bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide donors on hyaluronic acid synthesis by synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: CHENEVIER-GOBEAUX Camille , MORIN-ROBINET Séverine , LEMARECHAL Hervé , POIRAUDEAU Serge , EKINDJIAN Jean-Charles O. G. , BORDERIE Didier 
Published: August 2004

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of (i) the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL (interleukin)-1β, TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α), IFN-γ (interferon-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, and (ii) NO (nitric oxide) donors on HA (hyaluronic acid) production by synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Synovial cells obtained from five patients with rheumatoid arthritis were incubated for 24 h without or with IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, or with this mixture for 24 h plus IL-4 or IL-13 for the last 6 h. The same cells were also incubated for 3–24 h without or with SNP (sodium nitroprusside) or SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine). HA secretion was determined by an immunoenzymic assay based on HA-specific binding by proteoglycan isolated from bovine cartilage. IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ alone or in combination stimulated HA synthesis, whereas IL-4 and IL-13 dose-dependently inhibited HA production induced by Th1 cytokines. HA production was significantly increased by the presence of 1 mM SNP after 6 and 12 h (maximal effect). HA production was significantly increased by the presence of 0.01 and 0.1 mM SNAP after 12 h of incubation, and cells treated with 1 mM SNAP showed a maximal HA production after 24 h of incubation. In conclusion, the present study provides data concerning the regulatory role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and NO donors on HA metabolism in rheumatoid synovial cells and may help in understanding the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Problems of Rationality
Authors: Davidson Donald 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Applies Davidson's Unified Theory of thought, meaning, and action to three families of problems involving various aspects of rationality, some degree of which Davidson's theory of radical interpretation attributes to any creature, which can be said to have a mind. These problems are the nature and our understanding of value judgements, the adequacy conditions for attributing mental states to a being, and the problem of irrationality.
The first four chapters apply Davidson's thesis that our interpretations of another person's mental states are a source of objectivity to value judgements: such judgements, Davidson argues in this section, are as objective as any judgement about the mind can be. Chs 5 to 10 develop Davidson's Unified Theory for interpreting thought, meaning, and action, the primary concern of this section being the specification of the minimal conditions for attributing mental states to an object or creature. Chs 11 to 14 deal primarily with the problems raised by those cognitive states and actions that seem to violate, in a fundamental way, the constraints of rationality. Since Davidson regards the constraints of rationality to be amongst the necessary conditions for both mind and interpretation, irrational thoughts, and actions pose a particular problem for his Unified Theory. The final four chapters attempt to remove the apparent contradiction.
Justice, Legitimacy, and Self-Determination
Authors: Buchanan Allen 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
This book articulates a systematic vision of an international legal system grounded in the commitment to justice for all persons. It provides a probing exploration of the moral issues involved in disputes about secession, ethno‐national conflict, ‘the right of self‐determination of peoples’, human rights, and the legitimacy of the international legal system itself. The author advances vigorous criticisms of the central dogmas of international relations and international law, arguing that the international legal system should make justice, not simply peace, among states a primary goal, and rejecting the view that it is permissible for a state to conduct its foreign policies exclusively according to what is in the ‘national interest’. He also shows that the only alternatives are not rigid adherence to existing international law or lawless chaos in which the world's one superpower pursues its own interests without constraints. This book not only criticizes the existing international legal order, but also offers morally defensible and practicable principles for reforming it. After a Synopsis and Introduction, which discusses the idea of a moral theory of international law, the book has four parts: I: Justice (3 chapters); II: Legitimacy (3 chapters); III: Self‐Determination (2 chapters); and IV: Reform (2 chapters). The book is one of the titles in the Oxford Political Theory Series.
The Divine Lawmaker
Authors: Foster John 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn our experience so far, the universe has worked in remarkably regular ways, and these regularities call for explanation. One way of accounting for them would be to suppose that things have been kept regular by laws of nature, construed as forms of natural necessity, and if we can make sense of there being such laws, this mode of explanation is the most plausible one. Another attractive feature of it is that, if it is accepted, it points the way to a solution to the problem of induction; for, assuming that the relevant laws are uniform across space and time, we know that the way things turn out in the unexamined cases, will conform, in the nomologically relevant respects, to the way they have turned out in the examined cases. If nomological explanations are excluded, the only alternative way of accounting for the regularities, with any prospect of acceptability, would be theistic. Can we, then, make sense of there being laws of the relevant sort? Only, I think, by construing a law as what is created by the causal imposing of a regularity on the universe as a regularity. But the only plausible account of such causal imposing would be theistic. So, whatever explanatory role, if any, we assign to laws, there is a strong case for the acceptance of theism. Once theism is accepted, there are further reasons for insisting that the God it postulates imposes regularities on the universe in a law‐creating way.
C‐KIT expression in primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Brauns Tilmann C. , Schultewolter Thomas , Dissemond Joachim , Maschke Jan , Goos Manfred 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Mutations of the stem cell factor receptor C‐KIT play a major pathogenetic role in the development of different malignant diseases like human mastocytosis, myeloproliferative disorders, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, acute myelogenous leukemia, and sinonasal lymphomas. Furthermore, the expression of C‐KIT has been described in Hodgkin's disease and nodal CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs). As it is possible to inhibit C‐KIT by innovative kinase inhibitors like STI571, it may be an attractive target for new therapeutical approaches. Therefore, we screened more than 50 different types of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (TCLs) for the presence of C‐KIT. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed on paraffin‐embedded tissue sections using a polyclonal rabbit anti‐human C‐KIT antibody. Naphtol‐ASD‐chloroacetate esterase (NASDCE)‐control stainings were performed on every positive sample to distinguish C‐KIT‐positive lymphoma cells from C‐KIT‐positive mast cells.Results:  We found weak expression of C‐KIT in seven of 18 patients with primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL, two of eight patients with primary cutaneous pleomorphic TCL, six of 18 patients suffering from mycosis fungoides, and three of five patients with Sezary's syndrome. Generally, only a very small population of the lymphoma cells expressed C‐KIT. This finding indicates a difference to the systemic variant of CD30+ ALCL. The potential use of C‐KIT targeting new therapeutical approaches is therefore discussed critically, because C‐KIT expression is very rare in all investigated types of primary cutaneous lymphoma.
Heat shock proteins 60 and 70 expression of cutaneous lichen planus: comparison with normal skin and psoriasis vulgaris*
Authors: Bayramgürler Dilek , Özkara Sevgiye Kaçar , Apaydin Rebiay , Erçin Cengiz , Bilen Nilgün 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are expressed by most living cells and play fundamental roles in many biological processes. Their synthesis increases by a variety of stresses in order to enable cellular survival. Although it is known that they play an important role in immune and inflammatory responses of the skin, the role of HSPs in the pathogenesis of skin diseases has been studied in only limited skin diseases. Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common papulosquamous dermatosis, and cell‐mediated immunity plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Although an altered expression of certain HSPs was reported in oral LP lesions, the expression of HSPs in cutaneous lesions of LP has not been investigated. In this immunohistochemical study, we aimed at investigating the role of HSPs in the pathogenesis of LP by studying whether there is any difference in HSP expression in cutaneous lesions of LP when compared to normal skin and psoriasis vulgaris (PV).Methods:  Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin biopsy specimen blocks from LP patients (n = 39), patients with psoriasis (n = 20), and normal skin controls (n = 20) were used in the study. Antibodies to HSPs 60 and 70 were applied immunohistochemically by using streptavidin–biotin–horseradish peroxidase complex. An immunoreactivity intensity distribution index (IRIDI) was calculated to express the proportion of the immunoreactive cells as well as the staining intensity in different layers of the epidermis.Results:  The mean IRIDI scores for HSP60 expression in the basal, suprabasal, and superficial epidermal layers of cutaneous LP were moderately higher than those of normal skin, but not different from those of PV skin. These scores for HSP70 in lesions of LP were moderately lower than those for normal skin in the basal layer, but not significantly different from normal in the other two layers. Scores for HSP70 in PV lesions were markedly lower in all three layers. In the cells of the inflammatory infiltrates (mostly lymphocytes), HSP60 scores for LP were moderately higher, compared to those for PV, whereas scores for HSP70 were much lower for LP and very much lower for PV.Conclusions:  Significantly altered levels of HSP proteins were found in cutaneous LP lesions in comparison with normal skin and psoriasis, suggesting the role of HSPs in the pathogenesis of LP.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of a Restored Population of Oryza rufipogon in Huli Marsh, South China
Authors: Liu Gui‐hua , Zhou Jin , Huang De‐si , Li Wei 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Studying the process of population restoration is helpful for managing and preserving endangered species. A population of Oryza rufipogon (wild rice), an endangered species, was reintroduced in 1993 into Huli Marsh. We conducted a detailed survey over a 5‐year period (1997–2001) to evaluate the present status of the population and to further our understanding of its habitat requirements and the population model. The population was surveyed using 2 × 2–m quadrats in mid‐September of each year. In total, 2,683 quadrats were surveyed covering the whole O. rufipogon reserve during each survey. The population's spatial distribution was mapped, and the maps were used to examine the relationship between patch replacement and water depth. The individual number of O. rufipogon increased steadily from 1993 to 2001. The patch number, patch area, mean patch size, and largest patch size increased over this time period, and Korcak patchiness exponents decreased. On average, 83% of the patches persisted from one year to the next. There was a significant positive correlation between the initial patch size and the size the following year. The probability of patch disappearance decreased as patch size increased. Fifty‐eight percent of the patches were located at water depths between 20 and 30 cm. Water depth had no significant effect on the patch transition from O. rufipogon to other species. The loss and gain of O. rufipogon patches were statistically correlated with the patch areas in different water depths. Our results show that the population of O. rufipogon can successfully be reintroduced to the original habitat after appropriate environmental conditions have been restored. We recommend the following transplantation practices: transplant many smaller patches rather than a few larger patches, use transplant patch sizes of at least 20 m2, and transplant into sites vegetated with species with different regeneration niches from the transplanted species.
Restoration of Magnesian Limestone Grassland: Optimizing the Time for Seed Collection by Vacuum Harvesting
Authors: Riley James D. , Craft Ian W. , Rimmer David L. , Smith Roger S. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Magnesian limestone grassland is the rarest limestone grassland community in the United Kingdom, with many sites having been lost to quarrying and urban development. Its reestablishment, and that of many other semi‐natural grassland habitats, can be enhanced using seed collected from established communities. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of methods of seed harvesting. The objectives of this study were to (1) test the effectiveness of a hand‐held vacuum harvester in the collection of an adequate quantity of seed, and range of species, to revegetate former quarries and (2) determine the optimum time for seed collection based on a phenological study of the plants at the donor site. Germination tests of harvested seed were used to identify species, based on the germinating seedlings. Thirty‐six species were identified, with Briza media (quaking grass) and Festuca sp. (red and sheep's fescue) being the dominant species and accounting for 74% of germinating seedlings. Species composition of vacuum‐harvested seed was compared with species composition of the vegetation found in the principal donor site. The most common species in the collected seed were also common at the donor site, but some characteristic species of the grassland were absent or did not germinate. Most species reached a peak in ripe seed production between mid‐August and early September. Although having several advantages, vacuum harvesting will not, by itself, provide either sufficient quantity of seed or the wide range of species often required. Suggestions are given for combining this technique with other methods.
Root Dynamics in Restored and Naturally Regenerated Atlantic White Cedar Wetlands
Authors: Rodgers H. LeRoy , Day Frank P. , Atkinson Robert 
Published: August 2004

Abstract This work addressed the seasonal and successional factors of root dynamics in natural and restoration Atlantic white cedar (AWC) wetlands. Using minirhizotrons and soil root cores, fine root dynamics were measured in a chronosequence of reference and restoration AWC wetlands to compare trends in ecosystem development after canopy harvest. Seasonal fine root abundance, production, and mortality were sampled during a 439‐day period in one restoration and three reference AWC wetlands. Soil cores were collected to measure fine root biomass and to determine allometric relationships between root length and biomass. Significant seasonal variation of root dynamics was observed in the young reference and restoration sites. The mature and intermediate‐aged sites exhibited little seasonal variability in root abundance and mortality. Root production was variable but not seasonally consistent. Results suggest that root dynamics become less seasonal as AWC communities shift from herbaceous to woody vegetation dominance. No trend in fine root abundance along the chronosequence was observed, suggesting that roots rapidly reestablish following tree harvest. Measurements of annual root length production suggest increasing annual production with decreasing stand age. However, a reversal of this trend was observed when using production estimates calculated from minirhizotron measurements and root length–mass relationships. These findings underscore the importance of supplementing minirhizotron data with root allometric relationships when analyzing vegetation gradients. Overall, results indicate substantial differences in the form and quantity of root contributions to soil organic matter in the restoration site compared to that in the reference chronosequence. Higher initial planting densities of AWC are recommended to achieve similar contributions of roots to soil organic matter accumulation in the restoration site.
Implications of Plant Density on the Resulting Community Structure of Mine Site Land
Authors: Jefferson Lara V. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract The relative abundances of Chenopodiaceae shrubs are different from the seed composition in the original seed mix when sown on mine waste material in semiarid regions of Western Australia. Experiments were therefore undertaken to determine what species interactions are responsible for shifts in relative abundance after seeding. The growth parameters of five members of the Chenopodiaceae were used to determine intra‐ and interspecific density‐dependent interactions. Dominant and subordinant species were paired and grown in pots at differing densities. The growth parameters measured were height, root, and shoot biomass. Of the five species chosen for this study, Maireana georgei (golden bluebush) and Enchylaena tomentosa (ruby saltbush) do not establish well on mine site areas. These were sensitive to density in monoculture, as well as in the presence of both Atriplex bunburyana (silver saltbush) and Atriplex codonocarpa (flat‐topped saltbush). Although Maireana brevifolia (small leaf bluebush) does establish successfully on mine sites when sown, it showed the same negative reaction when grown in monoculture and in a two‐species mixture. Atriplex bunburyana and A. codonocarpa, in contrast, are dominant species and reacted differently when grown with increasing numbers of the target species (M. georgei, M. brevifolia, and E. tomentosa). Atriplex bunburyana did not exhibit any decreases in growth when grown in competition with up to four plants of the target species. However, A. codonocarpa did react adversely to the presence of the target species. It is thought that the resulting plant community organization reflects the original seed mixture, which is usually sown at a high density. Yet, this study has shown that the differing intra‐ and interspecific density responses of these chenopod species provide an indication of the resulting community organization. To maximize diversity and to prevent dominance by highly competitive species, such as A. bunburyana, it is important to take density‐dependent effects into account during the restoration planning stage.
Buffering an Acidic Stream in New Hampshire with a Silicate Mineral
Authors: Likens Gene E. , Buso Donald C. , Dresser Brian K. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Hall Robert O. , Macneale Kate H. , Bailey Scott W. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Ground and pelletized Wollastonite (Wo; CaSiO3) was added to a 50‐m reach of an anthropogenically acidified stream within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, to evaluate its buffering and restoration potential. The Wo was highly effective in raising the pH, acid‐neutralizing capacity (ANC), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and Ca2+ concentrations of the stream water, but during the short duration of the experiment had no discernable effect on the stream biota. After initial, spike‐like fluctuations in pH and concentrations of ANC, DIC, and Ca2+, the relatively slow dissolution rates of the Wo dampened extreme concentrations and contributed to relatively long‐lasting (4 months) amelioration of streamwater acidity. Changes in concentrations of Ca2+, dissolved Si, ANC, and DIC were inversely related to streamflow. After several high, stream‐discharge events, concentrations quickly and consistently returned to pre‐event conditions.
Gastropod Colonization of a Created Coastal Wetland: Potential Influences of Habitat Suitability and Dispersal Ability
Authors: Armitage Anna R. , Fong Peggy 
Published: August 2004

Abstract We investigated the assumption that populations of epibenthic macroinvertebrates readily establish in created coastal wetlands by quantifying the spatial and temporal patterns of Cerithidea californica (California horn snail) density in a newly created wetland and an adjacent natural area in Mugu Lagoon, southern California, United States, for 3.5 years. The natural and created sites differed in vascular plant cover and sediment grain size, organic content, salinity, and moisture content. Densities of C. californica in the created site changed little during the study period, and were often lower than those in the natural site. The influences of habitat suitability and dispersal limitation on C. californica colonization of the created site varied among snail age classes. Sediment moisture and organic content explained some of the variability in subadult (47%) and adult (55%) density and relative abundance, but none of the variability in juvenile abundance. Adult snail density was also strongly influenced by distance from the natural/created site transition zone. Juvenile and subadult snail densities were not related to distance from the natural site, possibly due to greater dispersal ability. Between‐site differences in C. californica densities and size structure suggested that adult snails were affected by both habitat characteristics and dispersal ability, subadults were influenced to a lesser degree by habitat characteristics, and juveniles were not related to either factor. Accordingly, the influence of habitat characteristics and dispersal ability on created site colonization may change with snail age. Successful restoration of benthic invertebrate communities requires consideration of both habitat characteristics and dispersal ability of the target species, even in created sites in close proximity to natural areas.
The Potential of Cephalophyllum inaequale (L. Bolus) for the Restoration of Degraded Arid Landscapes in Namaqualand, South Africa
Authors: Anderson Pippin , Hoffman Timm , Holmes Patricia M. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract The potential of Cephalophyllum inaequale was investigated for use in initiating ecosystem restoration in degraded landscapes of Namaqualand, South Africa. Cephalophyllum inaequale, a perennial shrub, is a member of the succulent Mesembryanthemaceae family, typical of the Succulent Karoo Biome and in particular of the Namaqualand area. A bioclimatic envelope was modeled to establish the area in which this species might feasibly be used. The regional bioclimatic potential for C. inaequale proved to be extensive, covering approximately 17,500 km2. An examination of the functional role of C. inaequale showed it to facilitate early seedling survival in this community. A nearest‐neighbor study found no evidence of interspecific competition between C. inaequale and its dominant co‐occurring species, possibly due to vertical stratification of rooting structures. Cephalophyllum inaequale significantly reduced wind speed and soil erosion. Experiments to test the feasibility of propagating, reintroducing, and establishing this species showed that it easily germinates from seed, and transplanted cuttings have a high survival rate. This study demonstrates that C. inaequale has potential for use in initiating the restoration of degraded lands in South Africa.