bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sterols in red and green algae: quantification, phylogeny, and relevance for the interpretation of geologic steranes
Authors: KODNER R. B. , PEARSON A. , SUMMONS R. E. , KNOLL A. H. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTSteroids, a class of triterpenoid lipids with high preservation potential, are widely distributed in sedimentary rocks. All eukaryotes have a physiological requirement for these molecules, making steroids important biomarkers for aiding our understanding of eukaryote molecular evolution and geologic history. C26–C30 sterols are the molecules most commonly incorporated or synthesized by eukaryotes, and correspond to C26–C30 steranes ubiquitously and abundantly preserved in petroleums and sedimentary bitumens. Because these sterols occur in evolutionarily diverse taxa, it can be difficult to associate any particular compound with a single group of organisms. Nevertheless, geochemists have still been able to draw parallels between the empirical patterns in geologic sterane abundances and the age of petroleum source rocks. Paleobiologists have also used sterane data, in particular the patterns in C29 and C28 steranes, to support fossil evidence of an early radiation of green algae in latest Proterozoic and Paleozoic and the succession of the major modern phytoplankton groups in the Mesozoic. Although C29 sterols are found in many eukaryotes, organisms that produce them in proportional abundances comparable to those preserved in Proterozoic and Paleozoic rocks are limited. Based on a large, phylogenetically based survey of sterol profiles from the kingdom Plantae, we conclude that modern ulvophyte and early diverging prasinophyte green algae produce high abundances of C29 relative to C27 and C28 sterols most consistent with the sterane profiles observed in Paleozoic rocks. Our analysis also suggests that ancestral stem groups among the Plantae, including the glaucocystophytes and early divergent red algae are also plausible candidates.
Effect of H1‐receptor antagonists on proliferative response, cytokine production, and cellular migration of human T cells and macrophages
Authors: Iwata S. , Nori M. , Hashizume Y. , You K. , Morimoto C. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryCytokine imbalance and cellular migration to inflammatory sites are critical components of allergic diseases. Redirecting cytokine imbalance and inhibiting cell migration therefore represent important therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these disorders. We studied the in vitro effect of the non‐sedating H1‐receptor antagonists ebastine, carebastine, epinastine, cetirizine, and ketotifen on cytokine secretion by human T cells under various co‐stimulatory conditions and the migratory activity of activated T cells as well as production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Ebastine and carebastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, and TNF‐α by T cells under co‐stimulation with CD28 plus CD3, CD26 plus CD3, and CD3 plus phorbol myristate acetate, whereas these drugs had no effect on the production of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ. Ebastine and carebastine also inhibited T cell migration and production of TNF‐α and IL‐6 by macrophages. Epinastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐5, whereas it elicited no effect on the production of IL‐6 and TNF‐α by T cells and macrophages as well as T cell migration. Cetirizine and ketotifen had no effects on cytokine production and T cell migration. Our results suggest that certain H1‐receptor antagonists, most notably ebastine and carebastine, can influence T cell migration and cytokine production in addition to antagonizing the H1 receptor. These drugs therefore might be useful against T cell‐mediated allergic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Reclamation of saline‐sodic soil under a rice–wheat system by horizontal surface flushing
Authors: Nayak A. K. , Sharma D. K. , Mishra V. K. , Minhas P. S. , Verma C. L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSaline sodic soil with a high content of soluble carbonates is one of the important agricultural soils on the Central Indo‐Gangetic plains and elsewhere. Conventional reclamation procedures using gypsum application followed by vertical leaching (GC) is uneconomic; high ECe and precipitation of applied gypsum, reacting with soluble carbonates, reduce the efficacy of gypsum in these soils. This paper reports results from a project designed to evaluate reclamation by irrigation of the ploughed soil and turning of soil with a power tiller followed by flushing of standing water after 24 h, a second flushing after 7 days and subsequent application of gypsum and vertical leaching (GF2). Average rice and wheat production after GF2 significantly increased (25 and 62%, respectively) over the conventional practice. Compared with conventional treatment, GF2 significantly reduced the ECe and SAR of the soil and improved physical properties such as ζ‐potential, dispersible clay content, water stable aggregates expressed as MWD, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Split application of gypsum between flushing (GF1/2 and GF2/3) gave similar results to GF2 in terms of soil amelioration and crop production.
Soil penetration resistance and tree root development
Authors: Sinnett D. , Morgan G. , Williams M. , Hutchings T. R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCurrent UK guidance suggests that a ‘rootable’ soil profile of at least 1.0 m depth should be sufficient to allow adequate rooting of the majority of tree species in a range of soil types and climatic conditions [Arboricultural Journal (1995) vol. 19, 19–27]. However, there is some uncertainty as to what constitutes a loosened soil profile in terms of penetration resistance. In this study the root development of Italian alder, Japanese larch, Corsican pine and birch was assessed after 5 years of tree growth. These data were compared to penetration resistance measured using both a cone penetrometer and a ‘lifting driving tool’ (dropping weight penetrometer). Tree root number and percentage were significantly reduced by increasing soil penetration resistance measured with both the cone penetrometer (P < 0.050) and the ‘lifting driving tool’ (P = 0.011 and 0.008 respectively). The vast majority of roots were recorded in soils with a penetration resistance of less than 3 MPa (90.7%) with a significant amount in the less than 2 MPa class (70.2%). Root development of Italian alder, Japanese larch and birch all showed a similar pattern, but Corsican pine appeared to be capable of rooting into more compact soils. The ‘lifting driving tool’ can be used as an alternative measure of soil penetration resistance. This equipment is more cost effective, easier to use and capable of measurements at a greater depth than the cone penetrometer. The majority of Japanese larch and birch roots (84.3%) were recorded in soils where it took less than 15 impacts to penetrate one 10 cm soil depth increment. The modelled data also suggest that a penetration resistance of 2 and 2.5 MPa relates to 10 and 15 impacts respectively.
Soil acidity and aluminium toxicity as affected by surface liming and cover oat residues under a no‐till system
Authors: Caires E. F. , Pereira Filho P. R. S. , Zardo Filho R. , Feldhaus I. C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA 3‐year field trial examined in a long‐term no‐till system the effects of surface‐applied lime and cover black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) residues on soil chemical attributes, root growth and grain yield of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) on a loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludox in Paraná State, Brazil. The treatments consisted of dolomitic lime broadcast on the soil surface at 0 or 12 t/ha, with and without cover of black oat residues. Corn and soybeans were grown without rainfall limitation. Applying lime on the surface improved soil acidity and decreased aluminium (Al) toxicity to a 10‐cm depth 1 year after application. Surface liming increased pH and the content of exchangeable Ca2+ to a 20‐cm depth, and decreased Al toxicity to a 40‐ to 60‐cm depth, 3 years after application, indicating that the surface‐applied lime moved deeper. Cover black oat residues did not favour the mobility of surface‐applied lime to alleviate subsoil acidity and an increase in the Al3+ saturation level at the soil surface was found in unlimed plots with black oat residues. Root growth and grain yields of corn and soybean were not influenced by surface liming with or without cover black oat residue. Despite the soil acidity level, root length of corn and soybean ranged from 55 to 60% at 0‐ to 10‐cm depth. The results suggest that Al toxicity is low in no‐till systems during cropping seasons with adequate and well‐distributed rainfall, but this effect is not related to the presence of cover oat residues.
Overreaction to Intra‐industry Information Transfers?
Authors: THOMAS JACOB , ZHANG FRANK 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTPrior research has documented that earnings announcements provide information not only about the announcing firm but also about other firms in the same industry. We document a stock market anomaly associated with this phenomenon of intra‐industry information transfers by showing that the stock price movements of late announcers in response to earnings reported by early announcers are negatively related to subsequent price responses of late announcers to their own earnings reports. Apparently, the stock market overestimates the intra‐industry implications of early announcers' earnings for late announcers' earnings, and that overestimation is corrected when late announcers disclose their earnings.
Positive and Negative Information Transfers from Management Forecasts
Authors: KIM YONGTAE , LACINA MICHAEL , PARK MYUNG SEOK 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTWe examine positive and negative information transfers associated with management earnings and revenue forecasts. Positive information transfers are due to industry commonalities whereas negative information transfers are caused by competitive shifts. We argue that positive and negative intra‐industry information transfers offset each other and lead to an overall finding of no information transfers even though they exist. We also conjecture that the type of information transfers from the same management forecast can be positive or negative based on the characteristics of the information receiver. We hypothesize positive information transfers to nonrival firms and negative information transfers to rivals. Consistent with our prediction, we find negative (positive) information transfers between forecasting firms and nonforecasting rival (nonrival) firms in the same industry. Through analyses using competitors identified by Hoover's and 10‐K reports, we show more general evidence of negative information transfers to rival firms.
A combined single range and single image device for low‐cost measurement of building façade features
Authors: Ordóñez Celestino , Arias Pedro , Herráez José , Rodríguez Jaime , Martín María T. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe dimensions of building façades and window apertures are usually determined by making direct measurements using tapes and plummets. This approach, however, has a number of drawbacks including the physical risk to which the persons making the measurements are exposed. This paper proposes an indirect approach based on close range photogrammetry that is inexpensive, simple, fast and safe, and which does not require specialist staff or direct ground control measurements. The method is based on taking a picture using a digital camera and measuring the distance to the object using a handheld laser distance meter. Both items of equipment are mounted on a specially designed support that allows the laser distance meter to move independently of the camera.
Topical substance P increases inflammatory cell density in genetically diabetic murine wounds
Authors: Scott Jeffrey R. , Tamura Richard N. , Muangman Pornprom , Isik F. Frank , Xie Chengyu , Gibran Nicole S. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThe neuropeptide substance P (SP) is a known inflammatory mediator released from cutaneous peripheral nerve terminals. SP effects on cellular composition in the cutaneous response to injury remain unclear. Based on our previous observations about SP effects on wound repair, we hypothesized that topical SP increases inflammatory cell density infiltration early after injury. A full‐thickness 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 wound was created on the dorsum of 8–9‐week‐old C57BL/6J‐m+Leprdb mice (db/db). Wounds were treated daily with 300 μL of either normal saline (0.9% NaCl) or 10−9 M SP for 7 days. Three wounds from each group were harvested at 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Samples underwent enzymatic digestion and were incubated with fluorescent‐labeled antibodies. Using flow cytometry, cellular content and density for each sample was derived. Masson Trichrome stained histology specimens were prepared to confirm results. Cell density in the SP‐treated wounds (11.3 × 107 cells/g tissue, standard deviation [SD]±1.5 × 107) was greater than in NaCl‐treated wounds (7 × 107 cells/g tissue, SD±2.3 × 107, p<0.05) at day 7 postwounding. SP significantly increased the density of leukocytes (2.1 × 107, SD ±3.6 × 106 vs. 1.8 × 107, SD±4.9 × 105, p<0.02) 3 days after wounding and the density of macrophages (2.9 × 107, SD±7.5 × 106 vs. 1.3 × 107, SD±1.4 × 106, p<0.05) 7 days after wounding. There were no significant differences in endothelial cell, leukocyte, or macrophage density at later time points. Topical SP treatment increases early inflammatory density in the healing wounds of db/db mice. These data support a role for nerve‐mediated inflammation in cutaneous wound repair.
Development of an in vitro burn wound model
Authors: Coolen Neeltje A. , Vlig Marcel , Van Den Bogaerdt Antoon J. , Middelkoop Esther , Ulrich Magda M. W. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTHealing of a deeper burn wound is a complex process that often leads to scar formation. Skin wound model systems are important for the development of treatments preventing scarring. The aim of this study is to develop a standardized in vitro burn wound model that resembles the in vivo situation. A burn wound (10 × 2 mm) was made in ex vivo skin and the skin samples were cultured at the air–liquid interface for 7, 14, and 21 days. Cells in the skin biopsies maintained their viability during the 21‐day culture period. During culture, reepithelialization of the wound took place from the surrounding tissue and fibroblasts migrated into the wound area. Cells of the epithelial tongue and fibroblasts near the wound margin were proliferating. During culture, skin‐derived antileukoproteinase and keratin 17 were expressed only in the epithelial tongue. Both collagen type IV and laminin were present underneath the newly formed epidermis, indicating that the basement membrane was restored. These results show that the burn wound model has many similarities to in vivo wound healing. This burn wound model may be useful to study different aspects of wound healing and testing pharmaceuticals and cosmetics on, e.g., migration and reepithelialization.
NON‐CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in the Cardiomyopathy of Uremia—Beyond Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gross Marie‐Luise , Ritz Eberhard 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCardiac disease is the leading cause of death in uremic patients. In contrast to previous opinion, coronary events account for a relatively small proportion of cardiac deaths, the most common causes being sudden death and heart failure. Against this background the current text will discuss noncoronary cardiac pathology, specifically the pathogenesis and the morphological findings caused by (pathological) cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac interstitial fibrosis and microvascular disease.
NON‐CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Cardiac Problems in the Dialysis Patient: Beyond Coronary Disease
Authors: Remppis Andrew , Ritz Eberhard 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) both an inappropriately high sympathetic drive and the activation of tissue‐based renin‐angiotensin systems lead to a complex pattern of comorbidity appearing early on in renal disease. In this context, uremic cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and renal failure display an intimate interaction that critically defines the prognosis in dialysis patients. Importantly, patients with moderate to severe loss of renal function not only carry a high burden of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, but also are exposed to uremia‐specific risk factors that in concert induce an excessively increased cardiovascular mortality. Although cardiovascular guidelines may not simply be applicable to ESRD patients —these have invariably been excluded from larger cardiovascular trials—an early cardiological workup appears rational as the prevailing mode of death is characterized by sudden cardiac death and heart failure. This short review will therefore go beyond coronary heart disease, focus on the specific cardiac pathology in renal failure, and summarize the contemporary therapeutic strategies in ESRD.
Comparison of Emergence Speed and Sterility in Two Sterile Annual Hybrid Cereal Grasses Developed for Use in Restoration
Authors: Morris Christo , Schupp Eugene W. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Two varieties of sterile annual hybrid (SAH) cereal grasses (Triticum aestivum×Elytrigia elongata and Triticum sp. ×Secale sp.) have been developed as tools for restoration to circumvent problems associated with the use of exotic perennial grasses in wildlands. Recent research has shown that both varieties of SAH grasses performed better than native species when sown into Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)‐dominated rangelands. The primary goal of this study was to see whether early emergence was a potential mechanism contributing to the success of SAH grasses. Second, we investigated whether the SAH grasses were indeed sterile. Seeds of both SAH varieties were germinated in growth chambers along with B. tectorum and four perennial grasses. Seeds were exposed to three moisture levels and four temperature regimes. In a separate experiment, seed from 10 individuals of each SAH variety grown in a greenhouse were tested for sterility. Triticum aestivum×E. elongata consistently emerged fastest under all moisture and temperature levels, followed by Triticum sp. ×Secale sp., then B. tectorum, and, finally, the four perennial grass species. All interactions also were significant; these interactions modified without negating the general patterns revealed in the main effects. Seed production in the sterility trial for both SAH varieties was highly variable among individuals and all seed that were produced germinated. The ability of SAH grasses to maintain rapid emergence under adverse conditions suggests that they may be a useful tool in restoration; however, their lack of true sterility may contradict the goals of land managers.
Using Remote Sensing to Evaluate the Influence of Grassland Restoration Activities on Ecosystem Forage Provisioning Services
Authors: Malmstrom Carolyn M. , Butterfield H. Scott , Barber Christopher , Dieter Barbara , Harrison Richard , Qi Jiaquo , Riaño David , Schrotenboer Abbie , Stone Scott , Stoner Chantal J. , Wirka Jeanne 
Published: July 2008

Abstract As valuation of ecosystem goods and services derived from ecological processes becomes increasingly important in environmental decision‐making, the need to quantify how restoration activities influence ecosystem function has grown more urgent, particularly within income‐generating or subsistence‐providing landscapes where economic needs and biodiversity goals must be balanced. However, quantification of restoration effects is often hindered by logistical issues, which include (1) the difficulty of systematically monitoring responses over large areas and (2) lack or loss of comparison sites necessary for assessing treatment effect. We explored the use of remote sensing to quantify the effects of native grass seeding and prescribed burns on ecosystem forage provisioning services within a California (U.S.A.) rangeland landscape. We used Landsat time series to monitor forage (green biomass) dynamics within 296 ha of treatment areas—distributed throughout a 36‐km2 watershed—for 6 years and to identify post hoc comparison areas when a priori comparisons were lacking. Remote sensing analysis documented gains and losses in forage provisioning services due to restoration efforts and provided critical information for adaptive management. Our results demonstrate the degree to which invaded grasslands can be resistant to change and suggest that increasing the functional complexity of restoration mixes might help increase forage availability and reduce opportunities for weed reinvasion.
Spontaneous Succession versus Technical Reclamation in the Restoration of Disturbed Sites
Authors: Prach Karel , Hobbs Richard J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract We address the question: under which circumstances can we rely upon spontaneous succession and when are technical measures more effective in restoration programs? To answer this question, the position of a disturbed site along the productivity–stress gradient was considered. The probability of attaining a target stage by spontaneous succession decreases toward both ends of the productivity–stress gradient, whereas the acceptance of technical measures generally increases. In correspondence with that, the monetary cost of restoration increases toward the ends of the gradient. Therefore, spontaneous succession is advocated especially if environmental site conditions are not very extreme.
Are Sleep Difficulties Associated With Migraine Attributable to Anxiety and Depression?
Authors: Vgontzas Angeliki , Cui Lihong , Merikangas Kathleen R. 
Published: July 2008

Objective.— To examine whether sleep complaints reported by migraineurs can be attributed to comorbid anxiety and/or depression.Background.— A consistent association between migraine and sleep complaints has been reported in community and clinical studies. However, anxiety and depression are often comorbid with migraine. Thus, it may be possible that the increased prevalence of sleep problems in migraineurs is attributable to comorbid anxiety and depression. To our knowledge, no previous studies have demonstrated that the associations are not solely attributed to comorbid anxiety and depression.Design and Methods.— Controlled family study of anxiety disorders and substance use disorders in a community in New Haven County, CT. The sample included 221 probands (41 migraineurs) and their 261 directly interviewed first‐degree relatives (39 migrainuers), including parents, siblings, and offspring over age 18. A lifetime history of migraine was obtained using the Diagnostic Interview for Headache Syndromes. A lifetime history of psychiatric disorders was obtained using the semi‐structured Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia which was modified to incorporate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnostic criteria. Several sleep items on current and lifetime sleep complaints were included as a subset of the interview.Results.— There was a significant association between migraine and the number of sleep problems as well as several specific sleep symptoms among probands and their adult relatives. Adults with migraine reported having significantly more lifetime sleep problems (OR [CI] = 2.3 [1.1‐4.6]), and more current sleep difficulties, specifically, inadequate sleep (2.5 [1.2‐5.0]), difficulty falling asleep (3.0 [1.5‐6.3]), and persistent nightmares of childhood onset (4.3 [1.8‐9.9]) than those without migraine. The associations between sleep problems and migraine persisted after controlling for both lifetime and current anxiety and mood disorders.Conclusions.— The association between sleep problems and migraine that is not solely explained by comorbid anxiety disorders or depression suggests that sleep problems should be evaluated among people with migraine.