bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Investigation of the Effect of Melatonin and Caloric Restriction on the Temporal Expression of Murine Hypothalamic Transcripts
Authors: Resuehr D. , Sikes H. E. , Olcese J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractCircadian rhythms of behaviour and gene expression are coupled to endogenous neuronal oscillators located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), which are synchronised by the environmental light cycle. Besides light, other factors such as the pineal hormone melatonin, temperature and feeding have entraining properties. During senescence, the circadian system becomes weaker and susceptible to desynchronisation. It is unknown to what extent age‐related changes are the result of the deterioration of the hypothalamic master clock. Supplementing ageing mice with melatonin as well as maintaining them on a hypocaloric diet extends the life span and delays age‐related diseases. By means of DNA microarrays and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we have conducted an exploratory study to compare the effect of long‐term melatonin substitution (MEL) and caloric restriction (CR) on circadian gene expression in hypothalamic samples, which contained the SCN as well as other important nuclei involved in nutrient balance, reproduction, and so on. Over 4% of the hypothalamic transcripts showed an overt circadian rhythm in expression, and many of these contain E boxes in their promoter regions, suggesting a direct regulation by circadian clock genes. MEL and CR significantly influenced some of these rhythmically expressed transcripts, but often in opposite ways. Importantly, our studies emphasise that the apparent direction of treatment effects (i.e. up‐regulation versus down‐regulation) depends on the time of day at which the samples are compared.
The sedimentology and alluvial architecture of the sandy braided South Saskatchewan River, Canada
Authors: SAMBROOK SMITH G. H. , ASHWORTH P. J. , BEST J. L. , WOODWARD J. , SIMPSON C. J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractGround penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of unit and compound braid bars in the sandy South Saskatchewan River, Canada, are used to test the influential facies model for sandy braided alluvium presented by Cant & Walker (1978). Four main radar facies are identified: (1) high‐angle (up to angle‐of‐repose) inclined reflections, interpreted as having formed at the margins of migrating bars; (2) discontinuous undular and/or trough‐shaped reflections, interpreted as cross‐strata associated with the migration of sinuous‐crested dunes; (3) low‐angle (< 6°) reflections, interpreted as formed by low‐amplitude dunes or unit bars as they migrate onto bar surfaces; and (4) reflections of variable dip bounded by a concave reflection, interpreted as being formed by the filling of channel scours, cross‐bar channels or depressions on the bar surface. The predominant vertical arrangement of facies is discontinuous trough‐shaped reflections at the channel base overlain by discontinuous undular reflections, overlain by low‐angle reflections that dominate the deposits near the bar surface. High‐angle inclined reflections are only found near the surface of unit bars, and are of relatively small‐scale (< 0·5 m), but can be found at a greater range of depths within compound bars. The GPR data show that a high spatial variability exists in the distribution of facies between different compound bars, with facies variability within a single bar being as pronounced as that between bars. Compound bars evolve as an amalgamation of unit bars and other compound bars, and comprise a facies distribution that is representative of the main bar types in the South Saskatchewan River. The GPR data are compared with the original model of Cant & Walker (1978) and reveal a much greater variability in the scale, proportion and distribution of facies than that presented by Cant & Walker (1978). Most notably, high‐angle inclined strata are over‐represented in the model of Cant and Walker, with many bars being dominated by the deposits of low‐ and high‐amplitude dunes. It is suggested that further GPR studies from a range of braided river types are required to properly quantify the full range of deposits. Only by moving away from traditional, highly generalized facies models can a greater understanding of braided river deposits and their controls be established.
Toxicity of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) extracts on Alternaria brassicicola, causal agent of black leaf spot of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis)
Authors: Muto M. , Mulabagal V. , Huang H.‐C. , Takahashi H. , Tsay H.‐S. , Huang J.‐W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRoot extracts of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) were analyzed for activity against isolates ABA‐31 and ABA‐104 of Alternaria brassicicola, the causal agent of black leaf spot of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis). Preliminary results showed that dried root tissues of black nightshade extracted with 70% ethanol contained antifungal properties against A. brassicicola. Ethanol root extracts were used for further fractionations using ethyl acetate, n‐butanol and water. Among the three extracts, the n‐butanol fraction showed the strongest antifungal activity by its suppression of conidial germination of A. brassicicola. The n‐butanol extract of S. nigrum roots was fractionated further into six fractions (I–VI). Among the six fractions tested, fraction V showed a strong inhibitory effect on conidial germination of A. brassicicola and thereby suppressed lesion development of black leaf spot of Chinese cabbage at a concentration of 25 ppm or higher. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that fraction V contained a mixture of saponins, and results of further bio‐guided fractionation and bioassay suggested that saponins in fraction V were key chemical components in the control of A. brassicicola. The potential of using black nightshade for developing natural products for the control of fungal plant diseases is discussed.
Principles of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests for Restoration
Authors: Vieira Daniel L. M. , Scariot Aldicir 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Tropical dry forests are the most threatened tropical terrestrial ecosystem. However, few studies have been conducted on the natural regeneration necessary to restore these forests. We reviewed the ecology of regeneration of tropical dry forests as a tool to restore disturbed lands. Dry forests are characterized by a relatively high number of tree species with small, dry, wind‐dispersed seeds. Over small scales, wind‐dispersed seeds are better able to colonize degraded areas than vertebrate‐dispersed plants. Small seeds and those with low water content are less susceptible to desiccation, which is a major barrier for establishment in open areas. Seeds are available in the soil in the early rainy season to maximize the time to grow. However, highly variable precipitation and frequent dry spells are important sources of mortality in seeds and seedlings. Collecting seeds at the end of the dry season and planting them when soil has sufficient moisture may increase seedling establishment and reduce the time they are exposed to seed predators. Germination and early establishment in the field are favored in shaded sites, which have milder environment and moister soil than open sites during low rainfall periods. Growth of established seedlings, however, is favored in open areas. Therefore, clipping plants around established seedlings may be a good management option to improve growth and survival. Although dry forests have species either resistant to fire or that benefit from it, frequent fires simplify community species composition. Resprouting ability is a noticeable mechanism of regeneration in dry forests and must be considered for restoration. The approach to dry‐forest restoration should be tailored to this ecosystem instead of merely following approaches developed for moister forests.
Rate of Carbon Sequestration at Two Thicket Restoration Sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , Cowling Richard M. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Ecosystem carbon storage in intact thicket in the Eastern Cape, South Africa exceeds 20 kg/m2, which is an unusually large amount for a semiarid ecosystem. Heavy browsing by goats transforms the thicket into an open savanna and can result in carbon losses greater than 8.5 kg/m2. Restoration of thicket using cuttings of the dominant succulent shrub Portulacaria afra could return biodiversity to the transformed landscape, earn carbon credits on international markets, reduce soil erosion, increase wildlife carrying capacity, improve water infiltration and retention, and provide employment to rural communities. Carbon storage in two thicket restoration sites was investigated to determine potential rates of carbon sequestration. At the farm Krompoort, near Kirkwood, 11 kg C/m2 was sequestered over 27 years (average rate of 0.42 ± 0.08 kg C m−2 yr−1). In the Andries Vosloo Kudu Nature Reserve, near Grahamstown, approximately 2.5 kg C/m2 was sequestered over 20 years (0.12 ± 0.03 kg C m−2 yr−1). Slower sequestration in the Kudu Reserve was ascribed to browsing by black rhinoceros and other herbivores, a shallower soil and greater stone volumes. Planting density and P. afra genotype appeared to affect sequestration at Krompoort. Closely‐packed P. afra planting may create a positive feedback through increased infiltration of rainwater. The rate of sequestration at Krompoort is comparable to many temperate and tropical forests. Potential earnings through carbon credits are likely to rival forest‐planting schemes, but costs are likely to be less due to the ease of planting cuttings, as opposed to propagating forest saplings.
Short‐Term Vegetation and Soil Responses to Mechanical Destruction of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculusL.) Warrens in an Australian Box Woodland
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Costantinides Carly , Vine Adam 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe studied the impact of disturbance by rabbits on plants and soils along a gradient out from the center of ripped rabbit warrens in an Australian semiarid woodland. Five years after the warrens were ripped, the impact of rabbits was still apparent. The cover of bare soil declined, and the cryptogam cover increased with increasing distance from the warren mound. However, litter cover, plant cover, and plant diversity remained unchanged with increasing distance from the mounds. Differences in plant composition were apparent with increasing distance from the mounds, with three species,Schismus barbatus,Salsola kalivar.kali, andChenopodium melanocarpumdominating the mounds, whereas the perennial grassAustrostipa scabradominated the nonwarren control surfaces. Two species,Crassula sieberanaandS. barbatus, dominated the active soil seed bank on ripped warrens. The mounds had the lowest number of species in the soil seed bank, whereas the warren edge microsite had the greatest. Ripped and unripped warrens differed substantially in their complement of species, and ripped warrens contained an order of magnitude fewer active warren entrances compared with unripped warrens. Ripped warrens also had significantly more plant cover than unripped warrens. Taken together, our results reinforce the view that rabbits have a destructive effect on surface soils and vegetation in semiarid woodlands and suggest that restoration of the original woodland vegetation after warren ripping is likely to be a slow and ongoing process.
Recolonization Patterns of Ants in a Rehabilitated Lignite Mine in Central Italy: Potential for the Use of Mediterranean Ants as Indicators of Restoration Processes
Authors: Ottonetti Lorenzo , Tucci Lorenzo , Santini Giacomo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAnt (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages were sampled with pitfall traps in three different habitats associated with a rehabilitated mine district and in undisturbed forests in Tuscany, Italy. The four habitats were (1) open fields (3–4 years old); (2) a middle‐age mixed plantation (10 years); (3) an old‐age mixed plantation (20 years); and (4) an oak woodland (40 years) not directly affected by mining activities. The aim of the study was to analyze ant recolonization patterns in order to provide insights on the use of Mediterranean ant fauna as indicators of restoration processes. Species richness and diversity were not significantly different among the four habitats. However, multivariate analyses showed that the assemblages in the different habitats were clearly differentiated, with similarity relationships reflecting a successional gradient among rehabilitated sites. The observed patterns of functional group changes along the gradient broadly accord with those of previous studies in other biogeographic regions. These were (1) a decrease of dominant Dolichoderinae and opportunists; (2) an increase in the proportion of cold‐climate specialists; and (3) the appearance of the Cryptic species in the oldest plantations, with a maximum of abundance in the woodland. In conclusion, the results of our study supported the use of Mediterranean ants as a suitable tool for biomonitoring of restoration processes, and in particular, the functional group approach proved a valuable framework to better interpret local trends in terms of global ecological patterns. Further research is, however, needed in order to obtain a reliable classification of Mediterranean ant functional groups.
Review of morbidity and mortality associated with falls from heights among patients presenting to a major trauma centre
Authors: Kent Alison , Pearce Andrew 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  To compare differences in demographics and injuries of patients presenting after falls from heights at home and at work.Method:  A retrospective case series review of patients treated by the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Trauma Service following a fall from a ladder, scaffold, building, or tree between July 2000 and December 2003.Results:  Two hundred and eighty‐two patients fulfilled study criteria. The 162 (57.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 48.9–60.5) injured at home were significantly (P < 0.001) older (mean age 53.9 years, 95% CI 51.3–56.7) than those injured at work (mean age 41.2 years, 95% CI 38.6–43.8). Injury severity score (ISS) was similar in the two groups. Those injured at home were more likely to be admitted to hospital and have significantly longer hospital stays (P = 0.003). Thirteen deaths were recorded, eight (61.5%) from home, all over 49 years old. Ladders were implicated in seven (53.8%, 95% CI 26.7–80.9) of the deaths. A 67% (95% CI 55.4–79.0) increase in the number of presentations following falls at home over the study period was significantly greater than the 12.2% (95% CI 10.7–13.7) increase in total trauma presentations during this time (P = 0.0007).Conclusions:  Injuries resulting from falls at home are increasing. This group tends to be elderly and at risk of significant injury and prolonged hospital stays. Causes are multifactorial and might be related to increased popularity of home renovations. Ladders are implicated in many of these accidents. As emergency physicians we should target this population to educate them in safe ladder use.
Ketamine for rapid sequence induction in patients with head injury in the emergency department
Authors: Sehdev Rajesh S , Symmons David AD , Kindl Korana 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  To examine the evidence regarding the use of ketamine for induction of anaesthesia in patients with head injury in the ED.Method:  A literature review using the key words ketamine, head injury and intracranial pressure.Results:  Advice from early literature guiding against the use of ketamine in head injury has been met with widespread acceptance, as reflected by current practice. That evidence is conflicting and inconclusive in regards to the safety of using ketamine in head injury. A review of the literature to date suggests that ketamine could be a safe and useful addition to our available treatment modalities. The key to this argument rests on specific pharmacological properties of ketamine, and their effects on the cerebral haemodynamics and cellular physiology of brain tissue that has been exposed to traumatic injury.Conclusion:  In the modern acute management of head‐injured patients, ketamine might be a suitable agent for induction of anaesthesia, particularly in those patients with potential cardiovascular instability.
The case for venous rather than arterial blood gases in diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectives:  For patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), arterial blood gas (BG) sampling for measurement of pH and bicarbonate has been considered an essential part of initial evaluation and monitoring of progress. There is growing evidence that venous values can be clinically acceptable alternatives to arterial measurements. This article summarizes the recent evidence regarding the validity of venous BG sampling in DKA.Methods:  Medline search for the years 1995 to present, hand search of reference lists, search of on‐line evidence‐based medicine sites.Results:  In patients with DKA the weighted average difference between arterial and venous pH was 0.02 pH units (95% limits of agreement −0.009 to +0.021 pH units) and between arterial and venous bicarbonate was −1.88 mEq/L.Conclusions:  There is reasonable evidence that venous and arterial pH have sufficient agreement as to be clinically interchangeable in patients with DKA who are haemodynamically stable and without respiratory failure. There is some evidence that venous and arterial bicarbonate also agree closely in DKA but this requires confirmation.
Paediatric lap‐belt injury: A 7 year experience
Authors: Shepherd Michael , Hamill James , Segedin Elizabeth 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:  To highlight the injuries that result from lap‐belt use and make recommendations for prevention, the recent experience of a regional paediatric trauma centre was reviewed.Methods:  Retrospective review of admissions to Starship Children's Hospital from 1996 to 2003, with significant injury following involvement in a motor vehicle crash, while wearing a lap‐belt. Patients were identified from two prospectively collected databases and discharge coding data.Results:  In total, 19 patients were identified over the 7 year period. The morbidity sustained includes 15 patients with hollow viscus injury, 13 laparotomies, 7 spinal fractures, 2 paraplegia and 1 fatality. A total of 11 patients required laparotomy with a median delay of 24 h. Of patients in the present series, 58% were aged less than 8 years and thus were inappropriately restrained.Conclusions:  Lap‐belt use can result in a range of life‐threatening injuries or permanent disability in the paediatric population. The incidence of serious lap‐belt injury does not appear to be decreasing. Morbidity and mortality could be reduced by the use of three‐point restraints, age appropriate restraints and booster seats.
In Vitro Kinetic Analysis of Oligofructose Consumption by
Bacteroides
and
Bifidobacterium
spp. Indicates Different Degradation Mechanisms
Authors: Van der Meulen Roel , Makras Lefteris , Verbrugghe Kristof , Adriany Tom , De Vuyst Luc 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

The growth of pure cultures of
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
LMG 11262 and
Bacteroides fragilis
LMG 10263 on fructose and oligofructose was examined and compared to that of
Bifidobacterium longum
BB536 through in vitro laboratory fermentations. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis was used to determine the different fractions of oligofructose and their degradation during the fermentation process. Both
B. thetaiotaomicron
LMG 11262 and
B. fragilis
LMG 10263 were able to grow on oligofructose as fast as on fructose, succinic acid being the major metabolite produced by both strains.
B. longum
BB536 grew slower on oligofructose than on fructose. Acetic acid and lactic acid were the main metabolites produced when fructose was used as the sole energy source. Increased amounts of formic acid and ethanol were produced when oligofructose was used as an energy source at the cost of lactic acid. Detailed kinetic analysis revealed a preferential metabolism of the short oligofructose fractions (e.g., F
2
and F
3
) for
B. longum
BB536. After depletion of the short fractions, the larger oligofructose fractions (e.g., F
4
, GF
4
, F
5
, GF
5
, and F
6
) were metabolized, too. Both
Bacteroides
strains did not display such a preferential metabolism and degraded all oligofructose fractions simultaneously, transiently increasing the fructose concentration in the medium. This suggests a different mechanism for oligofructose breakdown between the strain of
Bifidobacterium
and both strains of
Bacteroides
, which helps to explain the bifidogenic nature of inulin-type fructans.
Nitrous Oxide Reductase Genes (
nosZ
) of Denitrifying Microbial Populations in Soil and the Earthworm Gut Are Phylogenetically Similar
Authors: Horn Marcus A. , Drake Harold L. , Schramm Andreas 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

Earthworms emit nitrous oxide (N
2
O) and dinitrogen (N
2
). It has been hypothesized that the in situ conditions of the earthworm gut activates ingested soil denitrifiers during gut passage and leads to these in vivo emissions (M. A. Horn, A. Schramm, and H. L. Drake, Appl. Environ. Microbiol.
69:
1662-1669, 2003). This hypothesis implies that the denitrifiers in the earthworm gut are not endemic to the gut but rather are regular members of the soil denitrifier population. To test this hypothesis, the denitrifier populations of gut and soil from three different sites were comparatively assessed by sequence analysis of
nosZ
, the gene for the terminal enzyme in denitrification, N
2
O reductase. A total of 182 and 180
nosZ
sequences were retrieved from gut and soil, respectively; coverage of gene libraries was 79 to 100%. Many of the
nosZ
sequences were heretofore unknown, clustered with known soil-derived sequences, or were related to N
2
O reductases of the genera
Bradyrhizobium
,
Brucella
,
Dechloromonas
,
Flavobacterium
,
Pseudomonas
,
Ralstonia
, and
Sinorhizobium
. Although the numbers of estimators for genotype richness of sequence data from the gut were higher than those of soil, only one gut-derived
nosZ
sequence did not group phylogenetically with any of the soil-derived
nosZ
sequences. Thus, the phylogenies of
nosZ
from gut and soil were not dissimilar, indicating that gut denitrifiers are soil derived.