bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The swimming capacity of juvenile Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii): an ambush predator endemic to the Murray‐Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Whiterod Nick S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study documented the swimming capacity of a large ambush predator, Murray cod Maccullochella peelii, endemic to the Murray‐Darling Basin, Australia. It was evident that the species is a swimming generalist, maintaining moderate ability across all aspects of the swimming capacity parameters that were investigated. For instance, the species was capable of prolonged swimming performance (critical swimming speed, Ucrit: absolute, 0.26–0.60 m·s−1, relative, 1.15–2.20 BL s−1) that was inferior to active fish species, but comparable with other ambush predators. The species had low energetic demands, maintaining a low mass‐specific standard (21.3–140.3 mg·h−1 kg−1) and maximum active metabolic rate (75.5–563.8 mg·h−1 kg−1), which lead to a small scope for activity (maximum active metabolic rate–standard metabolic rate; 1.4–5.9). They were reasonably efficient swimmers (absolute and relative optimal swimming speed, 0.17–0.61 m·s−1 and 0.77–1.93 BL·s−1, respectively) and capable of repeat bouts of prolonged performance (recovery ratio = 0.99). Allometric changes in aspects of swimming capacity were realised with body mass, whereas broad swimming capacity was maintained across a wide range of temperatures. The swimming capacity demonstrated by M. peelii reflects a sit‐and‐wait foraging strategy that seeks to conserve energy characteristic of ambush predators, but with distinct features (e.g., lack of fast‐start ability) that may reflect their evolution in some of the world's most hydrologically and thermally variable rivers.
Aberrant promoter methylation of Dab2 gene in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Yang Yujuan , Zhang Qingxia , Xu Feng , Chang Chunkang , Li Xiao 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesHuman Disabled‐2 (Dab2), a putative tumor suppressor gene, is frequently down‐regulated in human tumors. This study aims to explore the association between Dab2 methylation status and expression in newly diagnosed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and patients who received 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (decitabine) treatment, so as to determine the effect of Dab2 in the pathogenesis of MDS.MethodsMethylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction and bisulfite sequencing were used to detect the methylation status of Dab2 gene. Dab2 expression was investigated by using fluorescence quantitation RT‐PCR (FQRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis.ResultsHypermethylation of Dab2 gene was present in 50.6% of patients with MDS and was significantly correlated with the down‐regulation of Dab2 mRNA and protein expression. There was a significant difference in methylation frequency between refractory anemia/refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts/MDS associated with isolated del (5q) (RA/RARS/5q‐) group (33.3%) and refractory anemia with excess blasts‐1/‐2 (RAEB‐1/RAEB‐2) group (73.3%). Significant difference was also observed between refractory cytopenia with multiline dysplasia group (37.8%) and RAEB‐1/RAEB‐2 group. In addition, higher frequency of hypermethylation was observed in intermediate‐2‐/high‐risk group, compared to low‐risk/intermediate‐1‐risk group (75.0% vs. 40.0%). Demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine treatment could partly reverse hypermethylation and, hence, restore the expression of Dab2 gene.ConclusionsThe Dab2 gene is inactivated in MDS in part by DNA methylation, and the suppression of Dab2 expression by DNA methylation may play a role in the development of MDS.
Genetic diversity in widespread species is not congruent with species richness in alpine plant communities
Authors: Taberlet Pierre , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Englisch Thorsten , Tribsch Andreas , Holderegger Rolf , Alvarez Nadir , Niklfeld Harald , Coldea Gheorghe , Mirek Zbigniew , Moilanen Atte , Ahlmer Wolfgang , Marsan Paolo Ajmone , Bona Enzo , Bovio Maurizio , Choler Philippe , Cieślak Elżbieta , Colli Licia , Cristea Vasile , Dalmas Jean‐Pierre , Frajman Božo , Garraud Luc , Gaudeul Myriam , Gielly Ludovic , Gutermann Walter , Jogan Nejc , Kagalo Alexander A. , Korbecka Grażyna , Küpfer Philippe , Lequette Benoît , Letz Dominik Roman , Manel Stéphanie , Mansion Guilhem , Marhold Karol , Martini Fabrizio , Negrini Riccardo , Niño Fernando , Paun Ovidiu , Pellecchia Marco , Perico Giovanni , Piękoś‐Mirkowa Halina , Prosser Filippo , Puşcaş Mihai , Ronikier Michał , Scheuerer Martin , Schneeweiss Gerald M. , Schönswetter Peter , Schratt‐Ehrendorfer Luise , Schüpfer Fanny , Selvaggi Alberto , Steinmann Katharina , Thiel‐Egenter Conny , van Loo Marcela , Winkler Manuela , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Wraber Tone , Gugerli Felix ,   IntraBioDiv Consortium
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims at the conservation of all three levels of biodiversity, that is, ecosystems, species and genes. Genetic diversity represents evolutionary potential and is important for ecosystem functioning. Unfortunately, genetic diversity in natural populations is hardly considered in conservation strategies because it is difficult to measure and has been hypothesised to co‐vary with species richness. This means that species richness is taken as a surrogate of genetic diversity in conservation planning, though their relationship has not been properly evaluated. We tested whether the genetic and species levels of biodiversity co‐vary, using a large‐scale and multi‐species approach. We chose the high‐mountain flora of the Alps and the Carpathians as study systems and demonstrate that species richness and genetic diversity are not correlated. Species richness thus cannot act as a surrogate for genetic diversity. Our results have important consequences for implementing theCBDwhen designing conservation strategies.
Suppression of UV‐induced damage by a liposomal sunscreen: a prospective, open‐label study in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus and healthy controls
Authors: Patsinakidis Nikolaos , Wenzel Joerg , Landmann Aysche , Koch Raphael , Gerß Joachim , Luger Thomas A. , Metze Dieter , Surber Christian , Kuhn Annegret 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study aimed to determine whether a broad‐spectrum liposomal sunscreen with a very high sun protection factor (Daylong actinica) can prevent damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and healthy controls (HCs) under standardised conditions. In 20 patients with CLE and 10 HCs, defined areas of sunscreen‐untreated and sunscreen‐treated skin on the upper back were irradiated with combined UVA/UVB light. Disease‐specific skin lesions were induced by UVA/UVB light in the untreated areas of nine patients with CLE; no specific eruptions or any sun damage was observed in the sunscreen‐treated areas in any of the CLE patients, nor in the HCs. Histological analysis of skin biopsy specimens confirmed the clinical results. In conclusion, the use of a high‐protection, broad‐spectrum sunscreen can prevent UV‐induced damage in patients with CLE and HCs.
Does human leukocyte elastase degrade intact skin elastin?
Authors: Schmelzer Christian E. H. , Jung Michael C. , Wohlrab Johannes , Neubert Reinhard H. H. , Heinz Andrea 
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of intact fibrillar human elastin to human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G. Elastin is a vital protein of the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, and provides exceptional properties including elasticity and tensile strength to many tissues and organs, including the aorta, lung, cartilage, elastic ligaments and skin, and is thus critical for their long‐term function. Mature elastin is an insoluble and extremely durable protein that undergoes very little turnover, but sustained exposure to proteases may lead to irreversible and severe damage, and thus to functional loss of the elastic fiber network. Hence, it is a key issue to understand which enzymes actually initiate elastolysis under certain pathological conditions or during intrinsic aging. In this paper, we provide a complete workflow for isolation of pure and intact elastin from very small tissue samples to test enzymes for their elastolytic potential. This workflow was applied to skin samples from variously aged individuals, and it was found that strong differences exist in the degradability of the elastins investigated. In summary, human leukocyte elastase was unable to degrade intact elastin fibers but hydrolyzed elastin derived from the skin of old people. However, cathepsin G cleaved all elastin samples, even those derived from younger individuals. These results indicate that human leukocyte elastase is not a driving force for elastolysis, but may nevertheless promote further breakdown of elastic fibers after the action of other enzymes such as cathepsin G.
Declines in littoral species richness across both spatial and temporal nutrient gradients: a palaeolimnological study of two taxonomic groups
Authors: VELGHE KATHERINE , VERMAIRE JESSE C. , GREGORY‐EAVES IRENE 
Published: September 2012

Summary1. Using a palaeolimnological approach in shallow lakes, we quantified the species richness responses of diatoms and Cladocera to phosphorus enrichment. We also examined differences in species richness responses between littoral and pelagic assemblages of our focal communities. To address both spatial and temporal relationships, our study includes an analysis of both surface sediments from 40 lakes and of a lake sediment record spanning c. 120 years. The objective of our study was to determine whether similar species richness patterns occurred across trophic levels, as well as along spatial and temporal gradients.2. We found that both diatom and Cladocera species richness estimates significantly declined with increasing phosphorus across space and through time. When the assemblages were subdivided according to known habitat preferences, littoral biodiversity maintained a negative trend, whereas pelagic species richness tended to show no relationship with phosphorus.3. Negative productivity–diversity patterns have been observed across almost all palaeolimnological studies that span large productivity gradients. This congruence in patterns is most likely due to the similarity in data collection methods and in focal communities studied. The contrasting responses between littoral and pelagic assemblages may be explained by the differences in physical habitat and the pool of taxa in each of these environments. Consistent with the literature, we found statistical support for the idea that littoral diversity declines could be explained by an interaction between macrophytes and nutrients along strong trophic gradients. The general lack of a diversity response in our pelagic assemblages could be attributable to the limited pool of subfossil taxa. The response of the pelagic diatom could also be related to their broad range of nutrient tolerances.4. The observed negative response of species richness to phosphorus enrichment, particularly in the littoral assemblages, has implications for ecosystems functioning because communities with reduced biodiversity often are less resilient to anthropogenic change.
Positive effect of shredders on microbial biomass and decomposition in stream microcosms
Authors: VILLANUEVA VERÓNICA DÍAZ , ALBARIÑO RICARDO , CANHOTO CRISTINA 
Published: September 2012

Summary1. Animals play a major role in nutrient cycling via excretory processes. Although the positive indirect effects of grazers on periphytic algae are well understood, little is known about top‐down effects on decomposers of shredders living on leaf litter.2. Nutrient cycling by shredders in oligotrophic forest streams may be important for the microbial‐detritus compartment at very small spatial scales (i.e. within the leaf packs in which shredders feed). We hypothesised that insect excretion may cause local nutrient enrichment, so that microorganism growth on leaves is stimulated.3. We first tested the effect of increasing concentration of ammonium (+10, +20 and +40 μg NH4+ L−1) on fungal and bacterial biomass on leaf litter in a laboratory experiment. Then we performed two experiments to test the effect of the presence and feeding activity of shredder larvae. We used two species belonging to the trichopteran family Sericostomatidae: the Palaearctic Sericostoma vittatum and the Neotropical Myothrichia murina, to test the effect of these shredders on fungal and bacterial biomass and decomposition on leaves of Quercus robur and Nothofagus pumilio, respectively. All experiments were run in water with low ammonium concentrations (2.4 ± 0.34 to 14.47 ± 0.95 μg NH4+ L−1).4. After 5 days of incubation, NH4 concentrations were reduced to near‐ambient streamwater concentrations in all treatments with leaves. Fungal biomass was positively affected by increased ammonium concentration. On the other hand, bacteria abundance was similar in all treatments, both in terms of abundance (bacteria cells mg−1 leaf DW) and biomass. However, there was a tendency towards larger mean cell size in treatments with 20 μg NH4 L−1.5. In the experiment with S. vittatum, fungal biomass in the treatment with insects was more than twice that in the control after 15 days. Bacteria were not detected in treatments with insects, where hyphae were abundant, but they were abundant in treatments without larvae. In the decomposition experiment run with M. murina, leaf‐mass loss was significantly higher in treatments with larvae than in controls.6. Our hypothesis of a positive effect of shredders on fungal biomass and decomposition was demonstrated. Insect excretion caused ammonium concentration to increase in the microcosms, contributing to microbial N uptake in leaf substrata, which resulted in structural and functional changes in community attributes. The positive effect of detritivores on microbes has been mostly neglected in stream nutrient‐cycling models; our findings suggest that this phenomenon may be of greater importance than expected in stream nutrient budgets.
Driving factors of a vegetation shift from Scots pine to pubescent oak in dry Alpine forests
Authors: Rigling Andreas , Bigler Christof , Eilmann Britta , Feldmeyer‐Christe Elisabeth , Gimmi Urs , Ginzler Christian , Graf Ulrich , Mayer Philipp , Vacchiano Giorgio , Weber Pascale , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Zweifel Roman , Dobbertin Matthias 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAn increasing number of studies have reported on forest declines and vegetation shifts triggered by drought. In the Swiss Rhone valley (Valais), one of the driest inner‐Alpine regions, the species composition in low elevation forests is changing: The sub‐boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) dominating the dry forests is showing high mortality rates. Concurrently the sub‐Mediterranean pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) has locally increased in abundance. However, it remains unclear whether this local change in species composition is part of a larger‐scale vegetation shift. To study variability in mortality and regeneration in these dry forests we analysed data from the Swiss national forest inventory (NFI) on a regular grid between 1983 and 2003, and combined it with annual mortality data from a monitoring site. Pine mortality was found to be highest at low elevation (below 1000 m a.s.l.). Annual variation in pine mortality was correlated with a drought index computed for the summer months prior to observed tree death. A generalized linear mixed‐effects model indicated for the NFI data increased pine mortality on dryer sites with high stand competition, particularly for small‐diameter trees. Pine regeneration was low in comparison to its occurrence in the overstorey, whereas oak regeneration was comparably abundant. Although both species regenerated well at dry sites, pine regeneration was favoured at cooler sites at higher altitude and oak regeneration was more frequent at warmer sites, indicating a higher adaptation potential of oaks under future warming. Our results thus suggest that an extended shift in species composition is actually occurring in the pine forests in the Valais. The main driving factors are found to be climatic variability, particularly drought, and variability in stand structure and topography. Thus, pine forests at low elevations are developing into oak forests with unknown consequences for these ecosystems and their goods and services.
Tree species diversity interacts with elevated CO2 to induce a greater root system response
Authors: Smith Andrew R. , Lukac Martin , Bambrick Michael , Miglietta Franco , Godbold Douglas L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAs a consequence of land‐use change and the burning of fossil fuels, atmospheric concentrations of CO2 are increasing and altering the dynamics of the carbon cycle in forest ecosystems. In a number of studies using single tree species, fine root biomass has been shown to be strongly increased by elevated CO2. However, natural forests are often intimate mixtures of a number of co‐occurring species. To investigate the interaction between tree mixture and elevated CO2, Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula and Fagus sylvatica were planted in areas of single species and a three species polyculture in a free‐air CO2 enrichment study (BangorFACE). The trees were exposed to ambient or elevated CO2 (580 μmol mol−1) for 4 years. Fine and coarse root biomass, together with fine root turnover and fine root morphological characteristics were measured. Fine root biomass and morphology responded differentially to the elevated CO2 at different soil depths in the three species when grown in monocultures. In polyculture, a greater response to elevated CO2 was observed in coarse roots to a depth of 20 cm, and fine root area index to a depth of 30 cm. Total fine root biomass was positively affected by elevated CO2 at the end of the experiment, but not by species diversity. Our data suggest that existing biogeochemical cycling models parameterized with data from species grown in monoculture may be underestimating the belowground response to global change.
The effect of feeding animals ad libitum vs. at maintenance level on the in vivo digestibility of mown herbage from two permanent grasslands of different botanical composition
Authors: Andueza D. , Picard F. , Jestin M. , Aufrère J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe aim of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding level (FL) on the digestibility of unconserved forage obtained from two permanent grasslands cut at three different dates during the first cycle of growth. Forage was offered to Texel sheep (wethers), at maintenance level and at ad libitum level. Differences in voluntary intake (VI) between grasslands were also tested. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) measured at ad libitum level and at VI was 13% higher on harvested forage from grassland rich in forbs (GRF) than grassland rich in grasses (GRG) at early herbage growth stages, but these differences were no longer found at later maturity stages. In GRF, there were no differences for OMD, at either FL at the young growth stages, but at the end of the cycle the OMD obtained at ad libitum level (0·56) was higher than that at maintenance level (0·50). However, in GRG, at an early stage of forage maturity, OMD at ad libitum level (0·67) was lower than that at maintenance level (0·70), but this difference was no longer found at the end of the growth cycle. In conclusion, the effect of FL on the digestibility of unconserved forage from permanent grasslands depends on the type of grassland. These differences are mainly explained by the different botanical composition of the grassland types.
Menstrual bleeding patterns and prevalence of bleeding disorders in a multidisciplinary adolescent haematology clinic
Authors: Vo K. T. , Grooms L. , Klima J. , Holland‐Hall C. , O'Brien S. H. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryHeavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a frequent complaint in adolescence. Although HMB is often caused by immaturity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovarian axis, bleeding disorders are another common yet often unidentified cause. The aim of this study was to examine the bleeding patterns and prevalence of inherited bleeding disorders among females referred for HMB to a multidisciplinary adolescent haematology clinic. We retrospectively reviewed the first 105 patients (ages 8–18 years) referred to this specialty clinic from February 2009 to December 2011. Using menstrual bleeding questionnaires and medical records, data were extracted regarding demographics, bleeding patterns, frequency and types of bleeding disorders identified, and prescribed interventions. Sixty‐two per cent of patients were diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, including platelet storage pool deficiency (36%), von Willebrand's disease (9%), other platelet function defect (8%), Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (7%) and combined bleeding disorders (2%). Comparison of the bleeding profiles for females with and without a bleeding disorder revealed only three factors that were significantly different, including the reported regularity of patients' periods (P = 0.02), description of period flow (P = 0.04) and number of days of each period that the bleeding was described as ‘heavy’ (P = 0.007). Bleeding disorders are prevalent in adolescent females presenting to a specialty clinic. Specifically, a relatively high proportion of adolescents were diagnosed with platelet storage pool deficiency. In our small population, menstrual bleeding profiles, as examined by a standardized questionnaire, could not identify females with an underlying bleeding disorder, demonstrating the important role of haemostasis testing in the evaluation of adolescents with HMB.
Treating alcoholism reduces financial burden on care‐givers and increases quality‐adjusted life years
Authors: Salize Hans Joachim , Jacke Christian , Kief Sven , Franz Michael , Mann Karl 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsThe study assessed the alcoholism‐related financial burden borne by informal care‐givers and relatives of German alcoholic patients.DesignBy using an exploratory approach, care‐giver burden was assessed both prior to and 12 months after detoxification and withdrawal. Quality‐of‐life data for care‐givers collected during follow‐up were used to calculate the number of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained by alcoholics’ family members while their relatives are undergoing treatment.ParticipantsForty‐eight informal care‐givers and relatives of alcoholic patients.SettingIn‐patient and out‐patient departments of three psychiatric university hospitals in Germany.MeasurementsExpenditures of families related directly to the addiction disorder of alcoholic patients, quality of life of care‐givers, relapses of patients.FindingsFamilies’ expenditures related directly to their addicted member's alcoholism decreased from an average of €676.44 per month (or 20.2% of the total pre‐tax family income) at baseline to an average of €145.40 per month at 12 months after the beginning of treatment. The average time spent caring for the affected family member was reduced from 32.3 hours per month to 8.2 hours per month (P = 0.0109), and quality‐of‐life total scores increased from 60.6 to 68.0. The total gain in QALYs for family members was 0.108. When weighed against the average cost of the alcoholism treatment, the cost of one QALY for care‐giving family members was €20 398 on average.ConclusionsAmong the families of German alcoholics who receive detoxification, there is a substantial reduction in family expenditures, time spent caring and an increase in quality of life at 1 year. These are important but often neglected additional measures of the burden on family members and also treatment benefits.