular study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was carried out in Brazilian hemodialysis centers. A total of 1,095 patients in all 15 hemodialysis centers in the State of Goiás, Brazil, were studied. All patients were interviewed for possible risk factors to HCV infection and serum samples tested for anti‐HCV by ELISA and for HCV RNA by nested RT‐PCR of the 5′ NC region. For sequence analysis, HCV RNA amplification for the NS5B region (nt 8,279–8,619) was performed. The phylogenetic tree was generated with MrBayes, and clusters with support values above 0.85 were considered epidemiologically related. Of the 1,095 patients, 180 were anti‐HCV and/or HCV RNA positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 16.4% (95% CI: 14.3–18.7). The prevalence of HCV infection in the dialysis centers ranged from 0% to 47.7%. Multivariate analysis of risk factors revealed that history of blood transfusion not screened for anti‐HCV and length of time on hemodialysis were independently associated with HCV infection in this population. One hundred six samples could be amplified and sequenced in the NS5B region. Among them, plylogenetic tree analysis revealed that 69 sequences form 13 separated clusters, which were supported by credibility intervals ranging from 85% to 100%, indicating a very close relationship among the HCV isolates and therefore a likely transmission of the virus between patients. By combining phylogenetic analysis with epidemiological data, routes of transmission between the clustered‐related‐patients could be suggested. These findings provide evidence for nosocomial transmission of HCV in Brazilian hemodialysis centers. J. Med. Virol. 79:1325–1333, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energy and protein requirements of growing Nili‐Ravi buffalo heifers in tropical environment
Authors: Paul Shyam S , Patil Nitin V 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThirty Nili‐Ravi buffalo heifers (average initial weight 119 kg) were used to assess energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth. The calves were randomly divided into six equal groups and were fed six diets consisting of three levels of energy (55%, 60% and 65% total digestible nutrient—TDN) in ration and two levels of protein (10% and 12% crude protein—CP) in ration in factorial arrangement ad libitum until they attained 400 kg body weight. Energy and protein requirements at different stages of growth were estimated by partitioning of the metabolizable energy (ME), CP and metabolizable protein (MP) intake for maintenance and body weight gain by regression analysis. All of the multiple regression equations derived for different body weight ranges were highly significant (P < 0.01) and had high R2 values. The ME (kJ), CP (g) and MP (g) requirements for maintenance at different body weights were 443–542, 5.89–9.38 and 4.03–6.30 kg−0.75 d−1. The respective values for average daily gain in body weight (ADG) were 26–53, 0.24–0.48 and 0.18–0.31 g−1 ADG d−1. The predicted requirements matched well with their corresponding actual intake values across the data range. Regressed values were used to develop new feeding standards for buffalo heifers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymatic vegetable extract with bio‐ active components: Influence of fertiliser on the colour and anthocyanins of red grapes
Authors: Parrado Juan , Escudero‐Gilete María L , Friaza Vicente , García‐Martínez Ana , González‐Miret María L , Bautista Juan D , Heredia Francisco J 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: The obtention and physicochemical characterization of an enzymatic vegetable extract (EVE) from agroindustrial wastes by a proteolytic extraction is described. The main components of EVE are nitrogen (peptides and free amino acids) and phytohormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins), as functional components. The effect of EVE as fertilizer/biostimulant on several parameters of red grapes, such as colour and anthocyanins, was also evaluated.RESULTS: Its application induced high anthocyanin content with the specific induction of petunidin. Tristimulus colorimetry was applied in order to study the colour of musts. Grape juice with significant and perceptible differences in colour characteristics was obtained using EVE. The colour points were located around redder hues (hab) on the (a*b*)‐plane and lightness (L*) was lower.CONCLUSION: The fertilization with biostimulant shows a promising future in the functional plant nutrition linked with an increase in the organoleptic and quality food parameters. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid and sensitive determination of two degradation products of flumethrin in honey by ultrasonically assisted extraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detection
Authors: Zhou Jinhui , Xue Xiaofeng , Li Yi , Zhang Jinzhen , Wu Liming , Chen Lanzhen , Zhao Jing 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA rapid and sensitive method for the determination of 4‐fluoro‐3‐phenoxybenzaldehyde cyanohydrin (FPBC) and 4‐fluoro‐3‐phenoxy‐benzaldehyde (FPB) in honey samples using ultrasonically assisted extraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC–ECD) has been developed. The different factors affecting the efficiency of the extraction were carefully optimized. The honey sample was extracted with a mixture of hexane and dichloromethane (v/v, 1:1) utilizing the ultrasonically assisted technique and cleaned up by solid‐phase extraction on Oasis HLB cartridges. The eluate was evaporated to dryness and residues were reconstituted to 1.0 mL with hexane and determined by GC–ECD. The calibration curves of fortified samples showed acceptable linear response (R2 >0.99) over a range of 3–100 ng/g for FPBC and FPB in seven replicate determinations of six concentrations, respectively, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a lack‐of‐fit test was performed to validate the regression data. Overall average recoveries ranged from 90.9 to 106.2% for honey samples. The detection limits were 0.9 ng/g for FPBC and 1.0 ng/g for FPB, respectively. This method can be successfully applied to routine determination of two degradation products of flumethrin in honey samples.
HPLC‐MS of anthraquinoids, flavonoids, and their degradation products in analysis of natural dyes in archeological objects
Authors: Surowiec Izabella , Szostek Bogdan , Trojanowicz Marek 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLC with MS detection was optimized for sensitive and selective analysis of main classes of natural dyes used in ancient times for dyeing textiles – red anthraquinoids, yellow flavonoids, and known degradation products of flavonols – hydroxybenzoic acids. Fragmentation patterns of both negative and positive molecular ions for the above mentioned compounds were investigated. Three acquisition modes of MS analysis: scanning, SIM, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in both positive and negative ion modes were optimized and compared with each other and with the UV‐Vis diode‐array detection. Even though in the applied chromatographic system formic acid was used in the mobile phase, SIM in the negative ion mode was the most selective and sensitive detection for all the investigated compounds when both mixtures of standards and analysis of extracts from archeological samples were concerned, with one exception – alizarin, for which MS detection in positive ion mode was more sensitive. Detection limits obtained with MS detection for all investigated compounds except quinizarin were lower than the ones obtained with the diode‐array UV‐Vis detection, making MS detection the most suitable tool for the analysis of natural dyes and their degradation products in extracts from archeological samples.
Determination of sugars and alditols in tobacco with high performance anion‐exchange chromatography
Authors: Tang Kuntian , Liang Lina , Cai Yaqi , Mou Shifen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSugars, alditols, and alcohols in tobacco products were quantified utilizing a method of high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography‐pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD). The optimized analytical method can be used to classify different tobaccos and control the quality of tobaccos. To substantiate the applicability of the method, the analysis of 27 tobacco samples with satisfactory linearity, repeatability, and accuracy had been demonstrated. Compared with some other analytical methods for tobacco, the HPAEC‐PAD method provided a simple and powerful tool for the analysis of not only sugars but also alcohols in tobacco extracts.
The Structure and Thermodynamics of a Heteropolymer Chain in Confinement – Computer Simulation Studies
Authors: Sikorski Andrzej 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA coarse‐grained model of heteropolymer (polypeptide) chains in a slit was designed in order to study the folding process in confinement. The idealized chains represented heteropolymers consisted of hydrophobic and hydrophilic united atoms, which were restricted to vertices of a (310) lattice. The force field consisted of the excluded volume, the long‐distance potential between pairs of segments and the local helical potential. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the algorithm with micromodifications of the chain's conformation and employing the Replica Exchange technique. The influence of the size of the slit, the temperature and the force field on the dimension and the structure of chains were studied. It was shown that a moderate confinement stabilizes folded chains while a strong confinement does not.magnified image
Modeling normal and pathological processes through skin tissue engineering
Authors: Garcia Marta , Escamez Maria Jose , Carretero Marta , Mirones Isabel , Martinez‐Santamaria Lucia , Navarro Manuel , Jorcano Jose L. , Meana Alvaro , Del Rio Marcela , Larcher Fernando 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSkin tissue engineering emerged as an experimental regenerative therapy motivated primarily by the critical need for early permanent coverage of extensive burn injuries in patients with insufficient sources of autologous skin for grafting. With time, the approach evolved toward a wider range of applications including disease modeling. We have established a skin‐humanized mouse model system consisting in bioengineered human‐skin‐engrafted immunodeficient mice. This new model allows to performing regenerative medicine, gene therapy, genomics, and pathology studies in a human context on homogeneous samples. Starting from skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) isolated from normal donor skin or patient's biopsies, we have been able to deconstruct‐reconstruct several inherited skin disorders including genodermatoses and cancer‐prone diseases in a large number of skin humanized mice. In addition, the model allows conducting studies in normal human skin to gain further insight into physiological processes such as wound healing or UV‐responses. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of health care costs for open burch colposuspension, laparoscopic colposuspension and tension‐free vaginal tape in the treatment of female urinary incontinence
Authors: Ankardal Maud , Järbrink Krister , Milsom Ian , Heiwall Bengt , Lausten‐Thomsen Niels , Ellström‐Engh Marie 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAimsTo compare direct health care costs of treatment for stress urinary incontinence in Sweden with four different procedures: (i) open Burch colposuspension (OBC); (ii) laparoscopic colposuspension with sutures (LCS); (iii) laparoscopic colposuspension with mesh and staples (LCM), and (iv) Tension‐free Vaginal Tape (TVT).Material and MethodsA model was constructed representing a hospital with standardized surgical equipment, staff and average unit costs in 2003 Euros. The time used for anesthesia and surgery was calculated. Clinical data was collected from three different sources, a multicenter, randomized, prospective study comparing OBC with LCM with 1 year follow‐up, a three‐armed, prospective study where women were randomized to either OBC, LCM, or LCS with 1 year follow‐up and a descriptive study reporting results of TVT with 5 year follow‐up. Data collected from the studies and hospital cost data were put into the model to create the different cost elements.ResultsThe total cost per individual, showed a lower cost for TVT compared to the other alternatives. The direct costs for a TVT, €1,366 were only 56% of the costs for an OBC, €2,431 (P < 0.001) and 59% of the costs for a LCS, €2,310 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsWhen using a model and comparing health care costs for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence in Sweden, the TVT procedure generated a lower direct cost than both open and laparoscopic colposuspension. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:761–766, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal control of time‐delay systems by dynamic programming
Authors: Dadebo Solomon , Luus Rein 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe use of iterative dynamic programming employing systematic region contraction and accessible grid points is investigated for the optimal control of time‐delay systems. At the time of generating the grid points for the state variables, the corresponding delayed variables at each time stage are also generated and stored in memory. Then, when applying dynamic programming, a linear approximation is used to obtain the initial profile for the delayed variables during integration. This procedure was tested with four problems of different complexity. In each case the optimal control policy is easily obtained and the results compare very favourably with those reported in the literature using other computational procedures.
Numerical solution of a drug displacement problem with bounded state variables
Authors: Maurer H. , Wiegand M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe interaction of the two drugs warfarin and phenylbutazone has previously been considered as a time‐optimal control problem with state inequality constraints. We include bounds for the control and show that necessary optimality conditions and junction conditions for bounded state variables lead to boundary value problems with switching and junction conditions. A special version of the multiple‐shooting algorithm is employed for solving the different types of boundary value problems. The switching structure of the optimal control is determined for a range of parameters in the state constraint. Owing to the special structure of the control, a state space solution is obtained in a first step which reduces the numerical complexity of the problem. It is shown how the numerical results can be used to compute the generalized gradient of the optimal value function explicitly.
Exercise echocardiography reveals subclinical cardiac dysfunction in young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Jarfelt M. , Kujacic V. , Holmgren D. , Bjarnason R. , Lannering B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveAnthracyclines (AC) have contributed significantly to increased survival rate in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), although the use of these drugs is limited due to cardiotoxicity. The aim was to evaluate heart muscle function in asymptomatic adult survivors of ALL treated in early childhood in relation to the combined effects of AC and other potential cardiotoxic factors.ProcedureTwenty‐three young adult ALL survivors who had all received treatment with median 120 (120–400) mg AC/m2 before the onset of puberty were examined median 21 years after remission and compared with 12 healthy controls. Basal echocardiography including two‐dimensional (2D) M‐mode and Doppler examination was performed, followed by a maximal exercise stress test and stress echocardiography immediately after stress test and after 5 min recovery.ResultsWe found significant differences in systolic function between patients and controls at maximal exercise despite absence of reported symptoms from the patients. The most marked difference was in ejection fraction at stress 59.5% (32.6–81.1) and 77.3% (66.2–85.3), respectively (P < 0.00006). Ten out of 23 patients reduced their ejection fraction at stress compared with at rest; this was not found in any of the controls. Cardiovascular risk factors such as GH deficiency and a high proportion of trunk fat did not have an impact on cardiac function.ConclusionsWith very long follow up in a homogenous cohort of ALL survivors, we found subclinical cardiac dysfunction with exercise stress echocardiography even after low doses of AC. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:835–840. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential intestinal mucosal protein expression in hypercholesterolemic mice fed a phytosterol‐enriched diet
Authors: Calpe‐Berdiel Laura , Escolà‐Gil Joan Carles , Julve Josep , Zapico‐Muñiz Edgar , Canals Francesc , Blanco‐Vaca Francisco 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms involved in the phytosterol‐induced decrease in intestinal cholesterol absorption remain unclear. Further, other biological properties such as immunomodulatory activity and protection against cancer have also been ascribed to these plant compounds. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying phytosterol actions, we conducted a proteomic study in the intestinal mucosa of phytosterol‐fed apolipoprotein E‐deficient hypercholesterolemic (apoE−/−) mice. With respect to control‐fed apoE−/− mice, nine differentially expressed proteins were identified in whole‐enterocyte homogenates using 2‐D DIGE and MALDI‐TOF MS. These proteins are involved in plasma membrane stabilization, cytoskeleton assembly network, and cholesterol metabolism. Four of these proteins were selected for further study since they showed the highest abundance change or had a potential functional relationship with known effects of phytosterols. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) and β‐actin decrease and annexin A4 (ANXA4) and annexin A5 (ANXA5) increase were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Intestinal gene expression of ANXA2 and A5 and β‐actin was reduced, whereas that of ANXA4 was unchanged. The main results were retested in normocholesterolemic C57BL/6J mice. ANXA4 and ANXA5 protein upregulation and ANXA2 and β‐actin downregulation were reproduced in these animals. However, no changes in gene expression were found in C57BL/6J mice in either of the four proteins selected. ANXA2, A4, and A5 and β‐actin are proteins of special interest given their pleiotropic functions that include cholesterol‐ester transport from caveolae, apoptosis, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Therefore, the protein expression changes identified in this study might be involved in the biological effects of phytosterols.