Multiple filters affect tree species assembly in mid-latitude forest communities.

Species assembly patterns of local communities are shaped by the balance between multiple abiotic/biotic filters and dispersal that both select individuals from species pools at the regional scale. Knowledge regarding functional assembly can provide insight into the relative importance of the deterministic and stochastic processes that shape species assembly. We evaluated the hierarchical roles of the α niche and ß niches by analyzing the influence of environmental filtering relative to functional traits on geographical patterns of tree species assembly in mid-latitude forests. Using forest plot datasets, we examined the α niche traits (leaf and wood traits) and ß niche properties (cold/drought tolerance) of tree species, and tested non-randomness (clustering/over-dispersion) of trait assembly based on null models that assumed two types of species pools related to biogeographical regions. For most plots, species assembly patterns fell within the range of random expectation. However, particularly for cold/drought tolerance-related ß niche properties, deviation from randomness was frequently found; non-random clustering was predominant in higher latitudes with harsh climates. Our findings demonstrate that both randomness and non-randomness in trait assembly emerged as a result of the α and ß niches, although we suggest the potential role of dispersal processes and/or species equalization through trait similarities in generating the prevalence of randomness. Clustering of ß niche traits along latitudinal climatic gradients provides clear evidence of species sorting by filtering particular traits. Our results reveal that multiple filters through functional niches and stochastic processes jointly shape geographical patterns of species assembly across mid-latitude forests.

Influence of sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar application on nitrate leaching in calcaric dark red soil.

Application of biochar has been suggested to improve water- and fertilizer-retaining capacity of agricultural soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bagasse charcoal (sugarcane [ L.] bagasse-derived biochar) on nitrate (NO) leaching from Shimajiri Maji soil, which has low water- and fertilizer-retaining capacity. The nitrate adsorption properties of bagasse charcoal formed at five pyrolysis temperatures (400-800° C) were investigated to select the most suitable bagasse charcoal for NO adsorption. Nitrate was able to adsorb onto the bagasse charcoal formed at pyrolysis temperatures of 700 to 800° C. Nitrate adsorption by bagasse charcoal (formed at 800° C) that passed through a 2-mm sieve was in a state of nonequilibrium even at 20 h after the addition of 20 mg N L KNO solution. Measurements suggested that the saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of bagasse charcoal (800° C)-amended soils are affected by changes in soil tortuosity and porosity and the presence of meso- and micropores in the bagasse charcoal, which did not contribute to soil water transfer. In NO leaching studies using bagasse charcoal (800° C)-amended soils with different charcoal contents (0-10% [w/w]), the maximum concentration of NO in effluents from bagasse charcoal-amended soil columns was approximately 5% less than that from a nonamended soil column because of NO adsorption by bagasse charcoal (800° C). We conclude that application of bagasse charcoal (800°C) to the soil will increase the residence time of NO in the root zone of crops and provide greater opportunity for crops to absorb NO.

Efficacy and safety of pioglitazone in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary stent implantation.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that thiazolidinediones reduce neointimal hyperplasia after bare metal stent (BMS) implantation, but this drug group sometimes cause fluid retention that may lead to heart failure. OBJECTIVES: To examine the safety and efficacy of pioglitazone in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary BMS implantation. METHODS: Diabetic or non-diabetic patients with STEMI (<12 h from onset) successfully treated with primary BMS implantation were randomised to either the pioglitazone (15 mg, up to 30 mg) or control groups. Patients in cardiogenic shock were excluded. Primary efficacy end point was percentage neointimal volume within the stented segment at 6 months using three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound. Safety end point was a composite of all-cause mortality, reinfarction, or heart failure requiring hospitalisation. RESULTS: Between October 2005 and July 2007, 96 patients were randomised into the pioglitazone (n = 48) or control group (n = 48). At follow-up, mean (SD) percentage neointimal volume and neointimal volume index were significantly reduced in the pioglitazone group (22 (13)% vs 28 (13)%, p = 0.04; 1.5 (0.9) vs 2.0 (0.8) mm(3)/mm, p = 0.02, respectively). During 6 months, two control patients died, four patients (one in the pioglitazone group, three controls) had stent thrombosis resulting in reinfarction and three patients (two in the pioglitazone group, one control) had heart failure, resulting in a similar incidence of safety end point (3 vs 6). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pioglitazone reduced neointimal hyperplasia in patients with STEMI treated with primary stent implantation without placing the patient at increased risk of complications. Additional larger trials will be necessary to establish the clinical benefit of pioglitazone.

Degradation of xenobiotic substances using sulfate-reducing bacteria in a UASB reactor.

An upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was successfully applied to continuous degradation of ferric ethylene diamine tetraacetate (Fe-EDTA) as a typical xenobiotic substance contained in photo-processing wastewater. The sludge in the UASB reactor had an abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which had been anaerobically cultivated in a sulfate-rich culture medium including Fe-EDTA and yeast-extract as the carbon sources. Since the prominent reductions of Fe-EDTA and sulfate ion were observed, the contribution of SRB to Fe-EDTA degradation in the UASB reactor was confirmed. The aggregated sludge in the UASB reactor became gradually large reaching steady state with an equivalent diameter of 60-90 microm after 124 days operation. An increase of the amount of yeast extract addition to feed solution improved the Fe-EDTA removal efficiency up to 90%. Moreover, the combination of ozone treatment with SRB treatment further improved removal efficiency of total organic carbon (TOC) in an actual photo-processing wastewater composed of fixing and developing wastes.

Changes in the occurrence of mechanical alternans after long-term beta-blocker therapy in patients with chronic heart failure.

Mechanical alternans has been observed in patients with severe congestive heart failure, and the phenomenon is considered to be a terminal sign. Therapeutic strategies for chronic heart failure have significantly developed, but it is uncertain whether patients with mechanical alternans can be effectively treated or not. Seventeen consecutive patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were enrolled: 11 were treated with beta-blockers on conventional therapeutic regimens and 6 patients were not indicated for or were unable to continue beta-blockade. Mechanical alternans was detected during cardiac catheterization in the patients under physiologic tachycardia (110 beats/min) and stepwise dobutamine loading. In the initial study, mechanical alternans occurred in 70.6% of the patients: 8 of the 11 being treated with beta-blockers and 4 of the 6 without beta-blockade therapy. In the second study, none of the patients taking beta-blockers showed mechanical alternans under the same protocol; the occurrence of mechanical alternans did not change in the patients who were not being treated with beta-blockers. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased in patients whose mechanical alternans could not be induced during the follow up, but decreased in the patients in whom mechanical alternans was repeatedly inducible. It is concluded that mechanical alternans is associated with the failing myocardium and may be potentially correctable.

Enhanced expression and production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in myocarditis.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a member of the C-C chemokine family that has been shown to play a major role in the migration of monocytes and T cells to an inflammatory focus. To clarify the role of MCP-1 in the pathogenesis of myocarditis, we have examined the expression of MCP-1 in rat hearts with experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM), and have also measured serum levels of MCP-1 in patients with histology-proven acute myocarditis. Lewis rats were immunized with cardiac myosin and were killed 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 42 and 56 days after immunization. Large mononuclear cells in the myocardial interstitium were stained with an anti-MCP-1 antibody. mRNA of MCP-1 increased in the hearts of EAM rats from days 15--27 as shown by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Serum MCP-1 levels of the rats with EAM were significantly elevated from days 15--24. In the clinical study, serum levels of MCP-1 in 24 patients with acute myocarditis at the time of admission (165.2 +/- 55.8 pg/ml) were significantly (P = 0.0301) elevated compared with those of 20 healthy volunteers (61.8 +/- 10.7 pg/ml). Serum MCP-1 levels of 8 fatal cases (371.8 +/- 145.2 pg/ml) were significantly (P = 0.0058) higher than those of 16 cases who survived (65.5 +/- 12.8 pg/ml). In conclusions, MCP-1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of human acute myocarditis as well as in the progression of rat EAM.

Mechanical alternans in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Clinical implications of mechanical alternans in patients with chronic heart failure have remained uncertain. In this study, prevalence, characteristics, and prognostic implications of mechanical alternans were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive 51 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization using a micromanometer-tipped catheter. Under basal conditions, 7 of 35 patients with sinus rhythm showed mechanical alternans. Physiologic tachycardia (110 bpm) induced mechanical alternans in another 15 patients with sinus rhythm and in another 10 of 16 patients with atrial fibrillation. Low doses of dobutamine also induced mechanical alternans in another 8 patients, but a high dose of dobutamine eliminated mechanical alternans. Consequently, 40 patients (78%) showed mechanical alternans. Mechanical alternans was always accompanied by alternating changes of positive dP/dt, a parameter of contractility during isovolumetric contraction time, but negative dP/dt was occasionally constant. Concordant mechanical alternans between both ventricles was more prevalent than discordant alternans. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume indices and end-systolic volume indices of patients with mechanical alternans were larger than those of patients without. The left ventricular ejection fraction of patients with alternans was significantly lower than that of patients without. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical alternans was highly prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure. The origin of mechanical alternans seems to exist before or at the isovolumetric contraction time.

Isolation of a germin-like protein with manganese superoxide dismutase activity from cells of a moss, Barbula unguiculata.

A novel extracellular Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) was isolated from a moss, Barbula unguiculata. The SOD was a glycoprotein; the apparent molecular mass of its native form was 120 kDa, as estimated by gel filtration chromatography, and that of its monomer was 22,072 Da, as estimated by time of flight mass spectroscopy. The protein had manganese with a stoichiometry of 0.80 Mn/monomer. The cDNA clone for a gene encoding the extracellular Mn-SOD was isolated. Sequence analysis showed that it has a strong similarity to germin (oxalate oxidase) and germin-like proteins (GLPs) of several plant species and possesses all the characteristic features of members of the germin family. The clone encoding this extracellular Mn-SOD was therefore designated B. unguiculata GLP (BuGLP). BuGLP had no oxalate oxidase activity. In addition, the cDNA for a gene encoding the moss mitochondrial Mn-SOD was isolated. Its amino acid sequence had little similarity to that of BuGLP, even though a close similarity was observed among the mitochondrial Mn-SODs of various organisms. BuGLP was the first germin-like protein that was really demonstrated to be a metalloprotein with Mn-SOD activity but no oxalate oxidase activity.

Transradial coronary intervention in Japanese patients.

The objectives of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of transradial coronary intervention (TRI) in Japanese patients. We compared the results of TRI in 1,791 lesions (1,360 patients) between November 1995 and December 1997 with those of transfemoral coronary intervention (TFI) in 966 lesions (793 patients) between April and October 1995. We also examined the radial artery pulse in 294 patients 1-2 weeks after TRI by palpation and Doppler examination. Arterial puncture, coronary artery cannulation, lesion, and patient success rates were similar in both groups. No significant difference was noted in the major complication rate. Local complications were significantly lower in the TRI group (0.3% vs. 3.3%, P < 0.001). Doppler studies of the radial artery were performed in 294 patients chosen at random. In the first 234 patients, the sheath was pulled out 3 hr after the procedure, and in the last 60 patients, immediately after the procedure; radial artery occlusion rates were 5% and 0%, respectively. In conclusion, TRI seems safe and feasible in Japanese patients.

[Atresia of the right atrial orifice of the coronary sinus with persistent left superior vena cava: a case report].

A 39-year-old woman presented with atresia of the right atrial orifice of the coronary sinus with a persistent left superior vena cava detected at cardiac catheterization. She was admitted with frequent episodes of angina at rest and on exertion. Coronary angiography, including spasm provocation test, yielded normal results. However, left coronary arteriography demonstrated a dilated coronary sinus and a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the innominate vein. The contrast medium leaked slightly into the right atrial cavity through the obstructed orifice of the coronary sinus. Atresia of the coronary sinus orifice is a rare malformation usually found at autopsy. Only 3 cases have been reported in Japan. This is the first adult Japanese case detected when the patient was still alive.

High-efficiency diffractive micromachined chopper for infrared wavelength and its application to a pyroelectric infrared sensor.

We have developed a diffractive micromachined chopper (DMC) for an IR wavelength of ~10 mum. This device operates mechanically by movable reflection grating beams. It modulates the diffraction efficiency by controlling the displacement of grating beams by an electrostatic force. For a CO(2) laser beam, a high modulation efficiency of 84% with an -0.8-dB small insertion loss was obtained by detecting 0th-order diffracted light. A novel pyroelectric IR microsensor with a DMC and a diffractive multilevel Si microlens was proposed and it demonstrated the detection of human existence.

[An experience with omentopexy for the repair of postoperative bronchopleural fistula].

Postoperative bronchopleural fistula has been the most troublesome complications in the thoracic surgery. In this report, we presented a case of bronchopleural fistula successfully closed by omentopexy. A 51-year-old man had undergone left upper lobectomy and S6 segmentectomy for primary lung cancer. Bronchopleural fistula due to postoperative pneumonia was developed and completion pneumonectomy with the intercostal-musclo-pexy was performed. Post-re-operative course was unsuccessful, bronchopleural fistula remained, so we tried re-closure of the bronchial stump by omentopexy without thoracoplasty or muscle flap plombage. About a half year after 3rd operation, he relapsed into bronchopleural fistula. Then fibrin gluing was performed via a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope without hospitalization, and the omental flap was fixed completely to the bronchial stump. We believe the omentopexy a useful procedure for treating postoperative bronchopleural fistula which can't make any chest-wall deformation.

Analysis of Nitrogen Adsorption Isotherms for a Series of Porous Silicas with Uniform and Cylindrical Pores: A New Method of Calculating Pore Size Distribution of Pore Radius 1-2 nm

Two kinds of the porous silicas with uniform and cylindrical pores were prepared from calcined Na4SiO4 and cationic surfactants ([C16H33N(CH3)3]Cl and [C18H37N(CH3)3]Br). In this paper, we call these porous silicas PS-C16 and PS-C18. PS-C16 was calcined in vacuo at 873-1273 K in order to prepare a series of porous silicas having different pore sizes. All nitrogen adsorption isotherms for a series of the porous silicas show no hysteresis in the adsorption and desorption branches. The nitrogen adsorption isotherms were analyzed by the t method, and the pore surface area (Sp), the pore volume (Vp), and the core volume (Vc) were determined. The pore radius (rp), the core radius (rc), and the adsorbed thickness on the pore wall (tpore) were computed from the measured values of Sp, Vp, and Vc. We can determine the relationship between the Polanyi adsorption potential and the core radius in the range of rc = 0.6-1.2 nm. On the basis of the present data, we propose a new method of calculating the pore size distribution in the range of rp = 1-2 nm.

Experience with MR cholangiopancreatography with use of a fast inversion recovery sequence during a single breath-hold period.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the single breath-hold fast inversion recovery sequence (FIR) for depicting the biliary tract. A prospective study was performed in 40 patients with suspected diseases in the biliary tract. MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) including cholecystograms of diagnostic quality was carried out in 35 patients. Impacted common duct stones were able to be distinguished from malignancies because of their characteristic shapes of obstruction in four of five cases. FIR with thick slices can provide a shorter acquisition time and fewer artifacts with better signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio than MIP images obtained by means of gradient echo methods. MRCP with FIR was a useful adjunctive tool for non-invasive evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during mental writing with phonograms.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 1.5 T using a gradient echo echo-planar sequence was employed to identify brain regions activated during the performance of a mental writing task using phonograms. Four regions were activated in all six subjects; the region surrounding the left intraparietal sulcus, the region surrounding the middle part of the left precentral sulcus and the posterior part of the left superior frontal sulcus, the region surrounding the right intraparietal sulcus, and the region surrounding either or both of the left and right cingulate sulci. The left intraparietal region was usually the most extensively activated. The results suggest that these four regions particularly the left intraparietal region, are essential in writing with phonograms. Since the left hemisphere was more extensively activated than the right, fMRI during the mental writing task is a good candidate for determining non-invasively which hemisphere is dominant for language.

[Advantages and disadvantages of fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence in the evaluation of brain infarction].

This study was performed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fast FLAIR) images in diagnosing brain infarction compared with fast spin-echo (fast SE) images. Fast FLAIR and fast SE images were obtained in 32 patients with brain infarction. Infarctions close to the sulci were difficult to differentiate from the real sulci on fast SE images, but were clearly depicted on FLAIR images. Linear foci along with cortex were especially well demonstrated on FLAIR images. On the other hand, foci that showed high signal intensity on fast SE images were sometimes appeared as having low or iso signal intensity on FLAIR images. These foci, suspected of being cystic lesions, were sometimes difficult to identify on fast FLAIR images. For the above reasons, we concluded that fast FLAIR and fast SE each have advantages and disadvantages in the detection of brain infarctions.

Heterogeneity and uniqueness of ornithine aminotransferase mutations found in Japanese gyrate atrophy patients.

PURPOSE: To identify mutations in ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) in seven Japanese families with gyrate atrophy (GA), an autosomal recessive chorioretinal degeneration of the eye caused by a generalized biochemical deficiency in OAT; mutations in the OAT gene have shown a high degree of molecular heterogeneity. METHODS: DNA was prepared from patients' fibroblasts and analyzed by polymerase-chain-reaction amplification of the OAT gene sequence, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and direct sequencing for identification of the mutations. RESULTS: Eight different mutations were identified in seven unrelated Japanese GA patients with hyperornithinemia, confirming the high genetic heterogeneity of this disease. Five of these mutations were new, including one causing a pyridoxine-responsive disease, and all eight mutations have been found only in Japanese GA patients. Consistent with some similarity between the Japanese and Finnish populations in genetic isolation and homogeneity, there was a preponderance of homozygous mutations (five out of seven patients) as was previously reported for 16 Finnish GA pedigrees. CONCLUSION: The eight Japanese OAT mutations represent a group of heterogenous mutations unique to a specific population pool.

Postnatal developmental expression of glutamine and related amino acids in the rat retinas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate postnatal developmental changes in the amounts of retinal glutamate, glutamine and GABA, and in the distribution of retinal glutamine in the rat. METHODS: Free amino acids were extracted from rat retinas of different postnatal stages, and the concentrations of glutamate, glutamine and GABA were determined by HPLC. Also, anti-glutamine antibody was raised and an immunocytochemistry was performed with paraffin-embedded retinal sections in parallel with free amino acid analyses. RESULTS: Glutamate occurred in high concentrations at the birth and showed a stable pool, while glutamine and GABA remained low until postnatal day 3 or 5, and gradually increased in the developing rat retinas. Glutamine immunolabeling was observed in the retinal pigment epithelium and in a subpopulation of presumed amacrine cells in the early postnatal days. It was also found in Muller cells and in some ganglion cells or displaced amacrine cells in the ganglion cells layer. Glutamine immunolabeling was transiently observed also in horizontal cells. Finally, the immunolabeling was dominant in the inner and outer plexiform layers in the adult retinas. CONCLUSIONS: Postnatal developmental increase in the levels of glutamine and GABA might be dependent on the maturation of neurons or glial cells that possess the activity of the key enzymes of each amino acid. It was suggested that an expression of glutamine immunolabeling can be a marker of neurons that utilize glutamine as a precursor for glutamate or GABA, and of Müller cell maturations in postnatal early stage of the retina, while it changes to demonstrate the locations of glutamine cycle in the retina with adult characteristics.