bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual activity diminishes male virility in twoCoccinellaspecies: consequences for female fertility and progeny development
Authors: Michaud J.P. , Bista Mahadev , Mishra Geetanjali , Singh Omkar 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMale contributions, both chemical and behavioural, can influence female sperm usage and reproductive success. To determine whether such male factors are subject to depletion inCoccinella septempunctataandCoccinella transversalis, we tested the effects of male mating history on male virility, as estimated by measures of mating behaviour, female reproductive success and progeny fitness, with parental age held constant. Overt measures of male mating effort (wriggling duration, number of shaking bouts and total copula duration) all diminished from virgin to 5 × mated males and were mirrored by concurrent declines in female fecundity and fertility (measured over 20 days). Paternal effects were also observed which diminished as a function of mating history, suggesting that transgenerational signals of male origin are also subject to depletion. Progeny of virgin fathers had higher rates of survival (C. transversalis) and faster development (both species) than progeny of 5 × mated fathers. Seminal fluid proteins are known to have allohormonal properties and can stimulate female fecundity and fertility in a number of insects, making them strong candidates for depletion as a function of mating activity. However, it is also possible that sperm limitation and/or reduced tactile stimulation of females by multiple-mated males may have contributed to some of the observed effects.
Diving under a Microscope—A New Simple and Versatile In Vitro Diving Device for Fluorescence and Confocal Microscopy Allowing the Controls of Hydrostatic Pressure, Gas Pressures, and Kinetics of Gas Saturation
Authors: Wang Qiong , Belhomme Marc , Guerrero François , Mazur Aleksandra , Lambrechts Kate , Theron Michaël 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHow underwater diving effects the function of the arterial wall and the activities of endothelial cells is the focus of recent studies on decompression sickness. Here we describe an in vitro diving system constructed to achieve real-time monitoring of cell activity during simulated dives under fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy. A 1-mL chamber with sapphire windows on both sides and located on the stage of an inverted microscope was built to allow in vitro diving simulation of isolated cells or arteries in which activities during diving are monitored in real-time via fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy. Speed of compression and decompression can range from 20 to 2000 kPa/min, allowing systemic pressure to range up to 6500 kPa. Diving temperature is controlled at 37°C. During air dive simulation oxygen partial pressure is optically monitored. Perfusion speed can range from 0.05 to 10 mL/min. The system can support physiological viability of in vitro samples for real-time monitoring of cellular activity during diving. It allows regulations of pressure, speeds of compression and decompression, temperature, gas saturation, and perfusion speed. It will be a valuable tool for hyperbaric research.
Fast mapping of magnetic basement depth, structure and nature using aeromagnetic and gravity data: combined methods and their application in the Paris Basin
Authors: Martelet G. , Perrin J. , Truffert C. , Deparis J. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTAssessment of deep buried basin/basement relationships using geophysical data is a challenge for the energy and mining industries as well as for geothermal or CO2storage purposes. In deep environments, few methods can provide geological information; magnetic and gravity data remain among the most informative and cost‐effective methods. Here, in order to derive fast first‐order information on the basement/basin interface, we propose a combination of existing and original approaches devoted to potential field data analysis. Namely, we investigate the geometry (i.e., depth and structure) and the nature of a deep buried basement through a case study SW of the Paris Basin. Joint processing of new high‐resolution magnetic data and up‐to‐date gravity data provides an updated overview of the deep basin.First, the main structures of the magnetic basement are highlighted using Euler deconvolution and are interpreted in a structural sketch map. The new high‐resolution aeromagnetic map actually offers a continuous view of regional basement structures and reveals poorly known and complex deformation at the junction between major domains of the Variscan collision belt.Second, Werner deconvolution and an ad hoc post‐processing analysis allow the extraction of a set of magnetic sources at (or close to) the basin/basement interface. Interpolation of these sources together with the magnetic structural sketch provides a Werner magnetic basement map displaying realistic 3D patterns and basement depths consistent with data available in deep petroleum boreholes.The last step of processing was designed as a way to quickly combine gravity and magnetic information and to simply visualize first‐order petrophysical patterns of the basement lithology. This is achieved through unsupervised classification of suitably selected gravity and magnetic maps and, as compared to previous work, provides a realistic and updated overview of the cartographic distribution of density/magnetization of basement rocks.Altogether, the three steps of processing proposed in this paper quickly provide relevant information on a deep buried basement in terms of structure, geometry and nature (through petrophysics). Notwithstanding, limitations of the proposed procedure are raised: in the case of the Paris Basin for instance, this study does not provide proper information on Pre‐Mesozoic basins, some of which have been sampled in deep boreholes.
Transcript analysis and expression profiling of three heat shock protein 70 genes in the ectoparasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Chen Hao‐Liang , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Throne James E. , Zhu Kun Yan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are known as chaperones that help with folding of other proteins when cells are under environmental stresses. The upregulation of HSPs is essential for cold survival during insect diapause. The ectoparasitoid Habrobracon hebetor, a potential biological control agent, can enter reproductive diapause when reared at low temperature and short photoperiod. However, the expression of HSPs during diapause of H. hebetor has not been studied. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the full‐length complementary DNAs of three Hsp70 genes (HhHsp70I, HhHsp70II and HhHsp70III) from H. hebetor. Their deduced amino acid sequences showed more than 80% identities to their counterparts from other insect species. However, the multiple sequence alignment among the three deduced amino acid sequences of HhHsp70s showed only 46% identities. A phylogenetic analysis of the three HhHsp70s and all other known Hsp70 sequences from Hymenoptera clustered all the Hsp70s into four groups, and the three HhHsp70s were distributed into three different groups. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the expression of the three HhHsp70 genes in H. hebetor reared at different conditions was quite different. HhHsp70I showed higher relative expression when H. hebetor were reared at 27.5°C than at two lower temperatures (17.5°C and 20°C) regardless of the photoperiod, whereas HhHsp70II showed higher expression when H. hebetor were reared at 20°C and 10 : 14 L : D than when reared at 17.5°C and either 16 : 8 L : D or 10 : 14 L : D. In contrast, HhHSP70III was expressed at similar levels regardless of the rearing conditions. These results may suggest functional differences among the three HhHsp70 genes in H. hebetor.
Double‐Filtration Plasmapheresis for the Treatment of Patients With Recalcitrant Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kim Jin‐Young , Park Joon Seong , Park Jun‐Chul , Kim Myoung‐Eun , Nahm Dong‐Ho 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe management of recalcitrant atopic dermatitis (AD) is a challenging issue for both clinicians and patients. In this study, we evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of double‐filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in patients with recalcitrant AD. Eighteen patients with recalcitrant AD whose clinical condition had not been effectively controlled by current standard medical therapies were treated by either a single course of DFPP (N = 9) or with standard medical therapies only (N = 9). Clinical severity of AD was measured at baseline and at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment in patients in the DFPP group and at the corresponding time points in the control group using the standardized clinical severity scoring system for atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). In the nine patients who underwent DFPP, SCORAD values significantly decreased from 80.6 ± 16.7 (mean ± SD) at baseline to 65.9 ± 20.1 at 1 week and 69.8 ± 20.4 at 4 weeks after DFPP treatment (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, P < 0.05). No significant side‐effects were observed during DFPP treatment. In the nine patients with recalcitrant AD who were treated with standard medical therapies, there were no significant differences between the SCORAD values at baseline (70.6 ± 13.9), 1 week (68.0 ± 14.4), and 4 weeks (69.8 ± 17.7) (P > 0.05). DFPP resulted in significant clinical improvements in patients with recalcitrant AD. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term clinical usefulness of DFPP in the treatment of patients with recalcitrant AD.
EST‐SSR markers from five sequenced cDNA libraries of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) comparing three bioinformatic algorithms
Authors: Blair Matthew W. , Hurtado Natalia 
Published: April 2013

AbstractExpressed sequence tags (ESTs) are a rich source of SSR sequences, but the proportion of long Class I microsatellites with many repeats vs. short Class II microsatellites with few repeats is an important factor to consider. Class I microsatellites, with more than 20 bp of repeats, tend to make better markers with higher polymorphism. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of Class I and Class II microsatellites in a collection of over 21 000 ESTs from a single study of five different tissues of common bean: two types of leaves, nodules, pods and roots. For this objective, we used three different bioinformatics pipelines: Automated Microsatellite Marker Development (AMMD), Batchprimer3 and SSRLocator. In addition, we determined the frequency of single or multiple SSRs in the assembled ESTs, the frequency of perfect and compound repeats and whether Class I microsatellites were mainly di‐nucleotide or tri‐nucleotide motifs with each of the search engines. Primers were designed for a total of 175 microsatellites concentrating on class I microsatellites identified with SSR locator. A few other microsatellites were included from the other search engines, AMMD and Batchprimer3 programs so as to have a representative set of class II markers for comparison sake. The comparison of 95 class I vs. 80 class II markers confirmed that the Class I were more polymorphic and therefore more useful.
Evaluating DNA degradation rates in faecal pellets of the endangered pygmy rabbit
Authors: DeMay Stephanie M. , Becker Penny A. , Eidson Chad A. , Rachlow Janet L. , Johnson Timothy R. , Waits Lisette P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNoninvasive genetic sampling of faecal pellets can be a valuable method for monitoring rare and cryptic wildlife populations, like the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). To investigate this method's efficiency for pygmy rabbit monitoring, we evaluated the effect of sample age on DNA degradation in faecal pellets under summer field conditions. We placed 275 samples from known individuals in natural field conditions for 1–60 days and assessed DNA quality by amplifying a 294‐base‐pair (bp) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) locus and five nuclear DNA (nDNA) microsatellite loci (111–221 bp). DNA degradation was influenced by sample age, DNA type, locus length and rabbit sex. Both mtDNA and nDNA exhibited high PCR success rates (94.4%) in samples <1 day old. Success rates for microsatellite loci declined rapidly from 80.0% to 42.7% between days 5 and 7, likely due to increased environmental temperature. Success rates for mtDNA amplification remained higher than nDNA over time, with moderate success (66.7%) at 21 days. Allelic dropout rates were relatively high (17.6% at <1 day) and increased to 100% at 60 days. False allele rates ranged from 0 to 30.0% and increased gradually over time. We recommend collecting samples as fresh as possible for individual identification during summer field conditions. Our study suggests that this method can be useful for future monitoring efforts, including occupancy surveys, individual identification, population estimation, parentage analysis and monitoring of genetic diversity both of a re‐introduced population in central Washington and across their range.
Losing uniqueness – shifts in carabid species composition during dry grassland and heathland succession
Authors: Buchholz S. , Hannig K. , Schirmel J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDry sand ecosystems, such as dry grasslands and heathlands, have suffered habitat loss and degradation due to land‐use changes and are today among the most endangered habitats in Central Europe. To evaluate the impact of degradation processes on habitat quality, we investigated how succession from sparse vegetated sand ecosystems to grass‐invaded and tree‐dominated ecosystems and the environmental parameters associated with it influences carabid assemblages. We also determined to what extent typical xerophilic species assemblages still exist. Pitfall trapping at 28 study sites in northwestern Germany yielded 111 carabid species that were grouped using Kendall's W coefficient of concordance. Ordination revealed that the differences between the four species groups resulted from vegetation cover and soil humidity, indicating that carabid distribution clearly reflects degradation processes. Our results suggest that areas in which succession proceeds were unsuitable for assemblages typical of dry grasslands and heathlands. In all, 35 species are lost due to succession from dry grassland and heathland to grass‐invaded and tree‐dominated sites. We discuss implications for habitat management and restoration, since dry sand ecosystems comprise a very high number of specialized and endangered species.
The relative reliability of actively participating and passively observing raters in a simulation‐based assessment for selection to specialty training in anaesthesia
Authors: Roberts M. J. , Gale T. C. E. , Sice P. J. A. , Anderson I. R. 
Published: April 2013

SummarySelection to specialty training is a high‐stakes assessment demanding valuable consultant time. In one initial entry level and two higher level anaesthesia selection centres, we investigated the feasibility of using staff participating in simulation scenarios, rather than observing consultants, to rate candidate performance. We compared participant and observer scores using four different outcomes: inter‐rater reliability; score distributions; correlation of candidate rankings; and percentage of candidates whose selection might be affected by substituting participants' for observers' ratings. Inter‐rater reliability between observers was good (correlation coefficient 0.73–0.96) but lower between participants (correlation coefficient 0.39–0.92), particularly at higher level where participants also rated candidates more favourably than did observers. Station rank orderings were strongly correlated between the rater groups at entry level (rho 0.81, p < 0.001) but weaker at the two higher level centres (rho 0.52, p = 0.018; rho 0.58, p = 0.001). Substituting participants' for observers' ratings had less effect once scores were combined with those from other selection centre stations. Selection decisions for 0–20% of candidates could have changed, depending on the numbers of training posts available. We conclude that using participating raters is feasible at initial entry level only.
Patellofemoral crepitus in high flexion rotating platform knee arthroplasty
Authors: Shillington Mark P. , Cashman Kara , Farmer Greg 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionRecently, implant manufacturers have made modifications to currently available implants in an attempt to improve postoperative flexion. The Low Contact Stress (LCS) RPS (DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA) is one such prosthesis which is a modification of the established LCS RP design. Satisfactory results have been obtained without patella resurfacing in the original LCS RP design.MethodsWe report on a single surgeon series showing an alarmingly high incidence of patellofemoral crepitus when this new prosthesis, LCS RPS, is used without patella resurfacing. In addition, the outcomes for this prosthesis from the Australian National Joint Replacement registry will be reported. These results show a high revision rate with most revisions being patella resurfacing for patellofemoral pain.ResultsAffected patients who elected to have a revision procedure underwent either an arthroscopic patellaplasty procedure or revision to resurface the patella. Both of these procedures resulted in satisfactory resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients.DiscussionPotential causes for this complication are discussed. It is the recommendation of the authors that when using this prosthesis the patella is resurfaced.
Relationships between academic performance, SES school type and perceptual‐motor skills in first grade South African learners: NW‐CHILD study
Authors: Pienaar A. E. , Barhorst R. , Twisk J. W. R. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPerceptual‐motor skills contribute to a variety of basic learning skills associated with normal academic success. This study aimed to determine the relationship between academic performance and perceptual‐motor skills in first grade South African learners and whether low SES (socio‐economic status) school type plays a role in such a relationship.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study of the baseline measurements of the NW‐CHILD longitudinal study included a stratified random sample of first grade learners (n = 812; 418 boys and 394 boys), with a mean age of 6.78 years ± 0.49 living in the North West Province (NW) of South Africa. The Beery‐Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual‐Motor Integration‐4 (VMI) was used to assess visual‐motor integration, visual perception and hand control while the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, short form (BOT2‐SF) assessed overall motor proficiency. Academic performance in math, reading and writing was assessed with the Mastery of Basic Learning Areas Questionnaire. Linear mixed models analysis was performed with spss to determine possible differences between the different VMI and BOT2‐SF standard scores in different math, reading and writing mastery categories ranging from no mastery to outstanding mastery. A multinomial multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between a clustered score of academic performance and the different determinants.ResultsA strong relationship was established between academic performance and VMI, visual perception, hand control and motor proficiency with a significant relationship between a clustered academic performance score, visual‐motor integration and visual perception. A negative association was established between low SES school types on academic performance, with a common perceptual motor foundation shared by all basic learning areas.ConclusionVisual‐motor integration, visual perception, hand control and motor proficiency are closely related to basic academic skills required in the first formal school year, especially among learners in low SES type schools.
Hippocampal dysfunction in cured Cushing's syndrome patients, detected by 1H‐MR‐spectroscopy
Authors: Resmini Eugenia , Santos Alicia , Gómez‐Anson Beatriz , López‐Mourelo Olga , Pires Patricia , Vives‐Gilabert Yolanda , Crespo Iris , Portella Maria J. , de Juan‐Delago Manel , Webb Susan M. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundProton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) is a sensitive, noninvasive imaging technique capable of measuring brain metabolites in vivo. Chronic exposure to endogenous hypercortisolism in Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with negative effects on memory and hippocampal volumes, even after biochemical cure.ObjectiveTo investigate metabolites in the hippocampi of CS patients and controls, using 1H‐MRS.Patients and methodsEighteen right‐handed cured CS patients (age 44·8 ± 12·5 years, 12·6 ± 3·8 years of education) and 18 right‐handed healthy controls, matched for age (40·0 ± 11·9) and years of education (14·4 ± 3·8), underwent 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI) and 1H‐MRS including the head of each hippocampus. Concentrations of Glu (Glutamate), Glx (Glutamate + Glutamine), NAA (N‐Acetyl‐aspartate), total NAA (N‐Acetyl‐aspartate + N‐Acetyl‐aspartyl‐Glutamate), Cho (Glycerophosphocholine and Phosphocholine compounds), Cr (Creatine) and MI (mionositol) were measured (mmol/l). Hippocampal volumes (mm3) were additionally calculated using an automated procedure (FreeSurfer).ResultsCS patients had lower NAA than controls in the left and right hippocampus (5·2 ± 1·0 vs 6·1 ± 0·7, P < 0·05; 4·9 ± 0·8 vs 6·1 ± 0·6, P < 0·001, respectively), and lower total NAA on the right side (5·7 ± 0·9 vs 6·3 ± 0·9, P < 0·05), suggesting neuronal dysfunction/loss. CS patients had higher Glx than controls in both hippocampi (10·4 ± 1·9 vs 8·6 ± 1·4, P < 0·01; 9·9 ± 1·6 vs 8·9 ± 1·3, P < 0·05, respectively), suggesting glial proliferation, as a repair mechanism after neuronal dysfunction. No differences were found in the other brain metabolites, and there were no differences in left (3815·78 ± 502·96) and right (3980·75 ± 369·44) total hippocampal volumes between CS patients and controls (3945·08 ± 408·90 and 4108·39 ± 365·11, respectively).ConclusionPersistently abnormal metabolites are evidenced in the hippocampi of CS patients despite endocrine cure. These functional alterations could be early markers of glucocorticoid neurotoxicity, preceding hippocampal volume reduction.