bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon sequestration following afforestation of agricultural soils: comparing oak/beech forest to short‐rotation poplar coppice combining a process and a carbon accounting model
Authors: Deckmyn G. , Muys B. , Garcia Quijano J. , Ceulemans R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractTo compare the benefits for carbon (C) sequestration of afforestation with a multifunctional oak–beech forest vs. a poplar short‐rotation coppice (SRC), model simulations were run through a serial linkage of a mechanistic model and an accounting model. The process model SECRETS (Stand to Ecosystem CaRbon and EvapoTranspiration Simulator) was used to predict growth, C allocation and soil C. The output from SECRETS was used as an input for the C accounting model GORCAM (Graz Oak Ridge Carbon Accounting Model) yielding data on C sequestration in wood products, substitution of wood fuel for fossil fuel and total CO2 emission reduction. Such C accounting based on a process model enables a more realistic calculation of forest growth, litter decomposition and soil processes. Moreover, it allows simulating the influence of climate change on the C budget.Net primary production of an oak–beech forest is low, a stable 2.5 t C ha−1 yr−1 after 150 years, compared to 6.2 t C ha−1 yr−1 for a SRC plantation. But while the yield from the SRC poplar is used as fuel and thus returns quickly to the atmosphere, the yield from the oak‐beech forest is used in long‐lasting wood products. The total C pool in the mixed forest (living biomass, wood products and soil) after 150 years amounts to 324 t C ha−1 compared to 162 in the poplar coppice. However, when account is taken of the energy substitution, coppice culture reduces emissions with 24.3–29.3 t CO2 ha−1 yr−1 while the mixed forest reduces only 6.2–7.1 t CO2 ha−1 yr−1.These results demonstrate the added value of combining detailed process models with C‐accounting models to improve the predictive capacity of model simulations.
Carbon sequestration and ecosystem respiration for 4 years in a Scots pine forest
Authors: Zha Tianshan , Kellomäki Seppo , Wang Kai‐Yun , Rouvinen Ismo 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe net exchange of CO2 (NEE) between a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest ecosystem in eastern Finland and the atmosphere was measured continuously by the eddy covariance (EC) technique over 4 years (1999–2002). The annual temperature coefficient (Q10) of ecosystem respiration (R) for these years, respectively, was 2.32, 2.66, 2.73 and 2.69. The light‐saturated rate of photosynthesis (Amax) was highest in July or August, with an annual average Amax of 10.9, 14.6, 15.3 and 17.1 μmol m−2 s−1 in the 4 years, respectively. There was obvious seasonality in NEE, R and gross primary production (GPP), exhibiting a similar pattern to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and air temperature. The integrated daily NEE ranged from 2.59 to −4.97 g C m−2 day−1 in 1999, from 2.70 to −4.72 in 2000, from 2.61 to −4.71 in 2001 and from 5.27 to −4.88 in 2002. The maximum net C uptake occurred in July, with the exception of 2000, when it was in June. The interannual variation in ecosystem C flux was pronounced. The length of the growing season, based on net C uptake, was 179, 170, 175 and 176 days in 1999–2002, respectively, and annual net C sequestration was 152, 101, 172 and 205 g C m−2 yr−1. It is estimated that ecosystem respiration contributed 615, 591, 752 and 879 g C m−2 yr−1 to the NEE in these years, leading to an annual GPP of −768, −692, −924 and −1084 g C m−2 yr−1. It is concluded that temperature and PAR were the main determinants of the ecosystem CO2 flux. Interannual variations in net C sequestration are predominantly controlled by average air temperature and integrated radiation in spring and summer. Four years of EC data indicate that boreal Scots pine forest ecosystem in eastern Finland acts as a relatively powerful carbon sink. Carbon sequestration may benefit from warmer climatic conditions.
Identification and characterization of macaque CD89 (immunoglobulin A Fc receptor)
Authors: Rogers Kenneth A. , Scinicariello Franco , Attanasio Roberta 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe interaction of the immunoglobulin A (IgA) molecule with its specific cellular receptor is necessary to trigger a variety of effector functions able to clear IgA‐opsonized antigens. The human IgA‐specific Fc receptor, FcαRI or CD89, is expressed on cells of the myeloid lineage. Recently, CD89 homologues have been identified in rats and cattle. Because non‐human primates represent well established models for a variety of human diseases and for the testing of immunotherapeutic strategies, we cloned and sequenced cDNAs corresponding to the CD89 gene from rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) macaques. Macaque sequences of full‐length CD89 consist of five exons of length identical to the corresponding human CD89 exons. The rhesus and cynomolgus macaque derived amino acid sequences are highly homologous to each other (99·3% identity) and exhibit 86·5% and 86·1% identity to the human counterpart, respectively. Transfection of HeLa cells with plasmids containing the cloned macaque cDNAs resulted in the expression of surface molecules recognized by an anti‐human CD89 antibody. Five splice variants were identified in rhesus macaques. Three of the five variants are similar to described human CD89 splice variants, whereas two variants have not been described in humans. Three splice variants were identified in cynomolgus macaques. Of the three variants, one is present also in humans and rhesus macaques, whereas the other two are shared with rhesus macaques but not humans. Similarly to the human CD89, macaque CD89 is expressed on myeloid cells from peripheral blood. The characterization of macaque CD89 represents an essential step in establishing a non‐human primate model for the testing of immunotherapeutic approaches based on the manipulation of the IgA/CD89 interaction.
Differential analysis of CD4+ Th memory clones with identical T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐αβ rearrangement (non‐transgenic), but distinct lymphokine phenotype, reveals diverse and novel gene expression
Authors: Graham Christine M. , Thomas D. Brian 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThis study describes a subtractive hybridization analysis to identify differences in gene expression between sibling Th memory clones, elicited by virus infection and expressing identical T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐αβ rearrangements but distinct lymphokine phenotype: clone Bpp9 secretes interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10; clone Bpp19 secretes interferon (IFN)‐γ, low levels of IL‐4, and IL‐5 on TCR ligation. cDNA sequencing of difference products (DP) identified both novel and known regulatory (DNA: RNA‐binding) or signalling proteins (kinases: phosphatases). Of the 10 novel genes identified, three were putative membrane proteins, one a predicted nuclear protein containing a PEST sequence motif, one a predicted transporter fragment and one contained a zinc‐finger motif. One of the membrane proteins was found only in RNA from the activated IFN‐γ‐producing clone, i.e. not in other tissues. In addition, a high frequency of granzyme A, B, C and G transcripts (for clone Bpp9) or transcripts for CD94 and NKG2A (for clone Bpp19) were expressed differentially, together with transcripts that mapped to, so far, unassigned regions of the mouse genome that may be further novel genes. The transcriptional profiles presented here may therefore include candidate regulators of Th diversity and effector function.
Oligodeoxynucleotides lacking CpG dinucleotides mediate Toll‐like receptor 9 dependent T helper type 2 biased immune stimulation
Authors: Vollmer Jörg , Weeratna Risini D. , Jurk Marion , Samulowitz Ulrike , Mccluskie Michael J. , Payette Paul , Davis Heather L. , Schetter Christian , Krieg Arthur M. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryOligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) with unmethylated CpG dinucleotides mimic the immune stimulatory activity of bacterial DNA in vertebrates and are recognized by Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9). It is also possible to detect immune activation with certain phosphorothioate sequences that lack CpG motifs. These ODN are less potent than CpG ODN and the mechanism by which they stimulate mammalian leucocytes is not understood. We here provide several lines of evidence demonstrating that the effects induced by non‐CpG ODN are mediated by TLR9. First, non‐CpG ODN could not stimulate cytokine secretion from the splenocytes of TLR9‐deficient (TLR9–/–) mice. Second, immunization of TLR9+/+ but not TLR9–/– mice with non‐CpG ODN enhanced antigen‐specific antibody responses, although these were T helper type 2 (Th2)‐biased. Third, reactivity to non‐CpG ODN could be reconstituted by transfection of human TLR9 into non‐responsive cells. In addition, we define a new efficient immune stimulatory motif aside from the CpG dinucleotide that consists of a 5′‐TC dinucleotide in a thymidine‐rich background. Non‐CpG ODN containing this motif induced activation of human B cells, but lacked stimulation of Th1‐like cytokines and chemokines. Our study indicates that TLR9 can mediate either efficient Th1‐ or Th2‐dominated effects depending on whether it is stimulated by CpG or certain non‐CpG ODN.
Signal transduction by the lipopolysaccharide receptor, Toll‐like receptor‐4
Authors: Pålsson‐McDermott Eva M. , O'Neill Luke A. J. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryAn understanding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signal transduction is a key goal in the effort to provide a molecular basis for the lethal effect of LPS during septic shock and point the way to novel therapies. Rapid progress in this field during the last 6 years has resulted in the discovery of not only the receptor for LPS – Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) – but also in a better appreciation of the complexity of the signalling pathways activated by LPS. Soon after the discovery of TLR4, the formation of a receptor complex in response to LPS, consisting of dimerized TLR4 and MD‐2, was described. Intracellular events following the formation of this receptor complex depend on different sets of adapters. An early response, which is dependent on MyD88 and MyD88‐like adapter (Mal), leads to the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). A later response to LPS makes use of TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β (TRIF) and TRIF‐related adapter molecule (TRAM), and leads to the late activation of NF‐κB and IRF3, and to the induction of cytokines, chemokines, and other transcription factors. As LPS signal transduction is an area of intense research and rapid progress, this review is intended to sum up our present understanding of the events following LPS binding to TLR4, and we also attempt to create a model of the signalling pathways activated by LPS.
Mutation analysis of the BOULE gene in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia: identification of a novel polymorphic variant in the black population
Authors: Lepretre Anne Claire , Patrat Catherine , Jouannet Pierre , Bienvenu Thierry 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe BOULE gene is a member of the ‘deleted in azoospermia’DAZ family. As in flies and worms, disruption of the BOULE homologues leads to meiotic defects during the first meiotic division, we screened the coding region of the BOULE gene from 40 infertile men with non‐obstructive azoospermia or severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia by denaturing high‐pressure liquid chromatography and direct sequencing in order to make progress in elucidating the aetiology of male infertility. Two infertile patients were heterozygous for a novel G to C transversion in exon 2 resulting in a Q2E amino acid substitution. As these two infertile men were from African origin, screening of fertile African subjects identified this novel variant in two fertile male subjects suggesting that this novel Q2E substitution had non‐pathologic role. Taking into account the size of our sample, we conclude that BOULE coding sequence mutations are not an important factor in the aetiology of azoospermia.
Electron microscopic observations of human sperm whole‐mounts after extraction for nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments (NM‐IF)
Authors: Markova Maya Dyankova 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe extraction for nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments (NM–IF) is used to reveal, isolate and study these highly resistant structures in different cell types. We applied for the first time this chemical dissection to human spermatozoa and observed them as whole‐mounts by unembedded electron microscopy. The general appearance of NM–IF extracted sperm cells was preserved, showing the intermediate filament‐like properties of their cytoskeletal components. In most heads, a network was observed in subacrosomal position, consisting of hubs interconnected by filaments. It seemed to be overlaid on another, finer network. The neck retained its integrity, allowing observations of the three‐dimensional structure of the segmented columns. More distally, axoneme and outer dense fibres were covered by submitochondrial cytoskeleton in the middle piece and fibrous sheath in the principal piece, with the annulus usually detached from the fibrous sheath. End piece microtubules were retained in most cells and showed a tendency of cohesion, remaining in a parallel bundle or forming flat sheets. In conclusion, our results provided additional structural details of human sperm cytoskeleton and demonstrated the advantages of combining different methodological approaches in ultrastructural research.
Insulin‐like 3 signalling in testicular descent
Authors: Adham Ibrahim M. , Agoulnik Alexander I. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryUndescended testis is one of the most common congenital defects in the newborn boys and the common cause of cryptorchidism. If left untreated, this condition is strongly associated with infertility and drastically increased risk of testicular cancer in adulthood. Testis position in developing males is defined by sexual dimorphic differentiation of two gonadal ligaments, gubernaculum and cranial suspensory ligament. Recent transgenic mouse studies identified testicular hormone insulin‐like 3 (INSL3), and its receptor, GREAT/LGR8, as the critical regulators of the gubernacular differentiation. Mutation analysis of the two genes in patients with undescended testis revealed functionally deleterious mutations, which may be responsible for the abnormal phenotype in some of the patients.
Partial purification and characterization of a trypsin‐like serine protease from bovine sperm
Authors: Cesari Andreina , Cacciato Claudio Santiago , De Castro Rosana Esther , Sánchez Jorge Julián 
Published: September 2004

SummarySperm proteolytic activities are relevant in the enzymatic mechanism of fertilization. Several authors have suggested the presence of serine proteases other than acrosin in mice and human spermatozoa. In this work we describe the characterization of a partially purified bovine sperm serine protease BSp66 and its dimmer, BSp120. Partial purification of the monomer was performed from fresh spermatozoa, while the dimer form of the protease was obtained from cryopreserved spermatozoa. The Mr of BSp120 and BSp66 estimated by zymography and gel filtration chromatography were 120 and 66 kDa, respectively. They were positively stained by Schiff‐PAS reagent for glycoproteins and they both digested synthetic peptides with basic amino acids in the P1 site. Polyclonal antibodies against acrosin or proacrosin did not cross‐react neither with BSp120, nor BSp66. In addition, antibodies raised in our laboratory against BSp120 and BSp66 did not recognize acrosin or proacrosin suggesting that they are not antigenically related proteins. Also, no cross‐ reactivity was detected with proteins in the range of 120–66 kDa when antibodies against the proteasome were used. The cellular localization of this protease by optical immunocytochemistry using specific antibodies revealed a positive signal in the apical portion of the sperm head suggesting acrosomal or membrane localization. The evidences presented here characterize BSp66 as a trypsin‐like serine protease, a putative new member of this highly redundant proteolytic system of the sperm acrosome.
CFTR mutations and polymorphisms in male infertility
Authors: Cuppens Harry , Cassiman Jean‐Jacques 
Published: September 2004

SummaryApart from cystic fibrosis, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are also involved in congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). A mutation is identified in about 80% of the CFTR genes derived from CBAVD patients; the genetic defect in the remainder is yet unknown. In contrast to CF patients, when CFTR is involved, at least one of the mutant CFTR genes of CBAVD patients harbors a mild mutation. A polyvariant mutant CFTR gene is the most frequent CBAVD causing mutant CFTR gene. Here, combinations of particular alleles at several polymorphic loci yield insufficient functional CFTR. The fact that most CBAVD patients, that carry mutations on both CFTR genes, have no lung disease is most probably explained by tissue specific alternative splicing, which is increased in vas deferens compared to bronchial tissue. It has also been reported that CBAVD may be involved in other forms of infertility than CBAVD, however this has not always been confirmed in other studies. Because of techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, CBAVD patients are now able to father children, however such couples have an increased risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis, and therefore genetic testing and counselling should be provided.
Estradiol levels in prepubertal boys and girls – analytical challenges
Authors: Bay Katrine , Andersson Anna‐Maria , Skakkebaek Niels E. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryIncreasing evidence points at an important function of low concentrations of estradiol (E2) in prepubertal boys and girls. E2 serum levels in prepubertal children are, however, often immeasurable in conventional E2 assays. This strongly hampers further investigation of the physiological relevance of E2 in children. In addition, there is an increasing concern of the potential effect of exposure to endocrine disrupters with estrogenic or antiandrogenic activity on pubertal development. A requirement of assessing the instance for this concern, adds further to the demands for applicable methodologies for the evaluation of the sensitivity of the organism to low E2 concentrations. Traditionally, E2 is measured by use of the radioimmunoassay (RIA). As an ultrasensitive alternative to the RIA, a recombinant cell bioassay has been developed. In this review, methodological aspects for these methods of analysis are examined and their applicability for evaluation of low E2 serum concentrations in children is estimated. Furthermore, available data on E2 levels in prepubertal boys and girls are evaluated and discussed, taking into consideration the limitations of the methods of analysis. In conclusion, there is a pronounced demand for new and improved methods of analysis for accurate and sensitive evaluation of low concentrations of E2.
Systematic relaxation to relieve postoperative pain
Authors: Roykulcharoen Varunyupa , Good Marion 
Published: September 2004

Background.  Unrelieved pain after surgery can lead to complications, prolonged hospital stay, and delayed recovery. Because of side effects from opioids and differences in response, it is important to use non‐pharmacological methods in addition to analgesics to decrease patient discomfort and anxiety.Aims.  We examined the effects of a systematic method of relaxing the body on the sensory and affective components of postoperative pain, anxiety, and opioid intake after initial ambulation.Design.  A randomized controlled trial with relaxation and control groups was used.Method.  The convenience sample of 102 adults underwent abdominal surgery at a large hospital in Thailand. Systematic relaxation was used for 15 minutes during recovery from the first ambulation after surgery. Pain was measured with 100 mm Visual Analogue Sensation and Distress of Pain Scales before and after the intervention. State anxiety was measured before surgery and after the intervention; opioid intake was recorded 6 hours later.Results.  The relaxation group had less post‐test sensation and distress of pain (26 and 25 mm less, respectively) than the control group (P = 0·001). Relaxation did not result in significantly less anxiety or 6‐hour opioid intake. However, group differences in state anxiety were in the expected direction and fewer participants in the relaxation group requested opioids. Nearly all reported that systematic relaxation reduced their pain and increased their sense of control.Conclusion.  Substantial reductions in the sensation and distress of pain were found when postoperative patients used systematic relaxation. Although tested in Thailand, we recommend that nurses in other countries try systematic relaxation with postoperative patients, in addition to analgesic medication, measuring pain scores and asking about cultural acceptance.
GENOPHAR: a randomized study of plasma drug measurements in association with genotypic resistance testing and expert advice to optimize therapy in patients failing antiretroviral therapy*
Authors: Bossi P , Peytavin G , Ait‐Mohand H , Delaugerre C , Ktorza N , Paris L , Bonmarchand M , Cacace R , David D‐J , Simon A , Lamotte C , Marcelin A‐G , Calvez V , Bricaire F , Costagliola D , Katlama C 
Published: September 2004

ObjectivesTo evaluate the benefits of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in association with genotypic resistance testing and expert advice to optimize therapy in multiexperienced patients infected with HIV‐1.MethodsPatients with a viral load>1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and an unchanged antiretroviral therapy regimen over the last 3 months were randomized into two groups: a genotypic group (G) and a geno‐pharmacological group (GP). Treatment was selected by an expert committee according to genotypic resistance testing (the G and GP groups) and TDM (the GP group) at week 4. Treatment could be modified at each visit according to toxicity, poor virological response and TDM. Results of TDM were withheld from the G group until week 12. The primary endpoint of the study was the percentage of patients with viral load<200 copies/mL at week 12.ResultsA total of 134 patients were randomized in the study, with 67 in each group, and included in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. At baseline, median values were as follows: viral load (log10 copies/mL): G=4.1, GP=4.0; CD4 cell count (cells/μL): G=292, GP=294; and number of prior drugs: G=7, GP=8. The median number of resistance mutations was five in the G group [nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)=three; non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)=one; protease inhibitors (PI)=one] and seven in the GP group (NRTI=four; NNRTI=two; PI=one). At week 8, treatment was adjusted according to the TDM in 13 of the 67 patients in the GP group (19%). By ITT missing equal failure analysis at week 12, and after only one intervention according to plasma concentration results, a viral load<200 copies/mL was achieved in 30 of the 67 patients (45%) in the G group and in 29 of the 67 patients (43%) in the GP group (not significant). In the multivariate analysis, only prior exposure to at least two PIs at baseline gave a poor response to subsequent antiretroviral therapy. At week 24, a viral load<200 copies/mL was achieved in 35 of the 67 patients (52%) in the G group and in 40 of the 67 patients (60%) in the GP group.ConclusionsA statistically significant benefit of using TDM was not found in this short‐term study where patients appeared to be adherent. However, combining genotypic resistance testing with the use of an expert committee to monitor subsequent therapy individually in patients with multiple resistance mutations was associated with high antiviral efficacy.