Forest Research Institute

About: Forest Research Institute is a facility organization based out in Dehra Dūn, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Forest management. The organization has 5320 authors who have published 7625 publications receiving 185876 citations.

Memantine leads to behavioral improvement and amyloid reduction in Alzheimer's-disease-model transgenic mice shown as by micromagnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been shown to improve learning and memory in several preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memantine has also been shown to reduce the levels of amyloid beta (A beta) peptides in human neuroblastoma cells as well as to inhibit A beta oligomer-induced synaptic loss. In this study, we assessed whether NMDA receptor inhibition by memantine in transgenic mice expressing human amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) is associated with cognitive benefit and amyloid burden reduction by using object recognition, micromagnetic resonance imaging (micro MRI), and histology. APP/PS1 Tg mice were treated either with memantine or with vehicle for a period of 4 months starting at 3 months of age. After treatment, the mice were subjected to an object recognition test and analyzed by ex vivo micro MRI, and histological examination of amyloid burden. micro MRI was performed following injection with gadolinium-DTPA-A beta(1-40). We found that memantine-treated Tg mice performed the same as wild-type control mice, whereas the performance of vehicle-treated Tg mice was significantly impaired (P = 0.0081, one-way ANOVA). Compared with vehicle-treated animals, memantine-treated Tg mice had a reduced plaque burden, as determined both histologically and by micro MRI. This reduction in amyloid burden correlates with an improvement in cognitive performance. Thus, our findings provide further evidence of the potential role of NMDA receptor antagonists in ameliorating AD-related pathology. In addition, our study shows, for the first time, the utility of micro MRI in conjunction with gadolinium-labeled A beta labeling agents to monitor the therapeutic response to amyloid-reducing agents.

European Mixed Forests: definition and research perspectives

Abstract: Aim of study : We aim at (i) developing a reference definition of mixed forests in order to harmonize comparative research in mixed forests and (ii) review the research perspectives in mixed forests. Area of study : The definition is developed in Europe but can be tested worldwide. Material and Methods : Review of existent definitions of mixed forests based and literature review encompassing dynamics, management and economic valuation of mixed forests. Main results : A mixed forest is defined as a forest unit, excluding linear formations, where at least two tree species coexist at any developmental stage, sharing common resources (light, water, and/or soil nutrients). The presence of each of the component species is normally quantified as a proportion of the number of stems or of basal area, although volume, biomass or canopy cover as well as proportions by occupied stand area may be used for specific objectives. A variety of structures and patterns of mixtures can occur, and the interactions between the component species and their relative proportions may change over time. The research perspectives identified are (i) species interactions and responses to hazards, (ii) the concept of maximum density in mixed forests, (iii) conversion of monocultures to mixed-species forest and (iv) economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by mixed forests. Research highlights : The definition is considered a high-level one which encompasses previous attempts to define mixed forests. Current fields of research indicate that gradient studies, experimental design approaches, and model simulations are key topics providing new research opportunities. Keywords: COST Action; EuMIXFOR; mixed-species forests; admixtures of species.

Lipoprotein Lipase in the Arterial Wall Linking LDL to the Arterial Extracellular Matrix and Much More

Abstract: For low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles to be atherogenic, increasing evidence indicates that their residence time in the arterial intima must be sufficient to allow their modification into forms capable of triggering extracellular and intracellular lipid accumulation. Recent reports have confirmed the longstanding hypothesis that the major determinant(s) of initial LDL retention in the preatherosclerotic arterial intima is the proteoglycans. However, once the initial atherosclerotic lesions have formed, a shift to retention facilitated by macrophage-derived lipoprotein lipase (LPL) appears, leading to the progression of the lesions. Here, we review recent findings on the mechanisms enabling LPL to promote LDL retention and extracellular lipid accumulation in the arterial intima, and we describe the structures in the extracellular matrix that are held to be important in this process. Finally, the potentially harmful consequences of LDL linking by LPL and of other LPL actions in the arterial intima are briefly reviewed.

Analysing transport costs of Danish forest wood chip resources by means of continuous cost surfaces

Abstract: While international markets for woody biomass emerge, growing consumption of wood chips for energy in Denmark is leading to increasing import. With improved competitiveness and unquestionable environmental benefits, domestic wood chip supply is preferable, but measures must be taken to make the supply chain more cost efficient. One of the major contributors to the delivered costs of wood chips is transportation, which is highly determined by the geographical location of forests and energy plants. This paper presents a method based on continuous cost surface mapping using raster-based geographical information systems (GISs). The national wood chip resources have been mapped and for selected bioenergy plants the costs of transporting the annual fuel demand have been modelled using cost distance functions, supply curves and sensitivity analysis. Hence a geographically determined relation of cumulative wood chip resources and their average costs was established. The results may be used for socio-economically sound resource allocation, optimal plant fuel mix, and planning of future energy plants.