bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of harvest intensity and aspect on a boreal transition tolerant hardwood forest. I. Initial postharvest understory composition
Authors: Fleming R. L. , Baldwin K. A. 
Published: April 2008

Disturbance effects on plant communities largely reflect the degree of overstory removal, soil disturbance, and attendant vegetation destruction. We examined initial harvest-related impacts of partial and complete canopy removal, with and without soil disturbance, on north- and south-facing aspects of an older, relatively undisturbed, boreal transition tolerant hardwood forest at Turkey Lakes, Ontario. We recorded vascular plant cover in 180 25 m2plots in the 3rd postharvest year and analyzed community response using unconstrained (nonmetric multidimensional scaling) and constrained (distance-based (partial) redundancy analysis) ordination, multivariate ANOVA, indicator species analysis and diversity measures. Community composition and diversity measures were related primarily to gradients in soil disturbance and, particularly for herbaceous species, aspect-related radiative exposure. Canopy opening generally played a lesser role. There were, however, notable canopy opening – soil disturbance × aspect interaction effects on both woody and herbaceous composition. In contrast with herbs, proportionately more woody species had indicator value for south- than for north-facing aspects and for disturbed than for undisturbed soils. Understory community response and diversity measures were affected more by logging-related soil disturbance than by the amount of canopy opening associated with the silvicultural system used. Aspect-related effects, however, suggest silvicultural impacts will be both site- and species (functional group) specific.
Wavelet Analysis of Cirrus Multiscale Structures from Lidar Backscattering: A Cirrus Uncinus Complex Case Study
Authors: Wang Likun , Sassen Kenneth 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Although cirrus cloud structures play an important role in dynamics issues, cloud radiative calculations, and cloud parameter retrievals from satellite measurements, fully understanding cirrus cloud structures still remains a challenge. A case study of a cirrus containing mesoscale uncinus complexes (MUC) with a two-layer structure observed by a high-resolution lidar is presented using the method based on wavelet transform. The results indicate that dynamical processes play a leading role in determining cloud multiscale structures. The uncinus cells with a length scale on the order of ∼1 km, embedded in both the top and lower layers, have similar spectral features and are probably produced by a similar mechanism—thermal perturbation generated by heating and cooling effects associated with phase changes of water (i.e., adiabatic heating) and radiative processes. However, the mesoscale cloud patches are probably involved in different dynamics processes, suggesting that understanding of the interaction of cloud-scale convective activities with 2D turbulence and propagating gravity waves in cirrus cloud systems should receive more attention in future model simulations. The study also demonstrates the utility of the continuous and discrete wavelet transform to objectively and quantitatively analyze the properties of cirrus cloud structures, which is a useful supplement to the traditional Fourier transform method.
Tropical SST Preconditioning of the SH Polar Vortex during Winter 2002
Authors: Grassi Barbara , Redaelli Gianluca , Visconti Guido 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The response of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) polar atmosphere to the tropical sea surface temperature (SST) during the 2002 winter–spring season is investigated by using a general circulation model (GCM). The SH stratospheric winter of 2002 was particularly unusual, characterized by a weaker-than-normal polar vortex during the whole season. It also registered, at the end of September, the first major warming yet observed in the SH. This event is unexpected in the SH, and it is supposed to be induced by a “preconditioning” of the polar vortex starting at the beginning of the winter. Atmospheric GCM experiments with prescribed SST boundary conditions are performed. The sensitivity of the Antarctic dynamics to the tropical SST of 2002 (a year characterized by an El Niño event of moderate intensity) is studied, and the uniqueness of the 2002 tropical oceanic condition is investigated through the comparison of the simulated response of the climatic system to 2002 and 1997 tropical SST (1997 being a year with a strong El Niño event). Model results highlight a primary role played by the tropical SST of 2002 in the development of the peculiar characteristics of the Antarctic dynamics during the winter months that appears to be a necessary condition for the generation of the anomalous destabilization of the polar vortex during the following spring. Results for June 2002 show a strong generation of vertically propagating waves resulting from the tropical SST that, through the perturbation of the westerly jet at middle latitudes, produces a preconditioning of the polar vortex by affecting the wave refraction index. The particular structure of the tropical SST anomalies during the winter of 2002 is thought to have influenced the subsequent preconditioning of the stratospheric vortex.
RGT, a synthetic peptide corresponding to the integrin β3 cytoplasmic C-terminal sequence, selectively inhibits outside-in signaling in human platelets by disrupting the interaction of integrin αIIbβ3 with Src kinase
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Mi Jianqing , Yan Jinsong , Flevaris Panagiotis , Lu Yuanjing , Liu Hongchen , Ruan Zheng , Wang Xuefeng , Kieffer Nelly , Chen Saijuan , Du Xiaoping , Xi Xiaodong 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMutational analysis has established that the cytoplasmic tail of the integrin β3 subunit binds c-Src (termed as Src in this study) and is critical for bidirectional integrin signaling. Here we show in washed human platelets that a cell-permeable, myristoylated RGT peptide (myr-RGT) corresponding to the integrin β3 C-terminal sequence dose-dependently inhibited stable platelet adhesion and spreading on immobilized fibrinogen, and fibrin clot retraction as well. Myr-RGT also inhibited the aggregation-dependent platelet secretion and secretion-dependent second wave of platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, ristocetin, or thrombin. Thus, myr-RGT inhibited integrin outside-in signaling. In contrast, myr-RGT had no inhibitory effect on adenosine diphosphate-induced soluble fibrinogen binding to platelets that is dependent on integrin inside-out signaling. Furthermore, the RGT peptide induced dissociation of Src from integrin β3 and dose-dependently inhibited the purified recombinant β3 cytoplasmic domain binding to Src-SH3. In addition, phosphorylation of the β3 cytoplasmic tyrosines, Y747 and Y759, was inhibited by myr-RGT. These data indicate an important role for β3-Src interaction in outside-in signaling. Thus, in intact human platelets, disruption of the association of Src with β3 and selective blockade of integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling by myr-RGT suggest a potential new antithrombotic strategy.
GPR50 is the mammalian ortholog of Mel1c: Evidence of rapid evolution in mammals
Authors: Dufourny Laurence , Levasseur Anthony , Migaud Martine , Callebaut Isabelle , Pontarotti Pierre , Malpaux Benoit , Monget Philippe 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
The melatonin receptor subfamily contains three members Mel1a, Mel1b and Mel1c, found in all vertebrates except for Mel1c which is found only in fish, Xenopus species and the chicken. Another receptor, the melatonin related receptor known as GPR50, found exclusively in mammals and later identified as a member of the melatonin receptor subfamily because of its identity to the three melatonin receptors despite its absence of affinity for melatonin. The aim of this study was to describe the evolutionary relationships between GPR50 and the three other members of the melatonin receptor subfamily.

Results
Using an in silico approach, we demonstrated that GPR50 is the ortholog of the high affinity Mel1c receptor. It was necessary to also study the synteny of this gene to reach this conclusion because classical mathematical models that estimate orthology and build phylogenetic trees were not sufficient. The receptor has been deeply remodelled through evolution by the mutation of numerous amino acids and by the addition of a long C-terminal tail. These alterations have modified its affinity for melatonin and probably affected its interactions with the other two known melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 that are encoded by Mel1a and Mel1b genes respectively. Evolutionary studies provided evidence that the GPR50 group evolved under different selective pressure as compared to the orthologous groups Me11 a, b, and c.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that there are only three members in the melatonin receptor subfamily with one of them (Me11c) undergoing rapid evolution from fishes and birds to mammals. Further studies are necessary to investigate the physiological roles of this receptor.
Identification of a novel KCNQ1 mutation associated with both Jervell and Lange-Nielsen and Romano-Ward forms of long QT syndrome in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang Su , Yin Ke , Ren Xiang , Wang Pengyun , Zhang Shirong , Cheng Lingling , Yang Junguo , Liu Jing Yu , Liu Mugen , Wang Qing Kenneth 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac disorder characterized by prolonged QT intervals on electrocardiograms (ECG), ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death. Clinically, two inherited forms of LQTS have been defined: autosomal dominant LQTS or Romano-Ward syndrome (RWS) not associated with deafness and autosomal recessive LQTS or Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) associated with deafness.

Methods
A Chinese family with both RWS and JLNS was identified. Family members were diagnosed based on the presence of a prolonged QT interval as seen on a 12-lead ECG and a medical history of syncope, palpitation, and deafness. Mutational studies in the KCNQ1 potassium channel gene were performed using direct DNA sequence analysis and restriction length polymorphism analysis.

Results
The proband in the Chinese family and her brother had previously been diagnosed with JLNS, and two other members were affected with RWS. The proband was also affected with atrial fibrillation. A single nucleotide substitution of C to T at nucleotide 965 of KCNQ1 was identified, and the mutation resulted in the substitution of a threonine residue at codon 322 by a methionine residue (T322M). The novel heterozygous T322M mutation was identified in two patients with RWS, one member with borderline QTc, and two normal family members. The two JLNS patients in the family carried the homozygous T322M mutation. The T322M mutation was not found in 200 Chinese normal controls.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that T322M is a novel mutation that caused RWS with high intrafamilial variability in the heterozygous carriers and typical JLNS in the homozygous carriers within this Chinese family. The T322M mutation is the first mutation identified for JLNS in the Chinese population.
PSAIA – Protein Structure and Interaction Analyzer
Authors: Mihel Josip , Šikić Mile , Tomić Sanja , Jeren Branko , Vlahoviček Kristian 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
PSAIA (Protein Structure and Interaction Analyzer) was developed to compute geometric parameters for large sets of protein structures in order to predict and investigate protein-protein interaction sites.

Results
In addition to most relevant established algorithms, PSAIA offers a new method PIADA (Protein Interaction Atom Distance Algorithm) for the determination of residue interaction pairs. We found that PIADA produced more satisfactory results than comparable algorithms implemented in PSAIA.
Particular advantages of PSAIA include its capacity to combine different methods to detect the locations and types of interactions between residues and its ability, without any further automation steps, to handle large numbers of protein structures and complexes. Generally, the integration of a variety of methods enables PSAIA to offer easier automation of analysis and greater reliability of results.
PSAIA can be used either via a graphical user interface or from the command-line. Results are generated in either tabular or XML format.

Conclusion
In a straightforward fashion and for large sets of protein structures, PSAIA enables the calculation of protein geometric parameters and the determination of location and type for protein-protein interaction sites. XML formatted output enables easy conversion of results to various formats suitable for statistic analysis.
Results from smaller data sets demonstrated the influence of geometry on protein interaction sites. Comprehensive analysis of properties of large data sets lead to new information useful in the prediction of protein-protein interaction sites.
Case-mix & patients' reports of outcome in Independent Sector Treatment Centres: Comparison with NHS providers
Authors: Browne John , Jamieson Liz , Lewsey Jim , van der Meulen Jan , Copley Lynn , Black Nick 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
There has been considerable concern expressed about the outcomes achieved in Independent Sector Treatment Centres (ISTCs) introduced in England since 2003. Our aim was to compare the case-mix and patients' reported outcomes of surgery in ISTCs and in NHS providers.

Methods
Prospective cohort study of 769 patients treated in six ISTCs and 1895 treated in 20 NHS providers (acute hospitals and treatment centres) in England during 2006–07. Participants underwent one of three day surgery procedures (inguinal hernia repair, varicose vein surgery, cataract extraction) or hip or knee replacement. Change in patient-reported health status and health related quality of life (measured using a disease-specific and a generic (EQ-5D) instrument) was assessed either 3-months (day surgery) or 6-months (hip/knee) after surgery. In addition patient-reported post-operative complications and an overall assessment of success of surgery were collected. Outcome measures were adjusted (using multivariable regression) for patient characteristics (disease severity, duration of symptoms, age, sex, socioeconomic status, general health, previous similar surgery, comorbidity).

Results
Post-operative response rates varied by procedure (73%–88%) and were similar for those treated in ISTCs and NHS facilities. Patients treated in ISTCs were healthier, were less likely to have any comorbidity and, for those undergoing cataract surgery or joint replacement, their primary condition was less severe. Those undergoing hernia repair or joint replacement were less likely to have had similar surgery before.
When adjustment was made for pre-operative characteristics, patients undergoing cataract surgery or hip replacement in ISTCs achieved a slightly greater improvement in functional status and quality of life than those treated in NHS facilities, while the opposite was true of patients undergoing hernia repair. No significant differences were found for the two other procedures. Patients treated in ISTCs were less likely to report post-operative problems than those treated in NHS facilities for cataract surgery (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.70), hernia repair (0.42; 0.28–0.63) and knee replacement (0.44; 0.28–0.69). Most patients described the result of their operation as excellent, very good or good, regardless of where they were treated.

Conclusion
The case-mix of patients treated in ISTCs differs from that in NHS providers, in line with the intention of the contracts. Caution is needed in interpreting the observation that patients treated in ISTCs reported slightly better outcomes as very few ISTCs participated, case-mix adjustment might have been insufficient, and patients' reports might have been biased as they were more likely to be satisfied with the way they were treated.
The L1-type cell adhesion molecule Neuroglian is necessary for maintenance of sensory axon advance in the Drosophila embryo
Authors: Martin Veronica , Mrkusich Eli , Steinel Martin C , Rice Jason , Merritt David J , Whitington Paul M 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Background
Cell adhesion molecules have long been implicated in the regulation of axon growth, but the precise cellular roles played by individual cell adhesion molecules and the molecular basis for their action are still not well understood. We have used the sensory system of the Drosophila embryo to shed light on the mechanism by which the L1-type cell adhesion molecule Neuroglian regulates axon growth.

Results
We have found a highly penetrant sensory axon stalling phenotype in neuroglian mutant embryos. Axons stalled at a variety of positions along their normal trajectory, but most commonly in the periphery some distance along the peripheral nerve. All lateral and dorsal cluster sensory neurons examined, except for the dorsal cluster neuron dbd, showed stalling. Sensory axons were never seen to project along inappropriate pathways in neuroglian mutants and stalled axons showed normal patterns of fasciculation within nerves. The growth cones of stalled axons possessed a simple morphology, similar to their appearance in wild-type embryos when advancing along nerves. Driving expression of the wild-type form of Neuroglian in sensory neurons alone rescued the neuroglian mutant phenotype of both pioneering and follower neurons. A partial rescue was achieved by expressing the Neuroglian extracellular domain. Over/mis-expression of Neuroglian in all neurons, oenocytes or trachea had no apparent effect on sensory axon growth.

Conclusion
We conclude that Neuroglian is necessary to maintain axon advance along axonal substrates, but is not required for initiation of axon outgrowth, axon fasciculation or recognition of correct growth substrates. Expression of Neuroglian in sensory neurons alone is sufficient to promote axon advance and the intracellular region of the molecule is largely dispensable for this function. It is unlikely, therefore, that Nrg acts as a molecular 'clutch' to couple adhesion of F-actin within the growth cone to the extracellular substrate. Rather, we suggest that Neuroglian mediates sensory axon advance by promoting adhesion of the surface of the growth cone to its substrate. Our finding that stalling of a pioneer sensory neuron is rescued by driving Neuroglian in sensory neurons alone may suggest that Neuroglian can act in a heterophilic fashion.
Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Its Relation to Insulin Resistance in Obese Children before and after Weight Loss
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Roth Christian L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractContext: There are limited and controversial data concerning the relationships between retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), weight status, and insulin resistance in obese humans and especially in children.Objective: Our objective was to study the longitudinal relationships among RBP4, insulin resistance and weight status in obese children.Design, Setting, and Patients: We conducted a 1-yr longitudinal follow-up study in a primary-care setting with 43 obese children (median age 10.8 yr) and 19 lean children of same the age and gender.Intervention: Our outpatient 1-yr intervention program was based on exercise, behavior, and nutrition therapy.Main Outcomes Measures: Changes of weight status (body mass index sd score), RBP4, molar RBP4/serum retinol (SR) ratio, insulin resistance index homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI).Results: Obese children had significantly (P &lt; 0.01) higher RBP4 concentrations and a higher RBP4/SR ratio compared with lean children. In multiple linear regression analyses adjusted to age, gender, and pubertal stage, RBP4 was significantly correlated to insulin and body mass index. Pubertal children demonstrated significantly decreased QUICKI and significantly increased HOMA index, insulin, and RBP4 concentrations compared with prepubertal children. Changes of RBP4 correlated significantly to changes of insulin (r = 0.29), HOMA index (r = 0.29), QUICKI (r = 0.22), and weight status (r = 0.31). Substantial weight loss in 25 children led to a significant (P &lt; 0.001) decrease of RBP4, RBP4/SR, blood pressure, triglycerides, insulin, and HOMA index and an increase in QUICKI in contrast to the 18 children without substantial weight loss.Conclusion: RBP4 levels were related to weight status and insulin resistance in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, suggesting a relationship between RBP4, obesity, and insulin resistance in children.
Autonomic Nervous System Function in Chronic Exogenous Subclinical Thyrotoxicosis and the Effect of Restoring Euthyroidism
Authors: Eustatia-Rutten Carmen F. A. , Corssmit Eleonora P. M. , Heemstra Karen A. , Smit Johannes W. A. , Schoemaker Rik C. , Romijn Johannes A. , Burggraaf Jacobus 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: Knowledge on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and subclinical hyperthyroidism is mainly based upon cross-sectional studies in heterogeneous patient populations, and the effect of restoration to euthyroidism in subclinical hyperthyroidism has not been studied.
Objective: We investigated the long-term effects of exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism on the autonomic nervous system and the potential effects of restoration of euthyroidism.
Design: This was a prospective single-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Setting: The study was performed at a university hospital.
Patients: A total of 25 patients who were on more than 10-yr TSH suppressive therapy after thyroidectomy was examined.
Intervention: Patients were studied at baseline and subsequently randomized to a 6-month thyroid hormone substitution regimen to obtain either euthyroidism or maintenance of the subclinical hyperthyroid state.
Main Outcome Measures: Urinary excretion of catecholamines and heart rate variability were measured. Baseline data of the subclinical hyperthyroidism patients were compared with data obtained in patients with hyperthyroidism and controls.
Results: Urinary excretion of norepinephrine and vanillylmandelic acid was higher in the subclinical hyperthyroidism patients compared with controls and lower compared with patients with overt hyperthyroidism. Heart rate variability was lower in patients with hyperthyroidism, intermediate in subclinical hyperthyroidism patients, and highest in the healthy controls. No differences were observed after restoration of euthyroidism.
Conclusions: Long-term exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism has effects on the autonomic nervous system measured by heart rate variability and urinary catecholamine excretion. No differences were observed after restoration to euthyroidism. This may indicate the occurrence of irreversible changes or adaptation during long-term exposure to excess thyroid hormone that is not remedied by 6-month euthyroidism.
Novel Hydrophilic Cages Based on Acetone Complex with Calix[4]arene Dimethoxycarboxylic Acid
Authors: Xie Zhao-Yang , Hou Nai-Tao , Zhu Yi-Zhou , Song Hai-Bin , Zheng Jian-Yu 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Novel cages based on acetone complex with dimeric units of calix[4]arene dimethoxycarboxylic acid extend along different directions to form polymeric cages, and the polymers interlock to form layer arrays, that in turn antiparallel pack in a bilayer architecture.
Nanowire Formation in Two-component-mixed Langmuir–Blodgett Films of Fatty Acid and Silane-coupling Agent
Authors: Mazaki Takaaki , Shibata Hirobumi , Kondo Yukishige , Yoshino Norio , Matsumoto Mutsuyoshi 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We have found the formation of nanowires in two-component-mixed Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of fatty acid and silane-coupling agent for the first time. The phase-separated structures of the mixed LB films were controlled by adjusting intermolecular interactions. The size and shape of the domains were explained by considering two competing interactions of line tension and dipole–dipole interaction.