bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ecology of Carex oxyandra II. The behavior of seedlings and tillers
Authors: Tsujimura Azuma 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA study on the seedlings and tillers of Carex oxyandra, a pioneer perennial, was carried out at Mt. Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. A field experiment showed that seedlings had a rather low rate of growth, a small biomass and a high mortality rate. On the other hand, tillers in clones befan growth much earlier, had a rapid growth rate and grew to a larger body size. Furthermore, there was a considerable difference in growth pattern between tillers without flowers and those with flowers; tillers without flowers had a longer growing season and a larger amount of leaves, roots and new rhizomes. The numerical proportions of these two types of tillers in clones varied with clonal vigor.
Amino acid uptake regulation by cell growth in cultured hepatocytes isolated from fetal and adult rats
Authors: Leoni S. , Spagnuolo S. , Massimi M. , Terenzi F. , Conti Devirgiliis L. 
Published: March 2006

Amino acid uptake mediated by system A was studied in cultured fetal and adult hepatocytes, subjected to growth stimulation by EGF and insulin, or to growth inhibition by high cell density.
The mitogenic stimulation induced a strong transport increase only in fetal cells, while the cell density-dependent growth inhibition, probably mediated by molecules present on adult hepatocyte membranes, provoked the decrease of amino acid uptake only in the adult cells.
The results indicate that the different modulation of amino acid transport by cell growth is dependent on the age and the differentiation stage of hepatocytes.
Isolated Adrenal Metastasis: The Role of Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Sebag F. , Calzolari F. , Harding J. , Sierra M. , Palazzo F. F. , Henry J. F. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundSolitary adrenal metastases (AM) are rare and their management unclear. Surgery, especially laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA), is debatable in the management of AM. This retrospective study analysed the feasibility and the results of LA for AM.MethodsFrom 1997 to 2003, 16 patients underwent LA for isolated AM. Completeness of resection, postoperative morbidity and follow‐up (FU) were recorded.ResultsThere were 10 synchronous AM and 6 metachronous AM. Primary tumours included lung cancer (n = 9), melanoma (n = 3), mesothelioma (n = 1), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1), colonic adenocarcinoma (n = 1) and renal cell carcinoma (n = 1). Five patients required conversion to an open procedure. Minor complications occurred in three patients. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of AM. Mean tumour size was 60 (range: 15–110) mm. Nine patients (56%) had complete resections, 3 had positive margins and 4 had incomplete macroscopic resections. Mean observed FU was 25 (range: 1–68) months. Median overall calculated survival was 23 months. Overall 5‐year survival was 33% (Kaplan–Meyer). At the end of study, 8 patients were alive with a mean FU of 35 months (3 without evidence of disease). No patient presented with local relapse or port‐site metastasis. We did not identify any predictive factors. All patients with incomplete macroscopic resection died within 24 months.ConclusionsLA can achieve an acceptable 5‐year survival, comparable to open surgery but with better postoperative comfort. It should be considered for AM with the intention of complete resection. It offers the patient the possibility of tumour resection with the benefit of a laparoscopic approach.
Ecosystem services and their values: a case study in the Qinba mountains of China
Authors: Li Jing , Ren Zhiyuan , Zhou Zixiang 
Published: March 2006

AbstractTerrestrial ecosystem services can provide both direct and indirect economic benefits. In this case study, we estimated the annual economic value of some ecosystem services provided by terrestrial ecosystems in the Qinba mountains of Shaanxi Province of China, using both simulation models and a geographic information system that helps to analyze the effect of ecological factors on ecosystem functions. With respect to differences in vegetation types and their coverage, by combining the latest research, and using theory and methods for the value of terrestrial ecosystem services, we not only calculated goods produced by different types of vegetation but also estimated the value of various terrestrial ecosystem services. We also set up a database and an eco‐account of a terrestrial ecosystem. The ecosystem services assessed relate to the following aspects: the vegetation's primary productivity, soil and fertility conservation, water conservation, carbon fixation and oxygen supply. The total economic value of terrestrial ecosystem services in the Qinba mountains was estimated to be 968.33 billion renminbi per year, and represents a part of the actual ecosystem services. In addition, we analyzed the spatial distribution of the vegetation based on the economic values of the terrestrial ecosystem services. Our findings can contribute to the conservation of these terrestrial ecosystems and the effective use of these ecosystem services.
Learning to live in a global commons: socioeconomic challenges for a sustainable environment
Authors: Levin Simon A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractEcologists, economists and other social scientists have much incentive for interaction. First of all, ecological systems and socioeconomic systems are linked in their dynamics, and these linkages are key to coupling environmental protection and economic growth. Beyond this, however, are the obvious similarities in how ecological systems and socioeconomic systems function, and the common theoretical challenges in understanding their dynamics. This should not be surprising. Socioeconomic systems are in fact ecological systems, in which the familiar ecological phenomena of exploitation, cooperation and parasitism all can be identified as key features. Or, viewed from the opposite perspective, ecological systems are economic systems, in which competition for resources is key, and in which an evolutionary process shapes the individual agents to a distribution of specialization of function that leads to the emergence of flows and functionalities at higher levels of organization. Most fundamentally, ecological and socioeconomic systems alike are complex adaptive systems, in which patterns at the macroscopic level emerge from interactions and selection mechanisms mediated at many levels of organization, from individual agents to collectives to whole systems and even above. In such complex adaptive systems, robustness must be understood as emergent from selection processes operating at these many different levels, and the inherent nonlinearities can trigger sudden shifts in regimes that, in the case of the biosphere, can have major consequences for humanity. This lecture will explore the complex adaptive nature of ecosystems, and the implications for the robustness of ecosystem services on which we depend, and in particular examine the conditions under which cooperative behavior emerges. It will then turn attention to the socioeconomic systems in which environmental management is based, and ask what lessons can be learned from our examination of natural systems, and how we can modify social norms to achieve global cooperation in managing our common future. Of special interest will be issues of intragenerational and intergenerational equity, and the importance of various forms of discounting.
Relationships between wave exposure and biomass of the goose barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes, Gmelin, 1790) in the Gaztelugatxe Marine Reserve (Basque Country, northern Spain)
Authors: Borja Ángel , Liria Pedro , Muxika Iñigo , Bald Juan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMarine protected areas play an important role in the conservation of marine resources and fisheries management. In the Basque Country (northern Spain), the small (158 ha) Gaztelugatxe Marine Reserve was established in 1998; after 5 years without exploitation, it is considered likely that the goose barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes populations have recovered. This contribution provides information on the standing stock, and of the relationships between biomass, coverage, and density, and environmental factors such as wave height and energy derived from waves received at the coast. Increasing energy levels produce enhanced coverage and abundance, providing a bigger standing stock in the reserve. Numerical models to simulate the energy produced by waves can be used as a tool to predict the potential biomass of the goose barnacle along the coast. Such an approach allows comparison of observed and predicted biomasses, and possibly also determination of the factors involved in the observed differences, e.g. overexploitation and pollution; this will assist in assessing goose barnacle resources along the coast.
Vasopressin in catecholamine‐resistant septic and cardiogenic shock in very‐low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Meyer Sascha , Löffler Günther , Polcher Thorsten , Gottschling Sven , Gortner Ludwig 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To evaluate vasopressin as a rescue therapy in catecholamine‐refractory septic and cardiogenic shock in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants. Methods: Prospective assessment of vasopressin therapy in three VLBW infants with catecholamine‐refractory septic shock (24+.6 wk, 600 g) and cardiogenic shock (26+.1 wk, 890 g; 26+.1 wk, 880 g) at a university hospital. Results: Adequate systemic arterial blood pressure could only be restored after vasopressin administration as a continuous infusion over a 36‐h period in the preterm suffering from septic shock; in the two neonates with cardiogenic shock, only a transient stabilization in mean arterial pressure was observed, which did not impact on the poor prognosis. Conclusion: Although vasopressin appears to be a suitable rescue therapy in catecholamine‐resistant septic shock in VLBW infants, further evaluation in controlled clinical trials is warranted.
Morphine‐related apnoea in CPAP‐treated preterm neonates
Authors: Enders Jan , Gebauer Corinna , Pulzer Ferdinand , Robel‐Tillig Eva , Knüpfer Matthias 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Background: Morphine can be used to treat pain in preterm neonates with CPAP because of its analgetic potency; however, it is known to induce apnoea. Aim: To evaluate this risk of apnoea. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 91 preterm neonates with CPAP who received morphine intravenously. The incidence of apnoea 4 h before and after morphine administration was compared. The data were analysed for three dosage groups (<0.01, 0.01–0.03 and 0.03 mg/kg) and according to the incidence of apnoea before morphine application. Results: In the whole group (gestational age 29.1±2.9 wk, morphine dosage 0.017±0.01 mg/kg) we did not find differences in apnoea before and after morphine (0.9±1.8 vs 1.1±1.8 apnoea). The only significant increase in apnoea was seen in the subgroup of patients receiving > 0.03 mg/kg (0.3±0.67 vs 1.5±2.5 apnoea). Interestingly, we found a significantly delayed increase in apnoea in the fourth hour. Conclusion: Morphine in preterm infants with CPAP is not widely accepted practice until further randomized studies evaluate efficacy and safety. Morphine in a low dosage (≤0.03 mg/kg) did not significantly increase the apnoea rate in CPAP‐treated preterm infants. For clinical work, it is very important to note that morphine‐related apnoea may appear with a delay of approximately 4 h.
The frequency of vitamin D insufficiency in healthy female adolescents
Authors: Olmez Duygu , Bober Ece , Buyukgebiz Atilla , Cimrin Dilek 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To establish the frequency and causes of vitamin D insufficiency in healthy female adolescents in Izmir, Turkey. Methods: 64 adolescents from a low‐ (Ikinci Inönü) and a high‐ (Ilica) socio‐economic settlement were included. Parents’ monthly income was classified as low, middle and high. The blood samples were drawn at the end of the summer and winter periods. Results: Vitamin D insufficiency percentages for the end‐of‐winter period were 59.4% in Ikinci Inönü and 15.6% in Ilica, and for the end of summer 25% and 15.6%, respectively. Calcidiol levels of cases from Ikinci Inönü were found to be lower compared with the levels of cases from Ilica (34±15 vs 59±24 nmol/l for end of winter, p= 0.000; 51±22 vs 65±28 nmol/l for end of summer, p= 0.03). Calcidiol levels of cases whose parental monthly income was low and whose mothers were illiterate were significantly lower than the others (48±18 vs 65±29 nmol/l for end of summer, p= 0.01; 33±16 vs 56±23 nmol/l for end of winter, p= 0.000; 45±13 vs 64±29 nmol/l for end of summer, p= 0.007; 36±17 vs 51±25 nmol/l for end of winter, p= 0.02; respectively). Conclusion: Vitamin D insufficiency was frequent, especially in the end‐of‐winter period. Basic risk factors were low socio‐economic status, illiteracy of mothers and low calcium intake.
The G protein ?3 subunit 825C allele is associated with sudden infant death due to infection
Authors: Opdal Siri Hauge , Melien Øyvind , Rootwelt Helge , Vege Åshild , Arnestad Marianne , Rognum Torleiv Ole 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To investigate the Gβ3 subunit C825T polymorphism with regard to sudden unexpected infant death. The reported association between the Gβ3s protein and increased immune cell function in humans makes this polymorphism highly interesting both with regard to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and deleterious infectious disease. Methods: The cases investigated in the present study consist of 250 SIDS cases, 38 cases of sudden unexpected infant death due to infection and 99 living infant controls. Typing of the C825T polymorphism was performed by real‐time PCR with allele‐specific probes and melting curve analyses. Results: The cases of infectious death have a higher percentage of both the C allele (p=0.037 compared to the SIDS cases, p=0.022 compared to the controls) and the CC genotype (p=0.05 compared to the SIDS cases, p=0.016 compared to the controls). There were no differences between SIDS cases and controls. Conclusion: The observed association between the 825C allele and infectious death may indicate that the presence of the 825T allele exerts a protective effect towards serious infection, possibly through enhanced G protein signalling. The C allele, on the other hand, appears to represent a disadvantage in this regard.
Shorter hospital stay for moderately preterm infants
Authors: Altman Maria , Vanpée Mireille , Bendito Ana , Norman Mikael 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To determine length of hospital stay (LOS) for moderately preterm infants during the last 20 years, and to identify factors affecting the number of bed‐days. Methods: Review of LOS for all infants delivered between 30 to 34 gestational weeks during 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2002. Exclusion criteria: life‐threatening abnormalities, chromosomal anomalies and death during hospitalization. Results: 564 included infants accounted for 20% of admissions and 48% of bed‐days in the neonatal unit. Between 1983 and 2002, maternal age and use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure increased, use of antibiotics and mechanical ventilation decreased, whereas distributions for gestational age, birthweight, gender, smallness for gestational age, low Apgar score or incidence of respiratory distress syndrome did not change. For healthy inborn singletons discharged home, LOS decreased from 1983 (28±11 d, mean±SD values) to 2002 (14±7 d, p<0.05). Infants born more immature had longer LOS, but postconceptional age at discharge did not differ between age groups. Conclusion: LOS for moderately preterm infants has decreased as a result of individualized neonatal care and organization of homecare support. Shorter LOS is of benefit to the family, prevents overcrowding in the NICU and has important economic implications.
Cyanobacterial response regulator PatA contains a conserved N-terminal domain (PATAN) with an alpha-helical insertion
Authors: Makarova Kira S. , Koonin Eugene V. , Haselkorn Robert , Galperin Michael Y. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The cyanobacterium Anabaena (Nostoc) PCC 7120 responds to starvation for nitrogen compounds by differentiating approximately every 10th cell in the filament into nitrogen-fixing cells called heterocysts. Heterocyst formation is subject to complex regulation, which involves an unusual response regulator PatA that contains a CheY-like phosphoacceptor (receiver, REC) domain at its C-terminus. PatA-like response regulators are widespread in cyanobacteria; one of them regulates phototaxis in Synechocystis PCC 6803. Sequence analysis of PatA revealed, in addition to the REC domain, a previously undetected, conserved domain, which we named PATAN (after PatA N-terminus), and a potential helix–turn–helix (HTH) domain. PATAN domains are encoded in a variety of environmental bacteria and archaea, often in several copies per genome, and are typically associated with REC, Roadblock and other signal transduction domains, or with DNA-binding HTH domains. Many PATAN domains contain insertions of a small additional domain, termed α-clip, which is predicted to form a four-helix bundle. PATAN domains appear to participate in protein–protein interactions that regulate gliding motility and processes of cell development and differentiation in cyanobacteria and some proteobacteria, such as Myxococcus xanthus and Geobacter sulfurreducens.
Contact: galperin@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Supplementary information:
Using continuous GPS and absolute gravity to separate vertical land movements and changes in sea-level at tide-gauges in the UK
Authors: Teferle F.N , Bingley R.M , Williams S.D.P , Baker T.F , Dodson A.H 
Published: March 2006

Researchers investigating climate change have used historical tide-gauge measurements from all over the world to investigate the changes in sea-level that have occurred over the last century or so. However, such estimates are a combination of any true sea-level variations and any vertical movements of the land at the specific tide-gauge. For a tide- gauge record to be used to determine the climate related component of changes in sea-level, it is therefore necessary to correct for the vertical land movement component of the observed change in sea-level.In 1990, the Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy and Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory started developing techniques based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) for measuring vertical land movements (VLM) at tide-gauges in the UK. This paper provides brief details of these early developments and shows how they led to the establishment of continuous GPS (CGPS) stations at a number of tide-gauges. The paper then goes on to discuss the use of absolute gravity (AG), as an independent technique for measuring VLM at tide-gauges. The most recent results, from CGPS time-series dating back to 1997 and AG time-series dating back to 1995/1996, are then used to demonstrate the complementarity of these two techniques and their potential for providing site-specific estimates of VLM at tide-gauges in the UK.
Exploiting protein structure data to explore the evolution of protein function and biological complexity
Authors: Marsden Russell L , Ranea Juan A.G , Sillero Antonio , Redfern Oliver , Yeats Corin , Maibaum Michael , Lee David , Addou Sarah , Reeves Gabrielle A , Dallman Timothy J , Orengo Christine A 
Published: March 2006

New directions in biology are being driven by the complete sequencing of genomes, which has given us the protein repertoires of diverse organisms from all kingdoms of life. In tandem with this accumulation of sequence data, worldwide structural genomics initiatives, advanced by the development of improved technologies in X-ray crystallography and NMR, are expanding our knowledge of structural families and increasing our fold libraries. Methods for detecting remote sequence similarities have also been made more sensitive and this means that we can map domains from these structural families onto genome sequences to understand how these families are distributed throughout the genomes and reveal how they might influence the functional repertoires and biological complexities of the organisms.
We have used robust protocols to assign sequences from completed genomes to domain structures in the CATH database, allowing up to 60% of domain sequences in these genomes, depending on the organism, to be assigned to a domain family of known structure. Analysis of the distribution of these families throughout bacterial genomes identified more than 300 universal families, some of which had expanded significantly in proportion to genome size. These highly expanded families are primarily involved in metabolism and regulation and appear to make major contributions to the functional repertoire and complexity of bacterial organisms.
When comparisons are made across all kingdoms of life, we find a smaller set of universal domain families (approx. 140), of which families involved in protein biosynthesis are the largest conserved component. Analysis of the behaviour of other families reveals that some (e.g. those involved in metabolism, regulation) have remained highly innovative during evolution, making it harder to trace their evolutionary ancestry. Structural analyses of metabolic families provide some insights into the mechanisms of functional innovation, which include changes in domain partnerships and significant structural embellishments leading to modulation of active sites and protein interactions.
Extended flexible sigmoidoscopy performed by colonoscopists for colorectal cancer screening: a pilot study
Authors: LEE J. G. , LUM D. , URAYAMA S. , MANN S. , SAAVEDRA S. , VIGIL H. , VILAYSAK C. , LEUNG J. W. , LEUNG F. W. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground  Caecal intubation can be achieved by extended flexible sigmoidoscopy in 32% of patients.Aim  To assess the feasibility of extended flexible sigmoidoscopy performed by colonoscopists for colorectal cancer screening.Methods  We enrolled 41 patients referred for screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. After purging, examination was performed with a colonoscope. All patients completed sigmoidoscopy (success in meeting referral goal); 93% and 71% had examination to the transverse or ascending colon, and caecum, respectively. Overall yield and right‐sided polyps was 56% and 27%, respectively. Caecal intubation and complete examination with polypectomy took 6.0 ± 2.5 and 18.3 ± 5.1 min, respectively; with no complications. Twelve patients requested colonoscope withdrawal because of discomfort. Although 46% reported moderate to severe discomfort, 39% and 36%, respectively, were definitely or probably willing to repeat flexible sigmoidoscopy.Results  Unsedated colonoscopy introduced as extended flexible sigmoidoscopy emphasizes the benefits of added yield rather than the negative image of withholding of discomfort relief. The patient can choose to accept the equivalent of an unsedated colonoscopy or reject the option based on perceived discomfort during extended flexible sigmoidoscopy performed by the colonoscopist.Conclusion  Extended flexible sigmoidoscopy is a feasible option in carefully selected patients, fully prepared and by an experienced colonoscopist.