bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are mouflon Ovis gmelini musimon really grazers? A review of variation in diet composition
Authors: Marchand Pascal , Redjadj Claire , Garel Mathieu , Cugnasse Jean‐Marc , Maillard Daniel , Loison Anne 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
We reviewed data on the diets of mouflon (Mediterranean island populations Ovis gmelini musimon and introduced hybridized populations Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovis sp.) from 33 field studies (comprising 51 independent data points suitable for analysis) to detect general patterns in the botanical composition of the diet and identify ecological factors explaining its variation. We expected mouflon, generally classified as grazers, to include botanical entities other than grass in their diet, especially when they are forced to do so by low resource availability, and in certain seasons.
Diet composition was investigated based on samples of rumen content and faeces. We combined these data with environmental characteristics at each site using a co‐inertia analysis.
As expected, grass often constituted the highest proportion in the diet (in 28 of the 51 data points) and represented on average 35% (range = 0–91%) of mouflon diet, confirming the importance of this food for the species. However, referring strictly to commonly used thresholds (>75% or >90%) shows that the classification of mouflon as grazers could be questioned. Indeed, forbs and shrubs constituted 24% (range: 0–93%) and 16% (range: 0–55%) of their diet, respectively, so that mouflon should at least be considered as variable grazers. Forbs represented a high percentage of the overall diet in the Kerguelen Archipelago, southern Indian Ocean (autumn and winter: 73%) and Teide National Park, Canary Islands, Spain (autumn and winter: 83%), whereas shrubs represented a high proportion of the overall diet in Mediterranean areas (19%).
Diet composition varied with spatio‐temporal variation in forage availability (documented as habitat related or seasonal variation), confirming that mouflon are able to feed on a large variety of plants.
Further investigations concerning both digestive morphology and consequences of the inclusion of browse in the diet on population dynamics of mouflon are needed to understand the persistence of this species over a wide range of habitats despite a potential mismatch between its digestive ability and its observed diet.
The history of pediatric allergy in Europe – From a working group to ESPACI and SP‐EAACI
Authors: Dreborg Sten , Roberts Graham , Lau Susanne , Santos Alexandra F. , Halken Susanne , Høst Arne 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA Working Group on Pediatric Allergology was formed in 1984, which rapidly developed to become the European Society on Pediatric Allergology and Clinical Immunology (ESPACI) in 1988 with its own journal, Pediatric Allergology and Immunology. ESPACI worked together with the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) to form a Section of Pediatrics within EAACI (SP‐EAACI) in 1996. The ESPACI and the SP‐EAACI formally merged in 2001. Within the EAACI organization, the Pediatric Section has continued to grow. The Pediatric Section is working to develop pediatric allergology across Europe, focusing on postgraduate education, facilitating the research agenda and advocating for children and adolescents with allergies.
Bronchial allergen challenges in children – safety and predictors
Authors: Schulze Johannes , Reinmüller Wanda , Herrmann Eva , Rosewich Martin , Rose Markus A. , Zielen Stefan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn allergic asthma, the diagnosis of house dust mite (HDM) allergy is mainly based on the patient's history, allergy testing by the skin prick test (SPT) or the levels of allergen‐specific IgE. We retrospectively analysed data from 350 bronchial provocations with HDM and related it to the following parameters: specific IgE, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine testing (MCT) and exhaled NO (eNO).MethodsApproximately 350 patients (5–18 yr of age) with allergic asthma and a positive SPT to HDMs were included. To define the sensitivity and specificity for the detection method of an early asthmatic response (EAR), a receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. The accuracy was measured by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). A logistic regression model was used to predict the individual probability of a positive challenge. The results of the regression model were validated in a prospective group of n = 75 patients.ResultsThe following cut‐off values showed the best combination of sensitivity and specificity: specific IgE Dermatophagoides farinae 19.6 kU/l (AUC, 0.88), PD20FEV1 0.13 mg methacholine (AUC, 0.73) and eNO 20.1 ppb (AUC, 0.71). The following equation predicted the individual probability of a positive challenge in the retrospective and prospective group: p = 1.[1 + exp[−(−1.78 + 2.46.10log D. far − 1.25.10logPD20 metha)]]−1, (AUC = 0.88).ConclusionsThe value of using the specific IgE and MCT as predictors was confirmed in a large number of patients. We also showed, for the first time, that the eNO predicted the EAR. The logistic regression model is repeatable with a good accuracy.
Network analysis for gene discovery in plant‐specialized metabolism
Authors: HIGASHI YASUHIRO , SAITO KAZUKI 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRecent omics technologies provide information on multiple components of biological networks. Web‐based data mining tools are continuously being developed. Because genes involved in specialized (secondary) metabolism are often co‐ordinately regulated at the transcriptional level, a number of gene discovery studies have been successfully conducted using network analysis, especially by integrating gene co‐expression network analysis and metabolomic investigation. In addition, next‐generation sequencing technologies are currently utilized in functional genomics investigations of Arabidopsis and non‐model plant species including medicinal plants. Systems‐based approaches are expected to gain importance in medicinal plant research. This review discussed network analysis in Arabidopsis and gene discovery in plant‐specialized metabolism in non‐model plants.
Effects of menopause on brain structural changes in schizophrenia
Authors: Fukuta Hajime , Ito Itsuo , Tateno Amane , Nogami Tsuyoshi , Taiji Yasutomo , Arakawa Ryosuke , Suhara Tetsuya , Asai Kunihiko , Okubo Yoshiro 
Published: January 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the influences of menopause on brain morphological changes in schizophrenia using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsForty female schizophrenia patients, 20 premenopausal and 20 postmenopausal, and 50 female controls underwent cerebral MRI. Optimized voxel‐based morphometry was performed with Statistical Parametric Mapping version 5.ResultsCompared with controls, regional gray matter reductions in schizophrenia patients were observed in the insula, superior temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate, parahippocampal gyrus, and thalamus. Direct comparison between the patient groups showed that the gray matter of postmenopausal patients was significantly smaller when compared with premenopausal patients in the left middle frontal gyrus, and no region had significantly lower gray matter volume in premenopausal patients relative to postmenopausal patients. Significant negative correlation between gray matter volume and the interval after menopause was found in the right superior frontal gyrus in the postmenopause patient group.ConclusionDifferential morphological alterations between postmenopausal and premenopausal schizophrenia patients were observed, suggesting that the female hormone plays a protective role against schizophrenia.
Mapping Grape Berry Photosynthesis by Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging: The Effect of Saturating Pulse Intensity in Different Tissues
Authors: Breia Richard , Vieira Sónia , da Silva Jorge Marques , Gerós Hernâni , Cunha Ana 
Published: January 2013

AbstractGrape berry development and ripening depends mainly on imported photosynthates from leaves, however, fruit photosynthesis may also contribute to the carbon economy of the fruit. In this study pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (imaging‐PAM) was used to assess photosynthetic properties of tissues of green grape berries. In particular, the effect of the saturation pulse (SP) intensity was investigated. A clear tissue‐specific distribution pattern of photosynthetic competence was observed. The exocarp revealed the highest photosynthetic capacity and the lowest susceptibility to photoinhibition, and the mesocarp exhibited very low fluorescence signals and photochemical competence. Remarkably, the seed outer integument revealed a photosynthetic ability similar to that of the exocarp. At a SP intensity of 5000 μmol m−2 s−1 several photochemical parameters were decreased, including maximum fluorescence in dark‐adapted (Fm) and light‐adapted (F'm) samples and effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦII), but the inner tissues were susceptible to a SP intensity as low as 3200 μmol m−2 s−1 under light‐adapted conditions, indicating a photoinhibitory interaction between SP and actinic light intensities and repetitive exposure to SP. These results open the way to further studies concerning the involvement of tissue‐specific photosynthesis in the highly compartmentalized production and accumulation of organic compounds during grape berry development.
Techniques for assessing spatial heterogeneity of carbonate δ13C values: Implications for craton‐wide isotope gradients
Authors: Garrecht Metzger J. , Fike David A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe sedimentary record of carbonate carbon isotopes (δ13Ccarb) provides one of the best methods for correlating marine strata and understanding the long‐term evolution of the global carbon cycle. This work focuses on the Late Ordovician Guttenberg isotopic carbon excursion, a ca 2·5‰ positive δ13Ccarb excursion that is found in strata globally. Substantial variability in the apparent magnitude and stratigraphic morphology of the Guttenberg excursion at different localities has hampered high‐resolution correlations and led to divergent reconstructions of ocean chemistry and the biogeochemical carbon cycle. This work investigates the magnitude, spatial scale and sources of isotopic variability of the Guttenberg excursion in two sections from Missouri, USA. Centimetre‐scale isotope transects revealed variations in δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb greater than 2‰ across individual beds. Linear δ13Ccarb to δ18Ocarb mixing lines, together with petrographic and elemental abundance data, demonstrate that much of the isotopic scatter in single beds is due to mixing of isotopically distinct components. These patterns facilitated objective sample screening to determine the ‘least‐altered’ data. A δ18Ocarb filter based on empirical δ18Ocarb values of well‐preserved carbonate mudstones allowed further sample discrimination. The resulting ‘least‐altered’ δ13Ccarb profile improves the understanding of regional as well as continental‐scale stratigraphic relations in this interval. Correlations with other Laurentian sections strongly suggest that: (i) small‐scale variability in Guttenberg excursion δ13Ccarb values may result in part from local diagenetic overprinting; (ii) peak‐Guttenberg excursion δ13Ccarb values of the Midcontinent are not distinct from their Taconic equivalents; and (iii) no primary continental‐scale spatial gradient in δ13Ccarb (for example, arising from chemically distinct ‘aquafacies’) is required during Guttenberg excursion‐time. This study demonstrates the importance of detailed petrographic and geochemical screening of samples to be used for δ13Ccarb chemostratigraphy and for enhancing understanding of epeiric ocean chemistry.
Influence of compost amendments on the hydraulic functioning of brownfield soils
Authors: Whelan A. , Kechavarzi C. , Coulon F. , Sakrabani R. , Lord R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study assessed the impact of compost on the hydraulic properties of three soils (sandy loam, clay loam and diesel‐contaminated sandy loam) with relatively poor physical quality typical of brownfield sites. Soils were amended with two composts at 750 t/ha. Samples were also collected from a clay‐capped brownfield site, previously amended with 250, 500 or 750 t/ha of compost. Water‐release characteristics and saturated hydraulic conductivity were determined for all soils and physical quality indicators derived. Unsaturated flow in field profiles after compost application with two depths of incorporation and two indigenous subsoils was simulated using Hydrus‐1D. Compost generally increased water retention. Hydraulic conductivity tended to decrease following compost application in sandy loam but increased in clay and clay loam, where compost addition resulted in a larger dominant pore size. Although compost improved physical quality indicators, they remained suboptimum in clay and clay loam soil, which exhibited poor aeration, and in the contaminated sandy loam, where available water capacity was limited, possibly due to changes in wettability. Increasing application rates in the field enhanced water retention at low potentials and hydraulic conductivity near saturation but did not alter physical quality indicators. Numerical simulation indicated that the 500 t/ha application resulted in the best soil moisture regime. Increasing the depth of incorporation in the clay cap improved drainage and reduced waterlogging, but incorporation in more permeable subsoil resulted in prolonged dry conditions to greater depths.
Association of 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism of HLA‐G gene with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang X. , Jiang W. , Zhang D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA meta‐analysis was performed to assess the association of the human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) 14 bp insertion (ins)/deletion (del) polymorphism with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (URSA). The fixed or random effect pooled measure was selected based on the homogeneity test among studies that was evaluated with I2. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association. In this meta‐analysis, 14 studies with 1464 cases and 1247 controls corresponded to the inclusion criteria were included. Significant associations between 14 bp ins/del polymorphism and risk of URSA were observed in both dominant [random effect model (REM) OR = 1.469, 95% CI = 1.127–1.914] and codominant (REM OR = 1.195, 95% CI = 1.005–1.420) models. After excluding two articles that deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in cases and sensitivity analysis, significant associations were also observed in dominant [fixed effect model (FEM) OR = 1.224, 95% CI = 1.020–1.470] and codominant (FEM OR = 1.158, 95% CI = 1.028–1.305) models. This meta‐analysis suggests that the 14 bp ins HLA‐G allele is associated with increased risk of URSA. The results are of importance to the clinical practice of URSA and infertility.
Histoplasmosis and subcutaneous nodules in a kidney transplant recipient: erythema nodosum versus fungal panniculitis
Authors: Dufresne S.F. , LeBlanc R.E. , Zhang S.X. , Marr K.A. , Neofytos D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractErythema nodosum (EN)‐like lesions are a rare occurrence after solid organ transplantation. Differential diagnosis includes infective panniculitis, which can be a feature of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), an uncommon but severe form affecting primarily immunocompromised hosts. We report on a fatal case of PDH, which presented as fungal panniculitis masquerading as EN in a renal allograft recipient 25 years after transplantation. We discuss the clinical, histopathological, and microbiological characteristics of this rare complication, with focus on its distinction from EN. This case emphasizes the central role of biopsy in transplant recipients presenting with cutaneous lesions, and the importance of clinicopathologic correlation and complementary microbiological investigations.
Evaluation of a novel rapid diagnostic test for Schistosoma haematobium based on the detection of human immunoglobulins bound to filtered Schistosoma haematobium eggs
Authors: Sheele Johnathan M. , Kihara Jimmy H. , Baddorf Sarah , Byrne Jonathan , Ravi Bhaskara 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo determine whether the detection of human IgG bound to Schistosoma haematobium eggs from filtered urine could be used as a rapid diagnostic test (RDT‐Sh).MethodsWe filtered 160 urine samples from children in the Kwale District of Kenya to isolate S. haematobium eggs and used anti‐human IgG antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase to bind to the human IgG attached to the eggs. We then added 3,3′5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine base (TMB), which turns blue in the presence of horseradish peroxidase to detect the S. haematobium eggs. The RDT‐Sh was compared in a blinded manner to urine microscopy.ResultsThe RDT‐Sh was positive in 89% of urine samples containing >1 egg/10 ml (58/65 samples) and 97% of urine samples containing >11 eggs/10 ml urine (35/36 samples) seen by microscopy. The RDT‐Sh was negative 79% of the time when no eggs were seen on urine microscopy, but because up to three times more urine was used for the RDT‐Sh, there were likely cases in which eggs were on the RDT‐Sh filter but not detected by microscopy. We used latent class analysis incorporating urine microscopy, haematuria, proteinuria and RDT‐Sh results to determine an overall 97% sensitivity and 78% specificity for RDT‐Sh, 96% and 81% for urine microscopy, 71% and 98% for microscopic haematuria and 46% and 89% for proteinuria, respectively.ConclusionsThe RDT‐Sh is quick, inexpensive and easy to perform in the field for the diagnosis of S. haematobium.
DISPOM: A DISCRIMINATIVE DE-NOVO MOTIF DISCOVERY TOOL BASED ON THE JSTACS LIBRARY
Authors: GRAU JAN , KEILWAGEN JENS , GOHR ANDRÉ , PAPONOV IVAN A. , POSCH STEFAN , SEIFERT MICHAEL , STRICKERT MARC , GROSSE IVO 
Published: January 2013

DNA-binding proteins are a main component of gene regulation as they activate or repress gene expression by binding to specific binding sites in target regions of genomic DNA. However, de-novo discovery of these binding sites in target regions obtained by wet-lab experiments is a challenging problem in computational biology, which has not yet been solved satisfactorily. Here, we present a detailed description and analysis of the de-novo motif discovery tool Dispom, which has been developed for finding binding sites of DNA-binding proteins that are differentially abundant in a set of target regions compared to a set of control regions. Two additional features of Dispom are its capability of modeling positional preferences of binding sites and adjusting the length of the motif in the learning process. Dispom yields an increased prediction accuracy compared to existing tools for de-novo motif discovery, suggesting that the combination of searching for differentially abundant motifs, inferring their positional distributions, and adjusting the motif lengths is beneficial for de-novo motif discovery. When applying Dispom to promoters of auxin-responsive genes and those of ABI3 target genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, we identify relevant binding motifs with pronounced positional distributions. These results suggest that learning motifs, their positional distributions, and their lengths by a discriminative learning principle may aid motif discovery from ChIP-chip and gene expression data. We make Dispom freely available as part of Jstacs, an open-source Java library that is tailored to statistical sequence analysis. To facilitate extensions of Dispom, we describe its implementation using Jstacs in this manuscript. In addition, we provide a stand-alone application of Dispom at http://www.jstacs.de/index.php/Dispom for instant use.
Taxonomic revision of the spider genus Ixchela Huber, 2000 (Araneae: Pholcidae), with description of ten new species from Mexico and Central America
Authors: VALDEZ-MONDRAGÓN ALEJANDRO 
Published: January 2013

A taxonomic revision of the genus Ixchela Huber, 2000 is presented. The previously described five species are redescribed with new taxonomic information and new distribution records. The males of Ixchela placida (Gertsch, 1971) and Ixchela simoni (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1898) are described for the first time. Ten new species are described, nine from Mexico and one from Honduras: Ixchela mixe new species, Ixchela huberi new species, Ixchela juarezi new species, Ixchela grix new species, Ixchela taxco new species, Ixchela franckei new species, Ixchela tzotzil new species, Ixchela santibanezi new species, Ixchela huasteca new species, and Ixchela viquezi new species. Identification keys for males and females are presented.
Remote Measurement of Heat Flux from Power Plant Cooling Lakes
Authors: Garrett Alfred J. , Kurzeja Robert J. , Villa-Aleman Eliel , Bollinger James S. , Pendergast Malcolm M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLaboratory experiments have demonstrated a correlation between the rate of heat loss q″ from an experimental fluid to the air above and the standard deviation σ of the thermal variability in images of the fluid surface. These experimental results imply that q″ can be derived directly from thermal imagery by computing σ. This paper analyses thermal imagery collected over two power plant cooling lakes to determine if the same relationship exists. Turbulent boundary layer theory predicts a linear relationship between q″ and σ when both forced (wind driven) and free (buoyancy driven) convection are present. Datasets derived from ground- and helicopter-based imagery collections had correlation coefficients between σ and q″ of 0.45 and 0.76, respectively. Values of q″ computed from a function of σ and friction velocity u* derived from turbulent boundary layer theory had higher correlations with measured values of q″ (0.84 and 0.89). This research may be applicable to the problem of calculating losses of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere during high-latitude cold-air outbreaks because it does not require the information typically needed to compute sensible, evaporative, and thermal radiation energy losses to the atmosphere.