bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat‐related patterns in phenotypic variation in a New Zealand freshwater generalist fish, and comparisons with a closely related specialist
Authors: VANDERPHAM JEFFREY P. , NAKAGAWA SHINICHI , CLOSS GERARD P. 
Published: December 2012

Summary1. Within‐species phenotypic variation is hugely variable and may play a role in determining the range of habitats a species can exploit. Our study addressed two main questions: 1. does phenotypic variation allow some species (i.e. habitat‐generalists) to use heterogeneous habitats and 2. are habitat‐generalists more variable than species occupying relatively homogeneous environments (i.e. habitat‐specialists)?2. We examined the morphology of the common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), a habitat‐generalist eleotrid fish found in lakes and rivers throughout New Zealand. We also compared the level of morphological variability in common bullies with that in the closely related redfin bully (Gobiomorphus huttoni), a habitat‐specialist of moderate‐ and fast‐flowing rivers.3. Common and redfin bullies were collected from the South Island of New Zealand. A series of body and fin measurements were made, and cephalic dorsal head pores of the mechanosensory lateral‐line system were counted. The pores and associated canal neuromasts are important for prey detection and predator avoidance in other species, particularly, in turbulent conditions where the effectiveness of superficial neuromasts may be compromised.4. The common bully had more dorsal head pores in fish from rivers than in those from lakes. This pattern was apparent only in adults, suggesting that selective pressures associated with adult habitat, be it rivers or lakes, are responsible.5. As expected, there was greater phenotypic variability in the generalist common bully than in the specialist redfin bully, particularly with regard to the sensory pores, suggesting their importance for survival in turbulence.6. We identified habitat‐related patterns in phenotypic variability in a generalist species and demonstrated a link between phenotypic variability and habitat breadth. Variation in the common bully may explain its ability to occupy a range of habitats.
Linking temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition to its molecular structure, accessibility, and microbial physiology
Authors: Wagai Rota , Kishimoto‐Mo Ayaka W. , Yonemura Seiichiro , Shirato Yasuhito , Hiradate Syuntaro , Yagasaki Yasumi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTemperature sensitivity of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition may have a significant impact on global warming. Enzyme‐kinetic hypothesis suggests that decomposition of low‐quality substrate (recalcitrant molecular structure) requires higher activation energy and thus has greater temperature sensitivity than that of high‐quality, labile substrate. Supporting evidence, however, relies largely on indirect indices of substrate quality. Furthermore, the enzyme‐substrate reactions that drive decomposition may be regulated by microbial physiology and/or constrained by protective effects of soil mineral matrix. We thus tested the kinetic hypothesis by directly assessing the carbon molecular structure of low‐density fraction (LF) which represents readily accessible, mineral‐freeSOMpool. Using five mineral soil samples of contrastingSOMconcentrations, we conducted 30‐days incubations (15, 25, and 35 °C) to measure microbial respiration and quantified easily soluble C as well as microbial biomass C pools before and after the incubations. Carbon structure of LFs (<1.6 and 1.6–1.8 g cm−3) and bulk soil was measured by solid‐state13C‐NMR. DecompositionQ10was significantly correlated with the abundance of aromatic plus alkyl‐C relative to O‐alkyl‐C groups inLFs but not in bulk soil fraction or with the indirect C quality indices based on microbial respiration or biomass. The warming did not significantly change the concentration of biomass C or the three types of soluble C despite two‐ to three‐fold increase in respiration. Thus, enhanced microbial maintenance respiration (reduced C‐use efficiency) especially in the soils rich in recalcitrantLFmight lead to the apparent equilibrium betweenSOMsolubilization and microbial C uptake. Our results showed physical fractionation coupled with direct assessment of molecular structure as an effective approach and supported the enzyme‐kinetic interpretation of widely observed C quality‐temperature relationship for short‐term decomposition. Factors controlling long‐term decompositionQ10are more complex due to protective effect of mineral matrix and thus remain as a central question.
Differential diagnosis of facial acne on black skin
Authors: Poli Florence 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe diagnosis of acne is usually easy, but there are some pitfalls to be avoided. ‘Keloid acne of the neck’ and beard folliculitis are not acnes in the usual sense: both are inflammatory and fibrous reactions of the hair follicles and frizzy hair; no retentional lesions, blackheads and microcysts – are visible. Gram negative folliculitis classically occurs in acneic male subjects who have undergone extensive treatment with general antibiotics or local antiseptics, but ‘de novo’ cases do exist. On black skin, this condition is not exceptional, it occurs in both sexes and usually takes the nodular form. The diagnosis should be considered if there is any aggravation of acne which is resistant to classic treatment, with painful nodules on the cheeks. Treatment is based on appropriate antibiotherapy for several weeks and possibly, in a second phase, on Isotretinoin. Pityrosporum folliculitis occurs mainly on the trunk. More frequent in men than in women, it is chiefly observed in subjects living in a hot, humid climate. Demodicidosis is manifested by outbreaks of papular or papulopustular lesions of the face. On black skin the principal differential diagnosis is acne. The presence of numerous parasites is necessary for diagnosis. Clinically speaking, an important sign is when the eyelids are affected. Ivermectin is effective. Acneiform dermatitis may be induced by depigmenting preparations containing powerful dermocorticoids. It is therefore important, in cases of very inflammatory acne, to look for the other clinical signs of voluntary depigmentation. In countries where it is endemic, lepromatous leprosy should be considered. Other common dermatitis may simulate acne or else be associated with it, such as eruptive hidradenoma or molluscum contagiosum. Analysis of the different elementary lesions and the absence of retentional lesions generally enable a diagnosis to be established.
Precarious lives: Transnational biographies of migrant oil palm workers
Authors: Pye Oliver , Daud Ramlah , Harmono Yuyun , Tatat  
Published: December 2012

AbstractBased on ongoing biographical research of Indonesian migrant workers in the oil palm plantations of Malaysia, this paper explores their different strategies of survival in a sector characterised by an ongoing precarity of livelihoods. The life stories of six workers from Sulawesi, Flores, Java and Sumatra are used to illustrate a tentative typology of migration experiences. As the workers set out from their own specific context of ‘surplus population’, they are confronted with a migration labour regime that is based on the social and political precarisation of the workers. However, in order to achieve their development aspirations, the workers find different ways of adapting to or circumventing the precarious labour regime. In particular, flight or absconding (lari) is used to change employers, to find better working conditions and to increase wages. Another key strategy is to increase the permanence of their stay, either by choosing illegality or by negotiating retrospective documentation. These strategies lead to the emergence of long‐term transnational networks that change the social reality of the migration regime in the oil palm industry.
Immunohistochemical characterization and functional identification of mammary gland telocytes in the self‐assembly of reconstituted breast cancer tissue in vitro
Authors: Mou Yongchao , Wang Yan , Li Junjie , Lü Shuanghong , Duan Cuimi , Du Zhiyan , Yang Guili , Chen Weizhen , Zhao Siyang , Zhou Jin , Wang Changyong 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTelocyte (TC) as a special stromal cell exists in mammary gland and might play an important role in the balance of epithelium‐stroma of mammary gland. Considering that different types of breast interstitial cells influence the development and progression of breast cancer, TCs may have its distinct role in this process. We here studied the roles of TCs in the self‐assembly of reconstituted breast cancer tissue. We co‐cultured primary isolated TCs and other breast stromal cells with breast cancer EMT‐6 cells in collagen/Matrigel scaffolds to reconstitute breast cancer tissue in vitro. Using histology methods, we investigated the immunohistochemical characteristics and potential functions of TCs in reconstituted breast cancer tissue. TCs in primary mammary gland stromal cells with long and thin overlapping cytoplasmic processes, expressed c‐kit/CD117, CD34 and vimentin in reconstitute breast cancer tissue. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the telocyte‐like cells closely communicated with breast cancer cells as well as other stromal cells, and might serve as a bridge that directly linked the adjacent cells through membrane‐to‐membrane contact. Compared with cancer tissue sheets of EMT‐6 alone, PCNA proliferation index analysis and TUNEL assay showed that TCs and other breast stromal cells facilitated the formation of typical nest structure, promoted the proliferation of breast cancer cells, and inhibited their apoptosis. In conclusion, we successfully reconstituted breast cancer tissue in vitro, and it seems to be attractive that TCs had potential functions in self‐assembly of EMT‐6/stromal cells reconstituted breast cancer tissue.
Periurethral Injection of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: The Impact on Female Sexual Function
Authors: Leone Roberti Maggiore Umberto , Alessandri Franco , Medica Mauro , Gabelli Maurizio , Venturini Pier Luigi , Ferrero Simone 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Urinary incontinence can negatively affect sexual function.

Aim
To investigate sexual function in female patients treated for urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) by periurethral injections.

Methods
This double-center prospective study included 29 female patients who were treated for USI by periurethral injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®; Ethicon Women’s Health and Urology, Contura, Denmark).

Main Outcome Measures
Patients answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and the Patient Global Improvement Impression. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) was used to evaluate sexual function at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Patients were also asked to rate their sexual activity by using a 10-mm visual analog scale at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Subjective and objective success was examined.

Results
All patients were discharged on the same day of treatment and there was no intraoperative complication. At 1-year follow-up, the subjective success rate was 89.7% and the objective success rate was 79.3%. At 1 year from the first treatment, all the 23 sexually active patients continued to have regular sexual life. Six women reestablished sexual activity after the treatment. The total PISQ-12 scores showed a significant improvement in quality of sexual life of patients who were sexually active before surgery.

Conclusion
Periurethral injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel to treat USI are clinically effective and safe. These surgical procedures cause significant improvements in sexual function and sexual satisfaction of patients.
Oil prices and the real exchange rate in oil‐exporting countries
Authors: Al‐mulali Usama , Che Sab Che Normee Binti 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study investigated the impact of oil price shocks on the real exchange rate covering the most recent oil shock from 2000 to 2010 in 12 oil‐exporting countries, namely Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. In this study, the panel model was implemented using six variables, namely the real exchange rate as the dependent variable, and oil price, government consumption expenditure, current account, inflation rate and gross domestic product based on the purchasing power parity as independent variables. The results we have arrived at show that the increases in oil prices have caused a real exchange rate appreciation in these countries.
Linear and asymmetric impacts of oil price shocks in an oil‐importing and ‐exporting economy: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Chuku Chuku A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractGiven its economic structure, high‐energy intensity and its simultaneity as an oil‐importing and ‐exporting economy, Nigeria stands out as a special case to study the oil price–macroeconomy relation. By using a structural vector autoregressive model with 10 theoretically derived structural factorizations, this paper studies the linear and asymmetric impacts of oil price shocks on the Nigerian economy, focusing on the supply side effects, wealth transfer effects, inflation effects and real balance effects of oil price shocks between the period 1970Q1 and 2008Q4. Overall, the results show that oil price shocks have asymmetric impacts in one direction (positive) on the Nigerian economy and are not a major determinant of macroeconomic activity in Nigeria. Using Granger causality analysis, the paper also investigates the short‐run impacts of oil price shocks on the Nigerian economy. The results showed that depending on the measurement of oil price shock used, it only Granger‐caused output and inflation in the short run. This revealed that though Nigeria is a major exporter of crude oil, domestic macroeconomic trends do not significantly influence the dynamics of global oil markets, i.e. oil prices are strictly exogenous to the Nigerian economy. These insights have inspired us to recommend that the common practise of national development planning, premised on forecasts of anticipated oil prices should be de‐emphasized in Nigeria.
Is lower intensity aquaculture a valuable means of producing food? An evaluation of its effects on near‐shore and inland waters
Authors: Diana James S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe effects of aquaculture on the environment have been the subject of much examination, but most of the focus has been on shrimp and salmon. These are not the most common species grown in aquaculture, nor the most common systems used. About 60% of production today uses lower intensity culture to produce organisms in natural systems such as ponds. This paper is an overview of the positive and negative environmental impacts of lower intensity aquaculture. The ranked positive impacts of lower intensity aquaculture include: conservation aquaculture that supplements reproduction in natural populations; improving the quality of natural waters through filtering or consuming wastes by cultured organisms; reducing pressure on wild stocks by providing alternative sources in the market; and replacing damaging employment with more sustainable aquaculture jobs. Negative impacts include: escapement of alien species that become invasive; eutrophication of receiving waters from pond effluents; release of parasites and diseases into natural communities; escapement of unique genotypes resulting in genetic alteration of native stocks; land degradation due to pond construction; release of antibiotics or other drugs into receiving waters; depletion of natural resources such as water; loss of benthic biodiversity from settling of sediments; and reductions in natural populations by collection of larval or juvenile fish. Some impacts, especially the use of fishmeal and the transmission of disease, are much less common in lower intensity aquaculture systems. Aquaculture has an important role in current and future food production, and in many cases lower intensity aquaculture provides a sustainable solution to increased aquaculture production.
Moral distress in end‐of‐life care in the intensive care unit
Authors: St Ledger Una , Begley Ann , Reid Joanne , Prior Lindsay , McAuley Danny , Blackwood Bronagh 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo explore moral distress in relatives doctors and nurses, in end‐of‐life care decision‐making, in the adult intensive care unit.BackgroundMany deaths in intensive care involve decisions about withholding and withdrawing therapy, potentially triggering moral distress. Moral distress occurs when individuals feel constrained from acting in accordance with moral choice, or act against moral judgement, generating painful, unresolved emotions, and problems that continue long after an event. Prior research has focused mainly on nurses; less is known about doctors' experiences and occurrence and impact on relatives is unknown.DesignA narrative inquiry case study approach, funded by a Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Doctorate Fellowship Award (April 2011).MethodsIn‐depth digitally recorded interviews will be conducted with relatives, doctors, and nurses involved in end‐of‐life cases comprising: (1) withdrawal of therapy, including circulatory death organ donation; (2) non‐escalation of therapy; and (3) brain stem death with a request for organ donation. Relatives will be offered the opportunity to share their experiences on ‘Healthtalkonline’ by copyrighting audio‐visual interviews to the Health Experiences Research Group, Oxford University. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained (April 2012).DiscussionThis is the first time that moral distress is explored, in a case approach, among relatives, doctors, and nurses intimately involved in end‐of‐life decisions in intensive care. Dissemination of findings will make a large contribution to international knowledge and understanding in this area and alert healthcare professionals and relatives to an otherwise under‐recognized, but potentially detrimental, experience. Findings will inform education, practice, and policy.
Transcriptomics and in vivo tests reveal novel mechanisms underlying endocrine disruption in an ecological sentinel, Nucella lapillus
Authors: Pascoal Sonia , Carvalho Gary , Vasieva Olga , Hughes Roger , Cossins Andrew , Fang Yongxiang , Ashelford Kevin , Olohan Lisa , Barroso Carlos , Mendo Sonia , Creer Simon 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAnthropogenic endocrine disruptors now contaminate all environments globally, with concomitant deleterious effects across diverse taxa. While most studies on endocrine disruption (ED) have focused on vertebrates, the superimposition of male sexual characteristics in the female dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus (imposex), caused by organotins, provides one of the most clearcut ecological examples of anthropogenically induced ED in aquatic ecosystems. To identify the underpinning mechanisms of imposex for this ‘nonmodel’ species, we combined Roche 454 pyrosequencing with custom oligoarray fabrication inexpensively to both generate gene models and identify those responding to chronic tributyltin (TBT) treatment. The results supported the involvement of steroid, neuroendocrine peptide hormone dysfunction and retinoid mechanisms, but suggested additionally the involvement of putative peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) pathways. Application of rosiglitazone, a well‐known vertebrate PPARγ ligand, to dogwhelks induced imposex in the absence of TBT. Thus, while TBT‐induced imposex is linked to the induction of many genes and has a complex phenotype, it is likely also to be driven by PPAR‐responsive pathways, hitherto not described in invertebrates. Our findings provide further evidence for a common signalling pathway between invertebrate and vertebrate species that has previously been overlooked in the study of endocrine disruption.
Peripheral corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) induces stimulation of gastric contractions in freely moving conscious rats: role of CRF receptor types 1 and 2
Authors: Nozu T. , Tsuchiya Y. , Kumei S. , Takakusaki K. , Okumura T. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  Peripheral corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) plays an important role in stress‐induced alterations of gastrointestinal motility. CRF injected peripherally inhibits gastric emptying, but its effect on gastric contractions has not been clarified in freely moving conscious rats.Methods  Intraluminal gastric pressure waves were measured in freely moving conscious non‐fasted rats using the perfused manometric method. We assessed the area under the manometric trace as the motor index (MI), and compared this result with those obtained 1 h before and after drug administration.Key Results  Subcutaneous injection (sc) of CRF (15 μg kg−1) increased the MI significantly. Pretreatment with intravenous astressin (100 μg kg−1), a non‐selective CRF antagonist, blocked the sc CRF (15 μg kg−1)‐induced response, but astressin2‐B (200 μg kg−1, sc), a selective CRF receptor type 2 (CRF2) antagonist, enhanced the CRF‐induced increase in MI significantly. Meanwhile urocortin 2 (15 μg kg−1, sc), a selective CRF2 agonist, did not alter the basal MI, but it inhibited the sc CRF (15 μg kg−1)‐induced stimulation of gastric contractions. The intraperitoneal injection of cortagine (30 μg kg−1), a selective CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) agonist, mimicked the response induced by sc CRF.Conclusions & Inferences  Peripheral CRF stimulates gastric contractions through CRF1. CRF2 activation inhibits the response induced by CRF, suggesting that CRF2 may have a modulatory action to CRF1 signaling in gastric motor activity.
IL‐6 regulated stress‐induced Rex‐1 expression in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
Authors: Govitvattana N , Osathanon T , Taebunpakul S , Pavasant P 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mechanical stress on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED).MethodsCells were stimulated with mechanical stress ranging from 0 to 2.5 g cm−2 for 2 h in serum‐free condition. The expression of stem cell markers was examined by polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. The molecular mechanisms of these effects were investigated by means of inhibitors and siRNA.ResultsMechanical stress induced Rex‐1 expression in a force‐dependent manner. The upregulation of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was also observed. Application of neutralizing antibody against IL‐6 and IL‐6 siRNA could attenuate the mechanical stress‐induced Rex‐1 expression. In addition, the increase in mRNA levels of Rex‐1 was observed after treating SHED with an exogenous IL‐6. This inductive effect was attenuated by JAK inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of JAK signaling pathway.ConclusionThese results suggest the role of mechanical stress in the regulation of stemness via IL‐6–Rex‐1 interaction.