bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segmental testicular ischaemia: presentation, management and follow‐up
Authors: Gianfrilli D. , Isidori A. M. , Lenzi A. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySegmental infarction of the testis is a rare event. Less than 40 cases have been reported in the literature and its aetiology remains largely unknown. The diagnosis is challenging and its identification crucial as partial ischaemia is frequently confused with testicular tumours and unnecessarily treated with orchiectomy. The objectives of this study are to: (i) raise awareness of this rare condition, (ii) provide the distinctive clinical and radiological features enabling pre‐operative diagnosis, (iii) promote appropriate screening of causative factors and (iv) propose an alternative management approach to avoid surgery and preserve fertility. We describe three cases of partial testicular ischaemia in men presenting with reduced sperm quality. The cases demonstrate the ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging appearance of testicular ischaemia. The surveillance strategy adopted for these lesions indicates that over 2 years of follow‐up, marginal changes in the lesions can occur. Histology revealed that infiltration by stromal cells, leucocytes and macrophages is responsible for the remodelling of these lesions. Screening of risk factors for thromboembolism revealed that all patients carried a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C→T (MTHFR) mutation in a gene involved in folate metabolism, and either borderline or elevated homocysteine levels. Distinctive features permit the pre‐operative diagnosis of segmental testicular ischaemia. There are sufficient data to assert that a surveillance strategy is safe and feasible. We speculate that the defects in folate metabolism may pre‐dispose individuals to the development of testicular infarction and infertility.
Soil Conservation Tillage Effects on Yield and Water Use Efficiency on Irrigated Crops in Central Italy
Authors: Casa R. , Lo Cascio B. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDespite possible agronomic and environmental benefits, the diffusion of soil conservation tillage systems in Italy is currently rather low. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of different soil tillage techniques, in an effort to identify suitable soil management options for irrigated crops in Central Italy. An experiment was carried out on maize and soybean from April to October in two consecutive years (1993 and 1994) in Maccarese (a coastal location near Rome). The systems compared were: conventional mouldboard ploughing (CT), minimum tillage, ridge tillage and no‐tillage (NT). In 1993, actual crop evapotranspiration was measured throughout the growing season on NT and CT soybean, using a micrometeorological technique.No significant differences due to soil tillage were found for grain yield and yield irrigation water use efficiency (IWUEy), except for soybean in 1994, in which yields and IWUEy were 59 % higher on conservation tillage treatments compared with CT. In 1994 soybean yield water use efficiency was 10.1 and 9.5 kg ha−1 mm−1 for NT and CT respectively. The results suggest that the adoption of soil conservation tillage is feasible, for the specific cropping system, with equivalent or better performances as conventional tillage.
Ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in lung cancer in a New Zealand population
Authors: SUTHERLAND Tim J.T. , AITKEN Denise 
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  In New Zealand, lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in men and is projected to become the commonest cause in women by 2011. Rates of survival from lung cancer are among the lowest in the developed world. There are discrepancies between health outcomes according to patients' ethnicity and socioeconomic status in many diseases. This study determined the incidence of lung cancer, duration of survival and treatment according to ethnicity and socioeconomic status in a health district in New Zealand.Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted of patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the period 1997–1999. Data were collected on ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status and cancer stage at diagnosis. Treatment and 5‐year survival were recorded.Results:  A total of 102 eligible patients were identified. Māori had 3–4 times the incidence of lung cancer compared with New Zealand Europeans and patients from the more socially deprived areas had nearly double the incidence. More than one half of the patients presented with widespread disease, with a disproportionate number of these being from Māori and socially deprived groups. Only 9.8% of cases were considered to be potentially curative. Survival at 1 year was 24% and at 5 years, 6%. No Māori were alive at 5 years.Conclusions:  Lung cancer disproportionately affects Māori and socially disadvantaged persons in New Zealand society. Survival at 5 years is low, especially in these groups.
Assimilation of methane and inorganic carbon by microbial communities mediating the anaerobic oxidation of methane
Authors: Wegener Gunter , Niemann Helge , Elvert Marcus , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe , Boetius Antje 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is a major sink for methane on Earth and is performed by consortia of methanotrophic archaea (ANME) and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB). Here we present a comparative study using in vitro stable isotope probing to examine methane and carbon dioxide assimilation into microbial biomass. Three sediment types comprising different methane‐oxidizing communities (ANME‐1 and ‐2 mixture from the Black Sea, ANME‐2a from Hydrate Ridge and ANME‐2c from the Gullfaks oil field) were incubated in replicate flow‐through systems with methane‐enriched anaerobic seawater medium for 5–6 months amended with either 13CH4 or H13CO3‐. In all three sediment types methane was anaerobically oxidized in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio compared with sulfate reduction. Similar amounts of 13CH4 or 13CO2 were assimilated into characteristic archaeal lipids, indicating a direct assimilation of both carbon sources into ANME biomass. Specific bacterial fatty acids assigned to the partner SRB were almost exclusively labelled by 13CO2, but only in the presence of methane as energy source and not during control incubations without methane. This indicates an autotrophic growth of the ANME‐associated SRB and supports previous hypotheses of an electron shuttle between the consortium partners. Carbon assimilation efficiencies of the methanotrophic consortia were low, with only 0.25–1.3 mol% of the methane oxidized.
Brand Inertia in U.S. Household Cheese Consumption
Authors: Arnade Carlos , Gopinath Munisamy , Pick Daniel 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo analyze U.S. consumers' brand choices for cheese purchases, we derive a set of discrete‐choice models from dynamic utility maximization. ACNielsen Homescan Survey data on U.S. households is used to estimate a dynamic probit model for each of the top brands for cheddar, shredded, and sliced cheese in four U.S. regions. We find that households have strong brand inertia, a result robust across alternative specifications. Predicted probabilities confirm greater inertia in the top brands and consumers are more likely to switch into them. Brand inertia is relatively larger in cheddar and sliced cheese especially in the Central and Southeast regions.
ESTIMATING SECTORAL RATES OF SURPLUS VALUE: METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
Authors: Rieu Dong‐Min 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThe ‘New Interpretation’ (NI) argues that Marxian value categories can be measured using price variables through the concept of monetary expression of labour time (MELT). Starting from the central insight of the NI, this paper focuses on the estimation of sectoral rates of surplus value. It will be suggested that the MELT is decomposed into two concepts, ‘value expression of labour time’ and ‘monetary expression of value’. As a result of this theoretically general consideration, the NI will be critically examined.
One‐channel EOG artifact correction: An analytic approach
Authors: Matthäus Lars , Pham Trieu , Croft Rodney J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis article approaches the problem of EOG artifact correction using one EOG channel from a biophysical point of view. It shows that recordings from one EOG channel are sufficient to correct artifacts from one‐dimensional eye movements not exceeding 30°. We prove that the subtraction method “corrected EEG=measured EEG—backward propagation * measured EOG” yields the uncorrupted EEG trace up to scaling despite possible influences of forward propagation. Further, a special calibration paradigm (aligned artifact average, AAA) is investigated, and algorithms are presented to calculate the exact backward propagation. Experimental results from 13 subjects are shown, supporting the theoretical prediction of optimal correction.
Heritability of frontal brain function related to action monitoring
Authors: Anokhin Andrey P. , Golosheykin Simon , Heath Andrew C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMonitoring the correspondence between the intended and actually executed action, a fundamental mechanism of behavioral regulation, is reflected by error‐related negativity (ERN), an ERP component generated by the anterior cingulate cortex. This study examined genetic influences on the ERN and other components related to action monitoring (correct negativity, CRN, and error positivity, Pe). A flanker task was administered to adolescent twins (age 12) including 99 monozygotic (MZ) and 175 dizygotic (DZ) pairs. Genetic analysis showed substantial heritability of all three ERP components (40%–60%) and significant genetic correlations between them. This study provides the first evidence for heritable individual differences in the neural substrates of action monitoring and suggests that ERN, CRN, and Pe can potentially serve as endophenotypes for genetic studies of personality traits and psychopathology associated with abnormal regulation of behavior.
Accumulation of bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate and gangliosides in mouse models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Jabs Sabrina , Quitsch Arne , Käkelä Reijo , Koch Bettina , Tyynelä Jaana , Brade Helmut , Glatzel Markus , Walkley Steven , Saftig Paul , Vanier Marie T. , Braulke Thomas 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses comprise a group of inherited severe neurodegenerative lysosomal disorders characterized by lysosomal dysfunction and massive accumulation of fluorescent lipopigments and aggregated proteins. To examine the role of lipids in neurodegenerative processes of these diseases, we analysed phospho‐ and glycolipids in the brains of ctsd−/− and nclf mice, disease models of cathepsin D and CLN6 deficiency, respectively. Both ctsd−/− and nclf mice exhibited increased levels of GM2 and GM3 gangliosides. Immunohistochemically GM2 and GM3 staining was found preferentially in neurons and glial cells, respectively, of ctsd−/− mice. Of particular note, a 20‐fold elevation of the unusual lysophospholipid bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate was specifically detected in the brain of ctsd−/− mice accompanied with sporadic accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in distinct cells. The impaired processing of the sphingolipid activator protein precursor, an in vitro cathepsin D substrate, in the brain of ctsd−/− mice may provide the mechanistic link to the storage of lipids. These studies show for the first time that cathepsin D regulates the lysosomal phospho‐ and glycosphingolipid metabolism suggesting that defects in the composition, trafficking and/or recycling of membrane components along the late endocytic pathway may be critical for the pathogenesis of early onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses.
The Use of Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Suitability Modeling to Identify Conifer Restoration Sites with High Biological Potential for Anadromous Fish at the Cedar River Municipal Watershed in Western Washington, U.S.A.
Authors: Mollot Lauren A. , Bilby Robert E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe developed a methodology integrating several forms of remotely sensed data into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model that identifies suitable sites for riparian conifer restoration at the Cedar River Municipal Watershed in western Washington, U.S.A. The model integrates vegetative and geomorphic variables with information on the habitat preferences of anadromous fishes to identify riparian stands where conifer restoration would have the greatest biological benefit for salmon recovery. The high‐resolution raster datasets used in our analysis were capable of characterizing the biophysical attributes of riparian areas at finer spatial scales than was previously possible. This model is intended to serve as a screening tool to identify candidate sites for riparian area restoration. The assessment approach described in this study can be applied not only to model salmonid habitat at the watershed scale but also to assess landscape patterns relevant to a wide range of restoration goals. This methodological framework offers several advantages over other approaches to restoration site selection and planning. First, the fine‐scale spatial resolution of the GIS datasets (pixels ≤5 m) used in the model provides a more accurate representation of the habitat conditions than has been possible with coarser‐scale data (pixels ≥5 m). Therefore, the accuracy of site identification is greatly improved. Second, the quantitative nature of the model exercises greater objectivity than some other landscape‐scale planning approaches. This regional planning tool could be replicated in other watersheds with comparable datasets and could be applied to identify habitat restoration sites for other species or guilds of species by simply altering the model criteria to match the habitat needs of the target organisms.
Efficacy of Imazapyr and Glyphosate in the Control of Non‐Native Phragmites australis
Authors: Mozdzer Thomas J. , Hutto Curtis J. , Clarke Paul A. , Field Dorothy P. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract The cosmopolitan common reed (Phragmites australis) has been expanding into previously unoccupied wetland habitats throughout North America. This invasion by a non‐native haplotype of Phragmites has become a major concern due to a reduction in plant diversity, reduction of faunal biodiversity, and changes in ecosystem structure. A randomized complete block design was used to compare the efficacy of two herbicides, glyphosate (Rodeo, Dow AgroSciences, IN, U.S.A.) and imazapyr (Habitat, BASF Corporation, NC, U.S.A.), on 1‐ha Phragmites monoculture in a shallow borrow pit. Six foliar experimental treatments were applied consisting of (1) 2% glyphosate formulation, June application; (2) 2% glyphosate formulation, September application; (3) 2% imazapyr formulation, June application; (4) 2% imazapyr formulation, September application; (5) 5% imazapyr formulation, June application; and (6) 5% imazapyr, September application. Experimental plots were monitored yearly for two years after treatment. Relative importance values (RIV) were determined to assess the efficacy of herbicide treatments. We report that imazapyr foliar application is statistically superior to glyphosate in reducing Phragmites RIV, with no significant differences between the 2 and 5% formulations. Both herbicides are more effective in reducing Phragmites RIV if applied early in the growing season (June). No significant differences in non‐Phragmites plant recolonization were observed between herbicide treatments over the two‐year time course. These results suggest that imazapyr is superior in reducing Phragmites RIV, and that earlier applications of herbicides may be more effective on Phragmites. However, managers must note that adjacent nontarget plant species may be negatively affected by earlier treatments.
The Value of Animal Behavior in Evaluations of Restoration Success
Authors: Lindell Catherine A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract Animals are key members of ecosystems, contributing to processes like pollination, seed dispersal, and herbivory. Incorporating measures of animal behavior into evaluations of restoration success will provide critical information that is not available from animal species composition and richness estimates derived from the documentation of species presence and absence. Behavioral studies will (1) allow comparisons of the habitat quality of target and reference sites based on behaviors that have fitness consequences for organisms; (2) provide valuable information about reasons for differences in habitat quality; (3) identify critical resources that make a site suitable or not for particular species; and/or (4) provide information on the mechanisms through which species contribute to ecosystem functions. When resources for the evaluation of restoration success are available, practitioners should carefully consider the costs and benefits of the different variables they could quantify. In some cases, it may be more important to compare the behavior of one or a few critical animal species that contribute to ecosystem function rather than try to document the presence or absence of all species.
More Ecology is Needed to Restore Mediterranean Ecosystems: A Reply to Valladares and Gianoli
Authors: Méndez Marcos , García Daniel , Maestre Fernando T. , Escudero Adrián 
Published: May 2008

Abstract Valladares and Gianoli (2007) tried to answer a key question, “how much ecology do we need to know to restore Mediterranean ecosystems?” by focusing on (1) plant–plant interactions; (2) environmental heterogeneity and the potential adaptation of transplanted plants; and (3) phenotypic plasticity of the planted species. We consider their choice of topics incomplete and potentially misleading because (1) it is clearly biased toward a narrow set of research topics (phenotypic plasticity, facilitation, and climate change); (2) it assumes that active restoration, and specifically revegetation, is needed; and (3) it conveys a false perception that other basic ecological aspects of Mediterranean ecosystems are sufficiently known. Instead, we review the current knowledge on seed dispersal, succession, and ecosystem functioning for Mediterranean ecosystems. We argue that decades of research on these topics have yielded few practical guidelines for restoration, something that needs to be urgently corrected. First, the current “establishment limitation paradigm” for plant recruitment does not acknowledge the role of dispersal limitation at large spatial scales. More attention should be paid to nucleation processes and directed seed dispersal mediated by animals. Second, studies of vegetation dynamics and succession in the Mediterranean have led to an overly simplistic view of successional dynamics. How fast and deterministic succession is remains mostly unexplored; long‐term monitoring of successional dynamics at different spatial scales is urgently needed. Third, information on the functional status of Mediterranean ecosystems is required to identify processes hindering natural recovery after disturbances and to set priorities on the areas and ecosystem components to be restored.
How do seizures stop?
Authors: Lado Fred A. , Moshé Solomon L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAlthough often overshadowed by factors influencing seizure initiation, seizure termination is a critical step in the return to the interictal state. Understanding the mechanisms contributing to seizure termination could potentially identify novel targets for anticonvulsant drug development and may also highlight the pathophysiological processes contributing to seizure initiation. In this article, we review known physiological mechanisms contributing to seizure termination and discuss additional mechanisms that are likely to be relevant even though specific data are not yet available. This review is organized according to successively increasing “size scales”—from membranes to synapses to networks to circuits. We first discuss mechanisms of seizure termination acting at the shortest distances and affecting the excitable membranes of neurons in the seizure onset zone. Next we consider the contributions of ensembles of neurons and glia interacting at intermediate distances within the region of the seizure onset zone. Lastly, we consider the contribution of brain nuclei, such as the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR), that are capable of modulating seizures and exert their influence over the seizure onset zone (and neighboring areas) from a relatively great—in neuroanatomical terms—distance. It is our hope that the attention to the mechanisms contributing to seizure termination will stimulate novel avenues of epilepsy research and will contribute to improved patient care.
Characteristics and clinical significance of subclinical seizures
Authors: Zangaladze Andro , Nei Maromi , Liporace Joyce D. , Sperling Michael R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPurpose:  To define characteristics of subclinical seizures (SCS) and their prognostic significance after epilepsy surgery.Methods:  Reports from intracranial video‐EEG monitoring were reviewed for patients who had epilepsy surgery between 1989 and 2003. Relationships between SCS and clinical seizures were categorized as either: complete colocalization (Group A), when both SCS and clinical seizures originated from the same single focus, or incomplete and no colocalization (Group B), when some or all SCS and clinical seizures originated from different foci in different lobes or hemispheres.Results:  A total of 111 patients were included in this review. Seventy‐one (64%) patients had 2,821 SCS and most SCS came from the mesial temporal lobe. The mean duration of SCS was shorter than complex partial seizures and generalized tonic–clonic seizures but similar to simple partial seizures. SCS rarely propagated beyond the site of origin and the majority of SCS had the same area of origin as clinical seizures. Sixty‐five patients had both SCS and clinical seizures and underwent resective surgery. Group A patients had a higher seizure‐free outcome rate (77.5%) than Group B patients (37.5%). The colocalization rate of SCS and clinical seizures may impact seizure‐free outcome. The presence or absence of SCS, SCS duration, and extent of propagation of SCS did not influence surgical outcome.Conclusion:  SCS commonly originate from the same cortical area as clinical seizures and are related to postsurgical outcome. These findings suggest they should be viewed as having similar significance in the surgical decision process as clinical seizures.
TRANSIENT TRANSFORMATION OF A CHLORARACHNIOPHYTE ALGA, LOTHARELLA AMOEBIFORMIS (CHLORARACHNIOPHYCEAE), WITH uidA AND egfp REPORTER GENES1
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Kofuji Rumiko , Ishida Ken‐ichiro 
Published: May 2008

A transient genetic transformation system was established for a chlorarachniophyte alga, Lotharella amoebiformis K. Ishida et Y. Hara. We first isolated sequences that contain a putative promoter for a RUBISCO SSU (rbcS) gene and a terminator for another copy of rbcS gene from L. amoebiformis. With those promoter and terminator sequences, we developed two expression vectors, pLaRGus and pLaRGfp, which code uidA and egfp genes, respectively. The cells were then transformed with each vector using a microparticle bombardment system. When the cells were transformed with the pLaRGus, β‐glucuronidase (GUS) staining dyed several cells blue. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fluorescence was observed in the cells transformed with pLaRGfp. The highest transient transformation efficiency, 35 per 2 × 107 cells, was detected from the GUS staining. This study demonstrates that two reporter genes are expressed in L. amoebiformis cells when rbcS promoter and terminator are used. The conditions of transformation were also optimized. This is the first report of successful genetic transformation in chlorarachniophyte algae.