bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil CO2 efflux in contrasting boreal deciduous and coniferous stands and its contribution to the ecosystem carbon balance
Authors: GAUMONT‐GUAY DAVID , BLACK T. ANDREW , MCCAUGHEY HARRY , BARR ALAN G. , KRISHNAN PRAVEENA , JASSAL RACHHPAL S. , NESIC ZORAN 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSimilar nonsteady‐state automated chamber systems were used to measure and partition soil CO2 efflux in contrasting deciduous (trembling aspen) and coniferous (black spruce and jack pine) stands located within 100 km of each other near the southern edge of the Boreal forest in Canada. The stands were exposed to similar climate forcing in 2003, including marked seasonal variations in soil water availability, which provided a unique opportunity to investigate the influence of climate and stand characteristics on soil CO2 efflux and to quantify its contribution to the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) as measured with the eddy‐covariance technique. Partitioning of soil CO2 efflux between soil respiration (including forest‐floor vegetation) and forest‐floor photosynthesis showed that short‐ and long‐term temporal variations of soil CO2 efflux were related to the influence of (1) soil temperature and water content on soil respiration and (2) below‐canopy light availability, plant water status and forest‐floor plant species composition on forest‐floor photosynthesis. Overall, the three stands were weak to moderate sinks for CO2 in 2003 (NEE of −103, −80 and −28 g C m−2 yr−1 for aspen, black spruce and jack pine, respectively). Forest‐floor respiration accounted for 86%, 73% and 75% of annual ecosystem respiration, in the three respective stands, while forest‐floor photosynthesis contributed to 11% and 14% of annual gross ecosystem photosynthesis in the black spruce and jack pine stands, respectively. The results emphasize the need to perform concomitant measurements of NEE and soil CO2 efflux at longer time scales in different ecosystems in order to better understand the impacts of future interannual climate variability and vegetation dynamics associated with climate change on each component of the carbon balance.
Flowering range changes across an elevation gradient in response to warming summer temperatures
Authors: CRIMMINS THERESA M. , CRIMMINS MICHAEL A. , DAVID BERTELSEN C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMany studies have demonstrated plant response to warming temperatures, both as advancement in the timing of phenological events and in range shifts. Mountain gradients are ideal laboratories for studying species range changes. In this study of 363 plant species in bloom collected in five segments across a 1200 m (4158 ft) elevation gradient, we look for changes in species flowering ranges over a 20‐year period. Ninety‐three species (25.6%) exhibited a significant change in the elevation at which they flowered from the first half to the second half of the record, with many of these changes occurring at higher elevations. Most of the species exhibiting the changes were perennial plants. Interestingly, though many changes in flowering range were specific to higher elevations, range changes occurred all across the gradient. The changes reported in this study are concurrent with significant increases in summer temperatures across the region and are consistent with observed changes around the globe.
Physical mobility limitations in adults with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Cleaver S. , Hunter D. , Ouellette‐Kuntz H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Mobility limitations increase with age in the general population. Despite a growing population of older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), mobility is rarely studied in the ID literature. The specific aim of this study was to identify and summarise primary literature investigating mobility limitations in adults with ID.Methods  This study was a systematic review of the epidemiological literature (incidence and prevalence) of mobility limitations among adults with ID. Four electronic databases were searched from January 1980 to May 2007 for publications according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Additional sources were consulted. Two reviewers extracted data from each of the included articles.Results  Thirty‐two publications representing 31 studies were ultimately included. In general, studies did not focus on mobility but were conducted for other purposes. All studies were conducted in industrialised countries. Only one study used a longitudinal design; the remainders were cross‐sectional. Few investigators reported on the representativeness of the sample or the validity of the measurement tool. Study samples differed substantially and investigators used numerous definitions of mobility limiting comparability between studies.Conclusions  There is a need for increased research on mobility limitations among adults with ID, particularly longitudinal research. Researchers investigating mobility limitations should use validated measurement tools and offer detailed descriptions of the study sample and how it compares with an identifiable population.
Differences in the clinical presentation of Trisomy 21 with and without autism
Authors: Molloy C. A. , Murray D. S. , Kinsman A. , Castillo H. , Mitchell T. , Hickey F. J. , Patterson B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Autism occurs 10 times more often in children with Down syndrome than in the general population, but diagnosing co‐occurring autism in Down syndrome with severe intellectual disability is challenging. The objective of this case–control study was to identify characteristics differentiating children with trisomy 21 with and without autism and to determine the extent to which severe cognitive impairment affects the measures of autism symptomatology.Method  Twenty children with trisomy 21 and autism (cases) were compared with children with trisomy 21 without autism (controls) matched on chronologic age, race and gender. Communication, cognitive and adaptive behaviour skills were assessed with standardized instruments. Medical history was reviewed and medical records were examined for early head growth. Scores on the diagnostic algorithm of the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI‐R) were compared after adjusting for cognitive ability as measured by the Stanford‐Binet (Fifth Edition) non‐verbal change‐sensitive score.Results  Cases performed significantly more poorly on all assessments. Mean case–control differences for matched pairs were all significant at P < 0.0001 for receptive and expressive language skills, cognitive skills and adaptive skills. Seven cases had a history of seizures compared with one control (P = 0.01). After adjusting for cognitive ability, the mean scores on the Reciprocal Social Interaction, Communication, and Restricted, Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviours domains of the ADI‐R diagnostic algorithm remained significantly higher in cases compared with controls (P < 0.0001). All participants had decreased head size consistent with Down syndrome, with no case–control differences.Conclusion  Children with trisomy 21 and autism have significantly more impaired brain function than children with trisomy 21 without autism. However, the deficits in the core domains of social reciprocity and communication, and the restricted and repetitive interests are not entirely explained by the more severe cognitive impairment. This autism phenotype in children with trisomy 21 which includes an increased risk for seizures may indicate a widespread loss of functional connectivity in the brain.
Sleep patterns and daytime sleepiness in adolescents and young adults with Williams syndrome
Authors: Goldman S. E. , Malow B. A. , Newman K. D. , Roof E. , Dykens E. M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Sleep disorders are common in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and may adversely affect daytime functioning. Children with Williams syndrome have been reported to have disturbed sleep; however, no studies have been performed to determine if these problems continue into adolescence and adulthood.Methods  This study examined overnight sleep patterns and daytime sleepiness in 23 adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome age 25.5 (8.0) years [mean (SD)]. Interviewer‐administered sleep questionnaires were used to evaluate nighttime sleep behaviours and daytime sleepiness. Wrist actigraphy was used to evaluate sleep patterns.Results  Although individuals in our sample averaged 9 h in bed at night, daytime sleepiness and measures of sleep disruption were common and comparable to those of other populations with neurodevelopmental disorders. These measures included reduced sleep efficiency [74.4 (7.0)%] with prolonged sleep latency [37.7 (37.3) min], increased wake time after sleep onset [56.1 (17.6) min], and an elevated movement and fragmentation index [14.3 (4.6)].Conclusion  Adolescents and young adults with Williams syndrome were found to be sleepy despite averaging 9 h in bed at night. Implications are discussed for associated causes of sleep disruption and future polysomnographic evaluation.
Induction of chemokines, MCP‐1, and KC in the mutant huntingtin expressing neuronal cells because of proteasomal dysfunction
Authors: Godavarthi Swetha K. , Narender Doronala , Mishra Amit , Goswami Anand , Rao Sudheendra N. R. , Nukina Nobuyuki , Jana Nihar Ranjan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHuntington’s disease is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by an aberrant polyglutamine expansion in the amino terminus of the huntingtin protein. The resultant mutant huntingtin form aggregates in neurons and causes neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in many ways including transcriptional dysregulation. Here, we report that the expression of mutant huntingtin in the mouse neuroblastoma cell results in massive transcriptional induction of several chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and murine chemokine (KC). The mutant huntingtin expressing cells also exhibit proteasomal dysfunction and down‐regulation of NF‐κB activity in a time‐dependent manner and both these phenomena regulate the expression of MCP‐1 and KC. The expression of MCP‐1 and KC are increased in the mutant huntingtin expressing cells in response to mild proteasome inhibition. However, the expression of MCP‐1 and KC and proteasome activity are not altered and inflammation is rarely observed in the brain of 12‐week‐old Huntington’s disease transgenic mice in comparison with their age‐matched controls. Our result suggests that the mutant huntingtin‐induced proteasomal dysfunction can up‐regulate the expression of MCP‐1 and KC in the neuronal cells and therefore might trigger the inflammation process.
Late‐onset periodic asystolia during vagus nerve stimulation
Authors: Iriarte Jorge , Urrestarazu Elena , Alegre Manuel , Macías Alfonso , Gómez Asier , Amaro Paola , Artieda Julio , Viteri Cesar 
Published: December 2008

SummaryCardiac changes may occasionally occur during vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) used in epileptic patients. As they can be potentially life‐threatening, it is important to detect them, and this is why an intraoperative test is performed during the implantation. Few cases of asystole during this test have been described. Only one patient with late‐onset bradyarrythmia caused by VNS has been reported. This patient had been implanted 2 years and 4 months before the episode. We present another case of late asystole in a patient whose VNS had been implanted 9 years before the arrhythmia onset. In our patient, each run of stimulation produced bradyarrhythmias and very often severe asystolia due to atrium‐ventricular block.
Do Off‐Label Drug Practices Argue Against FDA Efficacy Requirements? A Critical Analysis of Physicians' Argumentation for Initial Efficacy Requirements
Authors: Klein Daniel B. , Tabarrok Alexander 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe amended Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act requires efficacy certification for a drug's initial uses (“on‐label”), but does not require certification before physicians may prescribe the drug for subsequent uses (“off‐label”). Does it make sense to require FDA efficacy certification for new drugs but not for new uses of old drugs? Using a sequential online survey, we carried on a “virtual conversation” with some 500 physicians. The survey asked whether efficacy requirements should be imposed on off‐label uses; almost all physicians said no. It asked whether the efficacy requirements for initial uses should be dropped, and most physicians said no. We then asked respondents whether opposing efficacy requirements in one case but not the other involved an inconsistency. In response, we received hundreds of written commentaries. We organize and discuss these commentaries with an eye to understanding how the medical market certifies off‐label drug uses and how this compares to FDA certification. Does off‐label medicine use suggest that efficacy requirements should be placed on new uses of old drugs? Does it suggest that efficacy requirements on new drugs should be lifted? We explore these questions, and ask whether the response of many of the doctors exhibits the familiar behavior bias toward the status quo.
Business Groups in 20th‐Century Swedish Political Economy: A Sociological Perspective
Authors: Smångs Mattias 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSince the interwar period, the Swedish economy has been dominated by a few business groups that control practically all Swedish industry of any importance. This article provides a sociologically informed account of the existence and lasting dominance of business groups in Sweden. In challenging efficiency‐based accounts of business groups in Sweden offered by transaction‐cost economists, I adopt a historical and dynamic approach that understands economic institutions not as efficient responses to external circumstances, such as market conditions, but as “social constructions.” This approach emphasizes the role of contingency as well as agency in the formation and reproduction of institutions. The article demonstrates the historical contingencies of the emergence of the business groups—in the form of economic crises in the interwar period—and how the groups became institutionalized in the postwar period through a process of social exchange among the key actors in the Swedish political economy: the business elite, the trade unions, and the state.
Consistency of the initial cell acquisition procedure is critical to the standardization of CD34+ cell enumeration by flow cytometry: results of a pairwise analysis of umbilical cord blood units and cryopreserved aliquots
Authors: Flores Ana I. , McKenna David H. , Montalbán M. Angeles , De la Cruz Javier , Wagner John E. , Bornstein Rafael 
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: The CD34+ cell content is a predictive factor for engraftment and survival after umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation. The high variability in the CD34 assay results in different recommended cell doses for infusion across transplant centers and also limits the clinical utility of the CD34+ cell counts provided by cord blood banks (CBBs). This bi‐institutional study was intended to understand the sources of this variability.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The level of CD34 agreement between the University of Minnesota (UM) and the Madrid CBB (MCBB) was evaluated on 50 UCB units before and after cryopreservation. Two cryopreserved vials per unit were thawed and processed at both laboratories. Dual‐platform ISHAGE‐based flow cytometry was used for CD34 enumeration.RESULTS: Postthaw nucleated cell recoveries were similar. However, whereas CD34+ cell enumeration before freezing was 0.35 ± 0.22 percent, the results after thawing were 0.98 ± 0.65 and 0.57 ± 0.39 percent at UM and MCBB, respectively. Bland‐Altman plots analysis ruled out the interchangeability of MCBB and UM CD34 values. Differences in the initial cell acquisition settings accounted for most of the CD34 discrepancy, which was no longer present after normalization of the forward scatter threshold for cell acquisition.CONCLUSIONS: The standardization of CD34+ cell enumeration by flow cytometry is strongly reliant on a consistent initial cell acquisition procedure. The interlaboratory variation can be minimized by using frozen cell aliquots as reference samples. Both requisites should be considered for CD34 testing and UCB unit selection by regulatory institutions involved with cord blood banking and transplantation.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Treatment with Adalimumab (Humira®) and Intravenous Immunoglobulin Improves Pregnancy Rates in Women Undergoing IVF*
Authors: Winger Edward E. , Reed Jane L. , Ashoush Sherif , Ahuja Sapna , El‐Toukhy Tarek , Taranissi Mohamed 
Published: December 2008

Problem  The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment with TNF‐α inhibitors and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) increases in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates among young (<38 years) women with infertility and T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokine elevation.Method of study  Seventy‐five sub‐fertile women with Th1/Th2 cytokine elevation were divided into four groups: Group I: Forty‐one patients using both IVIG and Adalimumab (Humira®), Group II: Twenty‐three patients using IVIG, Group III: Six patients using Humira®, and Group IV: Five patients using no IVIG or Humira®.Results  The implantation rate (number of gestational sacs per embryo transferred, with an average of two embryos transferred by cycle) was 59% (50/85), 47% (21/45), 31% (4/13) and 0% (0/9) for groups I, II, III and IV respectively. The clinical pregnancy rate (fetal heart activity per IVF cycle started) was 80% (33/41), 57% (13/23), 50% (3/6) and 0% (0/5) and the live birth rate was 73% (30/41), 52% (12/23), 50% (3/6) and 0% (0/5) respectively. There was a significant improvement in implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates for group I versus group IV (P = 0.0007, 0.0009, and 0.003, respectively) and for group II versus group IV (P = 0.009, 0.04 and 0.05, respectively).Conclusion  The use of a TNF‐α inhibitor and IVIG significantly improves IVF outcome in young infertile women with Th1/Th2 cytokine elevation.
Trends in body mass in Swedish adolescents between 2001 and 2007
Authors: Ekblom Örjan B , Bak Elin AM Ekblom , Ekblom Björn T 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: (1) Compare BMI standard deviation scores (BMIsds) in 16‐year olds in 2001 and 2007 to assess trends. (2) Describe tracking of BMIsds between ages 10 and 16 years, in a longitudinal 6‐year follow‐up. (3) Identify possible predictors in 2001 for high BMIsds in 2007 and increase in BMIsds between 2001 and 2007.Methods: A six‐year follow‐up study on 296 subjects, aged 10 years at baseline and a panel study among 16‐year olds. BMIsds was used as the main outcome.Results. No difference in BMIsds in 16‐year‐old adolescents was found between 2001 and 2007. Strong tracking (r = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75–0.84) was found for BMIsds between ages 10 and 16 years. Low aerobic capacity and high BMIsds at age 10 years predicted overweight at age 16 years. High BMIsds in 2001 predicted a decline in BMIsds (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43–0.76) and high level of self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity predicted an increased BMIsds (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13–1.67).Conclusion: There was no difference in prevalence of overweight plus obesity between the 2001 and 2007 samples. Normal weight and good aerobic fitness in 10‐year‐old children seems to decrease the risk of elevated relative BMI in 16‐year olds.
The Precision of Fit of Milled Titanium Implant Frameworks (I‐Bridge®) in the Edentulous Jaw
Authors: Eliasson Alf , Wennerberg Ann , Johansson Anders , Örtorp Anders , Jemt Torsten 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: New computer numeric controlled (CNC)–milled frameworks for implant‐supported prostheses have been introduced. However, no data are available on the precision of fit of these new frameworks.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the precision of fit of a new CNC‐milled framework technique (I‐Bridge®, Biomain AB, Helsingborg, Sweden) using Brånemark System® (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) and NobelReplace™ (Nobel Biocare AB) system implants.Materials and Methods: Ten test frameworks were fabricated for one master model for each implant system. Five additional frameworks were fabricated for five different models simulating clinical cases as controls (Brånemark System). The distortion of implant center point positions was measured in x‐, y‐, and z‐axes and in three dimensions by using a contact‐type coordinate measuring machine and a computer program developed specifically for this purpose. Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare differences of distortion within and between the groups.Results: The maximal distortion in arch width (x‐axis) and curvature (y‐axis) was within 71 and 55 µm for all frameworks, respectively. The mean distortion in absolute figures in x‐, y‐, z‐axes and three dimensions was for “clinical control” frameworks 23, 26, 4, and 34 µm as compared with less than 12, 12, 2, and 17 µm for Brånemark and NobelReplace frameworks, respectively. Control frameworks showed significantly (p < .05) greater mean and range of distortions in x‐ and y‐axes and in three dimensions compared with test frameworks.Conclusion: All measured frameworks presented signs of misfit, indicating that no framework had a “passive fit.” Frameworks produced in a more routine clinical environment seem to present greater levels of distortion as compared with frameworks produced in a strict test situation. However, all measured frameworks presented levels of precision of fit within limits considered to be clinically acceptable in earlier studies of frameworks placed on abutments.
Cardiovascular Effects of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors
Authors: Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Ioakeimidis Nikolaos , Rokkas Konstantinos , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are widely used as first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). Their efficacy and safety combined with an increasing understanding of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-regulated mechanisms have triggered a number of attempts to determine their effects on the cardiovascular system and their potential benefits in cardiovascular conditions.

Aim
To review and discuss recent findings regarding the cardiovascular effects of PDE5 inhibitors and to highlight current and future clinical applications beyond ED.

Main Outcome Measures
Results of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the cardiovascular effects of PDE5 inhibitors are analyzed and critically put into perspective.

Methods
Extensive PubMed literature search reviewing relevant data on effects and mechanisms of PDE5 inhibitors on the cardiovascular system.

Results
In recent years, extensive but very heterogeneous preclinical and clinical evidence has been reported. PDE5 inhibition has proven collateral benefits for a multitude of risk factors or diseases associated with or accompanying ED. However, these agents appear to have the potential of expanding their indications. To date, PDE5 inhibition has been shown to be effective for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension, and sildenafil is approved for this indication. Importantly, accumulating data show that the therapeutic potential extends to the myocardium, the coronary and peripheral arteries, subliclinical inflammation, oxidative stress, thrombosis, neurological recovery, and pathways of fibrosis. Thus, the spectrum of patients who may benefit has expanded to include, for instance, patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease.

Conclusions
PDE5 inhibitors are an exciting class of drugs with pleiotropic effects. Current or future PDE5 inhibitors are a conceptually attractive therapeutic strategy with potential clinical applications in a variety of cardiovascular conditions.