bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochastic faunal exchanges drive diversification in widespread Wallacean and Pacific island lizards (Squamata: Scincidae: Lamprolepis smaragdina)
Authors: Linkem Charles W. , Brown Rafe M. , Siler Cameron D. , Evans Ben J. , Austin Christopher C. , Iskandar Djoko T. , Diesmos Arvin C. , Supriatna Jatna , Andayani Noviar , McGuire Jimmy A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimWidespread species found in disturbed habitats are often expected to be human commensals. In island systems, this association predicts that dispersal will be mediated by humans. We investigated the biogeographical relationships among populations of a widespread tree skink that inhabits coastal forest and human‐cultivated plantations in Southeast Asia. We sought to determine whether populations of the emerald tree skink, Lamprolepis smaragdina, dispersed via mechanisms that were not human‐mediated (‘natural’ dispersal) or whether dispersal was mediated by humans. The latter scenario predicts low levels of genetic differentiation across a species' range, coupled with a genetic signature of recent range expansion.LocationSoutheast Asia, the Philippines, Wallacea and the south‐western Pacific.MethodsWe analysed sequences of mitochondrial DNA from 204 samples collected throughout the range of this species. We use phylogenetic and population genetic methods to distinguish between predicted geographical patterns of genetic variation that might indicate natural or human‐mediated dispersal.ResultsIn contrast to predictions derived from similar studies of taxonomy and natural history, we found L. smaragdina to be characterized by highly structured and seemingly geographically stable mitochondrial gene lineages.Main conclusionsOur results demonstrate a novel pattern of widespread species distribution, never before observed in vertebrates of the Indo‐Australian Archipelago. Although this widespread and highly dispersive species is capable of long‐distance dispersal, and has a clear history of over‐water dispersal, it exhibits sharp genetic differentiation across its range. Our results suggest that random waif dispersal has been a pervasive ongoing phenomenon throughout the evolutionary history of this species.
Geographical variability in propagule pressure and climatic suitability explain the European distribution of two highly invasive crayfish
Authors: Capinha César , Brotons Lluís , Anastácio Pedro 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimWe assess the relative contribution of human, biological and climatic factors in explaining the colonization success of two highly invasive freshwater decapods: the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).LocationEurope.MethodsWe used boosted regression trees to evaluate the relative influence of, and relationship between, the invader's current pattern of distribution and a set of spatially explicit variables considered important to their colonization success. These variables are related to four well‐known invasion hypotheses, namely the role of propagule pressure, climate matching, biotic resistance from known competitors, and human disturbance.ResultsModel predictions attained a high accuracy for the two invaders (mean AUC ≥ 0.91). Propagule pressure and climatic suitability were identified as the primary drivers of colonization, but the former had a much higher relative influence on the red swamp crayfish. Climate matching was shown to have limited predictive value and climatic suitability models based on occurrences from other invaded areas had consistently higher relative explanatory power than models based on native range data. Biotic resistance and human disturbance were also shown to be weak predictors of the distribution of the two invaders.Main conclusionsThese results contribute to our general understanding of the factors that enable certain species to become notable invaders. Being primarily driven by propagule pressure and climatic suitability, we expect that, given their continued dispersal, the future distribution of these problematic decapods in Europe will increasingly represent their fundamental climatic niche.
QRS Axis and the Benefit of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Mildly Symptomatic Heart Failure Enrolled in MADIT‐CRT
Authors: BRENYO ANDREW , RAO MOHAN , BARSHESHET ALON , CANNOM DAVID , QUESADA AURELIO , McNITT SCOTT , HUANG DAVID T. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH 
Published: November 2012

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and QRS Axis. Background: Mildly symptomatic heart failure (HF) patients derive substantial clinical benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT‐D) as shown in MADIT‐CRT. The presence of QRS axis deviation may influence response to CRT‐D. The objective of this study was to determine whether QRS axis deviation will be associated with differential benefit from CRT‐D.
Methods

: Baseline electrocardiograms of 1,820 patients from MADIT‐CRT were evaluated for left axis deviation (LAD: quantitative QRS axis ‐30 to ‐90) or right axis deviation (RAD: QRS axis 90–180) in left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), and nonspecific interventricular conduction delay QRS morphologies. The primary endpoints were the first occurrence of a HF event or death and the separate occurrence of all‐cause mortality as in MADIT‐CRT.
Results:
Among LBBB patients, those with LAD had a higher risk of primary events at 2 years than non‐LAD patients (20% vs 16%; P = 0.024). The same was observed among RBBB patients (20% vs 10%; P = 0.05) but not in IVCD patients (22% vs 23%; P = NS). RAD did not convey any increased risk of the primary combined endpoint in any QRS morphology subgroup. When analyzing the benefit of CRT‐D in the non‐LBBB subgroups, there was no significant difference in hazard ratios for CRT‐D versus ICD for either LAD or RAD. However, LBBB patients without LAD showed a trend toward greater benefit from CRT therapy than LBBB patients with LAD (HR for no LAD: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.26–0.53 and with LAD: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.79; P value for interaction = 0.18).
Conclusions:
LAD in non‐LBBB patients (RBBB or IVCD) is not associated with an increased benefit from CRT. In LBBB patients, those without LAD seem to benefit more from CRT‐D than those with LAD. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 442‐448, April 2013)
Cell‐specific effects on surface α7 nicotinic receptor expression revealed by over‐expression and knockdown of rat RIC3 protein
Authors: Koperniak Thomas M. , Garg Brijesh K. , Boltax Jay , Loring Ralph H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe tested whether surface α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression is dependent on an endogenous chaperone named Resistance to Inhibitors of Cholinesterase 3 (RIC3) by comparing RIC3 protein in rat GH4C1 and human SH‐EP1 cells, which express strikingly different surface receptor levels following α7 transfection. Cloned rat RIC3 exists in at least two isoforms because of an ambiguous splice site between exons 4 and 5. Both rat isoforms permit surface α7 expression in SH‐EP1 and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells measured by α‐bungarotoxin binding. Contrary to expectations, endogenous RIC3 protein expression determined by immunoblots did not differ between untransfected GH4C1 or SH‐EP1 cells. siRNA against rat RIC3 exon 4 and shRNA against exons 2, 5 and 6 knocked down transfected rat RIC3 expression in SH‐EP1 cells and simultaneously blocked toxin binding. However, no RNAi construct blocked binding when co‐transfected with α7 into GH4C1 cells. shRNA against rat exons 2 and 5 knocked down rat RIC3 protein transfected into GH4C1 cells with a time course suggesting a protein half‐life of a few days. These results suggest GH4C1 cells may possess unknown chaperone(s) allowing high surface α7 expression in the absence of known RIC3 splice variants.
Hypothalamic Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Regulates Glucagon Secretion Mediated by Pancreatic Efferent Nerves
Authors: Gotoh K. , Masaki T. , Chiba S. , Ando H. , Fujiwara K. , Shimasaki T. , Mitsutomi K. , Katsuragi I. , Kakuma T. , Sakata T. , Yoshimatsu H. 
Published: November 2012

Understanding the molecular mechanism of the regulation of glucagon secretion is critical for treating the dysfunction of α cells observed in diabetes. Glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 analogues reduce plasma glucagon and are assumed to contribute to their action to lower blood glucose. It has previously been demonstrated that the central administration of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) improves glucose metabolism by a mechanism independent of feeding behaviour in obese subjects. Using male rats, we examined whether BDNF influences glucagon secretion from α cells via the the central nervous system. We investigate whether: (i) the central infusion of BDNF stimulates glucagon and/or insulin secretion via the pancreatic efferent nerve from the hypothalamus; (ii) the intraportal infusion of GLP‐1 regulates glucose metabolism via the central and peripheral nervous system; and (iii) BDNF receptor and/or BDNF‐positive fibres are localised near α cells of islets. The portal glucagon level decreased with the central administration of BDNF (n = 6, in each; P < 0.05); in contrast, there was no significant change in portal insulin, peripheral glucagon and insulin levels with the same treatment. This reduction of glucagon secretion was abolished by pancreatic efferent denervation (n = 6, in each; P < 0.05). In an immunohistochemical study, pancreatic α cells were stained specifically with BDNF and tyrosine‐related kinase B, a specific receptor for BDNF, and α cells were also co‐localised with BDNF. Moreover, intraportal administration of GLP‐1 decreased glucagon secretion, as well as blood glucose, whereas it increased the BDNF content in the pancreas; these effects were inhibited with the central infusion of BDNF antibody (n = 6, in each; P < 0.05). BDNF and GLP‐1 affect glucose metabolism and modulate glucagon secretion from pancreatic α cells via the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Progesterone Attenuates Several Hippocampal Abnormalities of the Wobbler Mouse
Authors: Meyer M. , Gonzalez Deniselle M. C. , Gargiulo‐Monachelli G. , Lima A. , Roig P. , Guennoun R. , Schumacher M. , De Nicola A. F. 
Published: November 2012

It is now recognised that progesterone plays a protective role for diseases of the central nervous system. In the Wobbler mouse, a model of motoneurone degeneration, progesterone treatment prevents spinal cord neuropathology and clinical progression of the disease. However, neuropathological and functional abnormalities have also been discovered in the brain of Wobbler mice and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The present study examined the hippocampus of control and afflicted Wobbler mice and the changes in response to progesterone treatment. Mice received either a single progesterone implant (20 mg for 18 days). We found that the hippocampal pathology of the untreated Wobblers involved a decreased expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, decreased astrogliosis in the stratum lucidum, stratum radiatum and stratum lacunosum‐moleculare, decreased doublecortin (DCX)‐positive neuroblasts in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and a decreased density of GABA immunoreactive hippocampal interneurones and granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Although progesterone did not change the normal parameters of control mice, it attenuated several hippocampal abnormalities in Wobblers. Thus, progesterone increased hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive astrocytes and increased the number of GABAergic interneurones and granule cells. The number of DCX expressing neuroblasts and immature neurones remained impaired in both progesterone‐treated and untreated Wobblers. In conclusion, progesterone treatment exerted beneficial effects on some aspects of hippocampal neuropathology, suggesting its neuroprotective role in the brain, in agreement with previous data obtained in the spinal cord of Wobbler mice.
Effect of protamine on the accumulation of gentamicin in opossum kidney epithelial cells
Authors: Nagai Junya , Komeda Takuji , Yumoto Ryoko , Takano Mikihisa 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not protamine, an arginine-rich basic protein mixture, inhibits the accumulation of gentamicin, a nephrotoxic drug, in cultured opossum kidney (OK) epithelial cells.

Methods
The effect of protamine from salmon on accumulation and binding of [3H]gentamicin was investigated in OK cells.

Key findings
Protamine inhibited the binding and accumulation of [3H]gentamicin in a concentration-dependent manner. The accumulation of [14C]inulin, a marker of fluid-phase endocytosis, was not affected by protamine at concentrations up to 1 mm. l-Arginine at concentrations up to 10 mm had no significant effect on the accumulation of [3H]gentamicin. On the other hand, preincubation with 100 μm protamine for 5 min decreased the accumulation of [3H]gentamicin to almost the same extent as coincubation with 100 μm protamine for 60 min.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that protamine decreases the accumulation of gentamicin in OK cells. These findings suggest that protamine or its derivatives might be useful in preventing the nephrotoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics including gentamicin.
Quantitative vegetation reconstruction from pollen analysis and historical inventory data around a Danish small forest hollow
Authors: Overballe‐Petersen Mette Venås , Nielsen Anne Birgitte , Bradshaw Richard H.W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractQuestionsCan the model performance of the landscape reconstruction algorithm (LRA) for small forest hollows be validated through comparison to inventory‐based vegetation reconstructions from the last 150 yrs? Does the application of LRA and the comparison to historical data enhance interpretation of the pollen record?LocationDenmark. The Gribskov‐Ostrup small forest hollow (56°N, 12°20′ E, 44 m a.s.l.) in the forest of Gribskov, eastern Denmark.MethodsPollen analysis was carried out on a small forest hollow, and LRA used to derive pollen‐based quantitative estimates of past vegetation. Historical forest inventory data and maps were used to reconstruct the vegetation within three different circles around the hollow (20, 50 and 200 m ring widths) for five time periods during the last 150 yrs. The results of the two approaches were compared in order to evaluate model performance, and the LRA‐based reconstruction used to describe how the model changes interpretation of vegetation development during the last ca. 6500 yrs compared to the use of pollen percentages alone.ResultsDistance‐weighted inventory‐based reconstructions within 200 m of the hollow's edge provide the best match with the LRA‐modelled vegetation. Precise validation of the model is not possible due to insufficient historical data, but the comparison indicates that the LRA reconstruction for Gribskov tends to (1) underestimate tree cover and overestimate open areas, (2) give a too high representation of on‐site pollen types, (3) give an underestimation of Fagus and (4) a small overestimation of Quercus and Corylus. Despite these uncertainties, application of the LRA model shows a higher degree of openness than would be apparent from the uncorrected pollen diagram, and makes it possible to attempt to distinguish changes at the local scale from regional vegetation changes, thus giving a clearer picture of the vegetation changes at the site.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that the estimates of the LRA model applied to pollen data from small forest hollows can be compared with small‐scale historical data to evaluate model performance.
ECONOMIC CRISES, HOUSING PRICE BUBBLES AND SADDLE‐POINT ECONOMICS
Authors: Christiaans Thomas 
Published: November 2012

AbstractStarting from the recent financial and economic crisis the standard interpretation of rational expectations and optimal control dynamic models is called into question referring to its lack of robustness. Using the example of the housing market it is shown that an alternative interpretation closer to the mathematical basics would imply economies much more crisis‐prone than they actually are. Market frictions reduce chances for bubbles and should be taken into consideration in positive as well as in normative economics. Dynamic models in a neoclassical spirit can explain reality only with frictions, and increasing frictions may sometimes be a reasonable stabilizing instrument of economic policy.
Exploitation of genomics in fungicide research: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Cools Hans J. , Hammond‐Kosack Kim E. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryEvery year, fungicide use to control plant disease caused by pathogenic fungi increases. The global fungicide market is now worth more than £5.3 billion, second only to the herbicide market in importance. In the UK, over 5500 tonnes of fungicide were applied to crops in 2010 (The Food and Environment Research Agency, Pesticide Usage Statistics), with 95.5% of the wheat‐growing area receiving three fungicide sprays. Although dependence on fungicides to produce food securely, reliably and cheaply may be moderated in the future by further developments in crop biotechnology, modern crop protection will continue to require a diversity of solutions, including effective and safe chemical control. Therefore, investment in exploiting the increasingly available genome sequences of the most devastating fungal and oomycete phytopathogenic species should bring an array of new opportunities for chemical intervention. To date, the impact of whole genome research on the development, introduction and stewardship of fungicides has been limited, but ongoing improvements in computational analysis, molecular biology, chemical genetics, genome sequencing and transcriptomics will facilitate the development and registration of the future suite of crop protection chemicals.
Phylogenetic and experimental evidence for host‐specialized cryptic species in a biotrophic oomycete
Authors: Rouxel Mélanie , Mestre Pere , Comont Gwenaelle , Lehman Brian L. , Schilder Annemiek , Delmotte François 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Assortative mating resulting from host plant specialization has been proposed to facilitate rapid ecological divergence in biotrophic plant pathogens. Downy mildews, a major group of biotrophic oomycetes, are prime candidates for testing speciation by host plant specialization.

Here, we combined a phylogenetic and morphological approach with cross‐pathogenicity tests to investigate host plant specialization and host range expansion in grapevine downy mildew. This destructive disease is caused by Plasmopara viticola, an oomycete endemic to North America on wild species and cultivated grapevines.

Multiple genealogies and sporangia morphology provide evidence that P. viticola is a complex of four cryptic species, each associated with different host plants. Cross‐inoculation experiments showed complete host plant specialization on Parthenocissus quinquefolia and on Vitis riparia, whereas cryptic species found on V. aestivalis, V. labrusca and V. vinifera were revealed to be less specific. We reconstructed the recent host range expansion of P. viticola from wild to cultivated grapevines, and showed that it was accompanied by an increase in aggressiveness of the pathogen.

This case study on grapevine downy mildew illustrates how biotrophic plant pathogens can diversify by host plant specialization and emerge in agrosystems by shifting to cultivated hosts. These results might have important implications for viticulture, including breeding for resistance and disease management.
Assessment of the water quality and identification of pollution sources of Kaduna River in Niger State (Nigeria) using exploratory data analysis
Authors: Ogwueleka Toochukwu Chibueze 
Published: November 2012

AbstractExploratory data analysis such as hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were applied to water quality dataset of the Kaduna River, obtained during 3 years (2008–2010), monthly monitoring of eight key different sampling sites for 19 parameters to extract correlations and similarities between variables and to classify river sampling sites in groups of similar quality. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped eight sampling sites into three statistically significant clusters of similar water composition. Six varifactors were obtained after varimax rotation of initial principal components using principal component analysis. These techniques gave an insight into the sources of pollution. Anthropogenic influence (municipal, industrial wastewater and agricultural run‐off) was the major source of river water pollution.
An exploration of the word ‘palliative’ in the 19th century: searching the BMJ archives for clues
Authors: Taubert Mark , Fielding Helen , Mathews Emma , Frazer Ricky 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundPalliative care went through a significant evolution in the 20th century, but the 19th century has been seen my some scholars as the real turning point toward the more modern concept of hospices and palliative care.MethodsTo investigate some examples of earlier uses of the word ‘palliative’, a literature search was conducted within the earliest available BMJ archive sections, the years 1840 to 1842. This provided a glimpse into how the word was used in the medical literature in Victorian times, mid-nineteenth century.ResultsSearch results brought up a number of case reports, and the word was employed to describe medicines (‘use of palliatives’) as well as passive, non-active treatment approaches, probably best described as a watch-and-wait strategy. Of note is that the first recorded use of the word in the archives is by a surgeon.ConclusionsSome doctors associated the word palliative with there not being any prospect for cure and only for the relief of symptoms and greater comfort of the patient. There were, however, early reflections on whether palliative treatments may in some cases increase the length of patients’ lives.
Medicinal
terra sigillata
: a historical, geographical and typological review
Authors: Macgregor Arthur 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

For over two millennia, clays with perceived medicinal or alexipharmic properties have been recovered in bulk, processed into small troches or pastilles and stamped with a device or ‘seal’ as an indicator of their origin; this practice lent them their commonly applied name –
terra sigillata
or sealed earth. The first records are confined to the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, but early in the post-medieval period other sources in central and northern Europe came to be exploited. The history of this process of expansion is traced, the principal products of the major sources are identified by their respective seals, and some assessment is made of the validity of claims made for the effectiveness of such clays.