Tallo: A global tree allometry and crown architecture database.

Data capturing multiple axes of tree size and shape, such as a tree's stem diameter, height and crown size, underpin a wide range of ecological research-from developing and testing theory on forest structure and dynamics, to estimating forest carbon stocks and their uncertainties, and integrating remote sensing imagery into forest monitoring programmes. However, these data can be surprisingly hard to come by, particularly for certain regions of the world and for specific taxonomic groups, posing a real barrier to progress in these fields. To overcome this challenge, we developed the Tallo database, a collection of 498,838 georeferenced and taxonomically standardized records of individual trees for which stem diameter, height and/or crown radius have been measured.

Noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis in NAFLD.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of abnormal liver enzymes in both adults and children. NAFLD has a histologic spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It is imperative to distinguish simple steatosis from NASH since the latter has a progressive disease course and can lead to end-stage liver disease.

Exposure to community violence and protective and risky contexts among low income urban African American adolescents: a prospective study.

This study examined protective and risky companionship and locations for exposure to community violence among African American young adolescents living in high crime, urban areas. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM), an in vivo data collection method, was employed to gather information from 233 students (62% female) over 3 years, beginning in the 6th grade. Questionnaire variables of exposure to community violence were regressed onto ESM companionship and location variables, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, separately for boys and girls.

Validation of Cosmed's FitMate in measuring exercise metabolism.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the FitMate metabolic system (Cosmed, Rome, Italy) in measuring oxygen consumption during graded exercise. The FitMate is a new, small (20 x 24 cm) metabolic analyzer designed for measurement of oxygen consumption during rest and exercise. Subjects included 40 healthy adults (N = 20 males, N = 20 females) ranging in age from 18 to 37 kg/m2 (mean +/- SD age, 22.

Blood leukocyte mRNA expression for IL-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-8, but not IL-6, increases after exercise.

The primary purpose of this project was to study exercise-induced leukocyte cytokine mRNA expression. Changes in plasma cytokine levels and blood leukocyte mRNA expression for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL- 10, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were measured in 12 athletes following 2 h of intensive cycling ( approximately 64% Watts(max)) while ingesting a carbohydrate or placebo beverage (randomized and double blinded). Blood samples were collected 30 min preexercise and immediately and 1 h postexercise.

Influence of carbohydrate on immune function following 2 h cycling.

The influence of carbohydrate compared with placebo ingestion on changes in immune cell counts and functions following 2 h intensive cycling was studied in 12 trained cyclists who functioned as their own controls. The subjects performed two tests 2 weeks apart where they cycled for 2 h at approximately 64% Watts(max) while receiving 4 mL x kg(-1) x 15 min(-1) carbohydrate (6%) (Cho) or placebo (Pla) beverages. Blood samples were collected 30 min preexercise, and immediately and 1 h postexercise.

Validation of Cosmed's FitMate in measuring oxygen consumption and estimating resting metabolic rate.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the FitMate metabolic system (Cosmed, Rome, Italy) in measuring oxygen consumption and estimating resting metabolic rate (RMR). The FitMate is a new, small (20 x 24 cm) metabolic analyzer designed for measurement of oxygen consumption and energy expenditure during rest and exercise. Subjects included 60 healthy adults (N = 30 males, N = 30 females) ranging in age from 19 to 65 years (mean +/- SD age, 36.