bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions between global and local stressors of ecosystems determine management effectiveness in cumulative impact mapping
Authors: Brown Christopher J. , Saunders Megan I. , Possingham Hugh P. , Richardson Anthony J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimCumulative impact maps are used to identify the spatial distribution of multiple human impacts to species and ecosystems. Impacts can be caused by local stressors which can be managed, such as eutrophication, and by global stressors that cannot be managed, such as climate change. Cumulative impact maps typically assume that there are no interactive effects between stressors on biodiversity. However, the benefits of managing the ecosystem are affected by interactions between stressors. Our aim was to determine whether the assumption of no interactions in impact maps leads to incorrect identification of sites for management.LocationGeneral, Australasia.MethodsWe used the additive effects model to incorporate the effects of interactions into an interactive impact map. Seagrass meadows in Australasia threatened by a local stressor, nutrient inputs, and a global stressor, warming, were used as a case study. The reduction in the impact index was quantified for reductions in the nutrient stressor. We examined the outcomes for three scenarios: no interactions, antagonistic interactions or synergistic interactions.ResultsCumulative impact maps imply that reducing a local stressor will give equivalent reductions in the impact index everywhere, regardless of spatial variability in a global stressor. We show that reductions in the impact index were greatest in refuges from warming if there was an antagonistic interaction between stressors, and greatest in areas of high warming stress if there was a synergistic interaction. Reducing the nutrient stressor in refuges from warming always reduced the impact index, regardless of the interaction.Main conclusionsInteractions between local and global stressors should be considered when using cumulative impact maps to identify sites where management of a local stressor will provide the greatest impact reduction. If the interaction type is unknown, impact maps can be used to identify refuges from global stressors, as sites for management.
Ictal single photon emission computed tomography in epileptic auras
Authors: Elwan Sherif A. , Wu Guiyun , Huang Steve S. L. , Najm Imad M. , So Norman K. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryObjectivesLittle is known about whether ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during an isolated aura can localize the epileptogenic zone (EZ). This study seeks to evaluate the yield of ictal SPECT injection in isolated epileptic auras.MethodsWe identified 20 patients with focal epilepsy studied during 26 isolated auras by ictal interictal subtraction SPECT coregistered to magnetic resonance imaging (SISCOM). Studies were rated by two readers who blindly scored the images for presence or absence of an area of dominant hyperperfusion and the lateralization and localization of ictal hyperperfusion; kappa statistics were calculated. Results are correlated with the localization or lateralization of the EZ, time of injection, and electroencephalography (EEG) findings during aura.ResultsFourteen (53%) of 26 injections in 13 patients were rated by both readers as having an area of dominant hyperperfusion with poor interobserver agreement (k = 0.128). Nine of 26 injections in eight patients were correctly lateralized to the side of the EZ (κ = 0.46), but only one of 21 injections in one patient was correctly localized (κ = 0.146). No difference was found when comparing temporal and extratemporal cases. Studies obtained in auras with ictal EEG change were no more likely to be correctly localized than in ones without (p = 0.19). The timing of injection was not a predictor of success.SignificanceIctal SPECT injection during an isolated aura has a low yield of correct localization of the EZ and cannot be relied on alone during presurgical evaluation. A repeat injection during a seizure with clinical signs and ictal EEG accompaniment is recommended.
Functional connectivity of hippocampal networks in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Haneef Zulfi , Lenartowicz Agatha , Yeh Hsiang J. , Levin Harvey S. , Engel Jerome , Stern John M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryObjectiveTemporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) affects brain areas beyond the temporal lobes due to connections of the hippocampi and other temporal lobe structures. Using functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we determined the changes of hippocampal networks in TLE to assess for a more complete distribution of abnormality.MethodsRegions of interest (ROIs) were defined in the right and left hippocampi in three groups of participants: left TLE (n = 13), right TLE (n = 11), and healthy controls (n = 16). Brain regions functionally connected to these ROIs were identified by correlating resting‐state low‐frequency functional MRI (fMRI) blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations. The grouped results were compared using independent sample t‐test.ResultsTLE was associated with increased hippocampal connectivity involving several key areas of the limbic network (temporal lobe, insula, thalamus), frontal lobes, angular gyrus, basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum, along with reduced connectivity involving areas of the sensorimotor cortex (visual, somatosensory, auditory, primary motor) and the default mode network (precuneus). Left TLE had more marked connectivity changes than right TLE.SignificanceThe observed connectivity changes in TLE indicate dysfunctional networks that underlie widespread brain involvement in TLE. There are identifiable differences in the connectivity of the hippocampi between left and right TLE.
To Know the Field: Shaping the Slum Environment and Cultivating the Self
Authors: Snell‐Rood Claire 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA broad array of public policy and anthropological research has demonstrated how the slum environment physically and symbolically excludes its residents from society. Yet recent social shifts in urban South Asia suggest that environment is a way that people living in slums also transform their social identity. I use a conceptual frame of dialectical environment‐self creation to suggest that women in particular use the slum environment as a tool for personal and social redefinition. Women commented on how their techniques to see value in poor environmental conditions, endure harsh weather, and create microenvironments could result in physical changes to environment and body. To the extent they could produce these changes, it reflected on their spiritual capacities as “knowers” of the environmental field, able to identify potential in an inadequate environment through physical endurance and moral fortitude. This research contributes to our understanding of the significance of the environment to the self. I draw attention to the ways that even limited environmental change can have resounding effects for moral definition and communicating social worth.
Rapid evolution of quantitative traits: theoretical perspectives
Authors: Kopp Michael , Matuszewski Sebastian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn increasing number of studies demonstrate phenotypic and genetic changes in natural populations that are subject to climate change, and there is hope that some of these changes will contribute to avoiding species extinctions (‘evolutionary rescue’). Here, we review theoretical models of rapid evolution in quantitative traits that can shed light on the potential for adaptation to a changing climate. Our focus is on quantitative‐genetic models with selection for a moving phenotypic optimum. We point out that there is no one‐to‐one relationship between the rate of adaptation and population survival, because the former depends on relative fitness and the latter on absolute fitness. Nevertheless, previous estimates that sustainable rates of genetically based change usually do not exceed 0.1 haldanes (i.e., phenotypic standard deviations per generation) are probably correct. Survival can be greatly facilitated by phenotypic plasticity, and heritable variation in plasticity can further speed up genetic evolution. Multivariate selection and genetic correlations are frequently assumed to constrain adaptation, but this is not necessarily the case and depends on the geometric relationship between the fitness landscape and the structure of genetic variation. Similar conclusions hold for adaptation to shifting spatial gradients. Recent models of adaptation in multispecies communities indicate that the potential for rapid evolution is strongly influenced by interspecific competition.
The availability of land for perennial energy crops in Great Britain
Authors: Lovett Andrew , Sünnenberg Gilla , Dockerty Trudie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper defines the potentially available land for perennial energy crops across Great Britain as the first component of a broader appraisal undertaken by the ‘Spatial Modelling of Bioenergy in Great Britain to 2050’ project. Combining data on seven primary constraints in a GIS reduced the available area to just over 9 M ha (40% of GB). Adding other restrictions based on land cover naturalness scores to represent landscape considerations resulted in a final area of 8.5 M ha (37% of GB). This distribution was compared with the locations of Miscanthus and SRC willow established under the English Energy Crop Scheme during 2001–2011 and it was found that 83% of the planting fell within the defined available land. Such a correspondence provides confidence that the factors considered in the analysis were broadly consistent with previous planting decisions.
Genetic characterization of seasonal influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Ontario during 2010–2011 influenza season: high prevalence of mutations at antigenic sites
Authors: Eshaghi AliReza , Duvvuri Venkata R. , Li Aimin , Patel Samir N. , Bastien Nathalie , Li Yan , Low Donald E. , Gubbay Jonathan B. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe direct effect of antigenic site mutations in influenza viruses on antigenic drift and vaccine effectiveness is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo investigate the genetic and antigenic characteristics of human influenza A (H3N2) viruses circulating in Ontario during the early 2010–2011 winter season.Study designWe sequenced the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from 41 A(H3N2) viruses detected in nasopharyngeal specimens. Strain typing was performed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Molecular and phylogenetic tree analyses were conducted.ResultsHA and NA genes showed high similarity to the 2010–2011 vaccine strain, A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)‐like virus (97·7–98·5% and 98·7–99·5% amino acid (AA) identity, respectively). Compared to A/Perth/16/2009 strain, HA gene mutations were documented at 28 different AA positions across all five H3 antigenic sites, with a range of 5–11 mutations in individual viruses. Thirty‐six (88%) viruses had 8 AA substitutions in common; none of these had reduced HI titer. Among Ontario isolates, 11 antigenic site AAs were positively selected with an increase in glycosylation sites.ConclusionThe presence of antigenic site mutations with high frequency among 2010–2011 influenza H3N2 isolates confirms ongoing adaptive H3N2 evolution. These may represent early phylogenetic changes that could cause antigenic drift with further mutations. Clinical relevance of antigenic site mutations not causing drift in HI assays is unknown and requires further investigation. In addition, viral sequencing information will assist with vaccine strain planning and may facilitate early detection of vaccine escape.
Coronally advanced flap versus the pouch technique combined with a connective tissuegraft to treat Miller's class I gingival recession: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Salhi Leila , Lecloux Geoffrey , Seidel Laurence , Rompen Eric , Lambert France 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to compare two different periodontal plastic surgery procedures to treat Miller's class I recession: a coronally advanced flap (control group) versus the pouch technique (test group), both of which were associated with connective tissue graft.MethodsForty consecutive patients were included, with 20 patients being allocated for each group. The level of recession coverage, the keratinized tissue (KT) quantity, gingival aesthetics (PES) and post‐operative outcomes were assessed for a follow‐up period of 6 months.ResultsAfter 6 months, both techniques allowed for the excellent mean root coverage of 96.3 ± 12.1% in the control group and of 91.3 ± 17.6% in the test group. Complete root coverage was achieved in 89.5% (17/19) and 79% (15/19) of the recession cases in the control and the test groups respectively. A significant increase in KT height (p = 0.0011) was observed in the test group. A significant improvement in the pink aesthetic score was found in the two groups, but gingival texture displayed significantly better results in the test group (p < 0.0001). No significant difference between the two groups was found in terms of the morbidity outcomes. Pain killer consumption was similar in the two groups and significantly decreased over time.ConclusionsBoth surgical techniques are relevant in treating Miller's class I recession. The pouch technique seems to increase the height of KT better and provides good gingival‐related aesthetic outcomes.
Use of Novel Lactic Acid Bacterial Strains with Antagonistic Activity for the Preparation of Safe Indigenous Fermented Dairy Foods (Dahi and Raita)
Authors: Varalakshmi S. , Balasubramanyam B.V. , Surendranath B. , Bagath M. , Rajendran D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAttempts were made to isolate natural antagonistic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and use them in production of dahi and raita for increased safety. Seventy isolates of LAB were isolated from dahi obtained from different sources. These isolates were tested for their antagonistic activity against selected pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus and Escherichia coli AB 1157 by adopting agar well assay method. Out of the 70 lactic acid bacterial isolates, 8 were found to have antagonistic activity against both pathogenic organisms. These isolates achieved the desired fermentation rate. Dahi produced by these isolates was found acceptable according to sensory evaluation. The LAB isolates with antagonistic activity were identified by molecular characterization. It is concluded that the identified antagonistic cultures were effective in inhibiting the growth of E. coli and Sta. aureus in dahi and raita.Practical ApplicationsMilk products like dahi and raita are widely consumed, and market for them has existed in many parts of the world for many generations. There is an increased demand by the consumer for high‐quality natural food, free from artificial preservatives and contaminating microorganisms. The presence of Escherichia coli in milk products indicates the presence of enteropathogenic microorganisms, which constitute a public health hazard. Staphylococcus aureus causes minor skin infection to life‐threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis and septicemia. Because the fermented products are very popular in Indian diet, the use of a starter culture that can ferment as well as check the growth of pathogenic organism would be very ideal. Hence, novel antagonistic strains of lactic acid bacteria was identified from natural sources and used successfully as starter culture for production of indigenous fermented milk products, namely dahi and raita, with increased safety.
Biopsy Is Contraindicated in the Management of Penile Calciphylaxis
Authors: Cimmino Cara B. , Costabile Raymond A. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Calciphylaxis, a rare obliterative small vessel vasculopathy associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), portends a poor prognosis. Because penile involvement is rare, agreement on appropriate diagnosis and management is unclear.

Aim
To determine the role and effect of penile biopsy for diagnosis and management of penile calciphylaxis.

Methods
Medical records of three penile calciphylaxis patients from our institution were evaluated. Data collected included age, history of DM, ESRD, and hemodialysis (HD) status, serum calcium (Ca), Ca × phosphorous product (C × P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), performance of biopsy, presence of non-penile cutaneous lesions, intervention, survival, and time from diagnosis to death. PubMed Search for relevant publications from 1995 to 2012 was performed to identify case reports of penile calciphylaxis that provided the same clinical data obtained from the 3 patients from our institution.

Main Outcome Measures
Clinical evidence for outcomes in patients with penile calciphylaxis after biopsy of penile lesion compared to those without biopsy.

Results
A total of sixteen patients were identified in the literature and in our institution with clinical data of interest. Overall, 10/16 (62.5%) patients identified with penile calciphylaxis had a penile biopsy, and 7/10 (70%) experienced disease progression, while only 3/10 (30%) stabilized. Mean time to death in this patient population was short, approximately 6.5 months, regardless of type of intervention.

Conclusion
Based on the results of our study, we argue that conservative measures should be employed as first line therapy for penile calciphylaxis. More importantly, secondary to likely resultant progression of necrosis, penile biopsy is not only unnecessary for diagnosis of penile calciphylaxis, but is also harmful and contraindicated.
Fuse or die: how to survive the loss of Dam in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Val Marie‐Eve , Kennedy Sean P. , Soler‐Bistué Alfonso J. , Barbe Valérie , Bouchier Christiane , Ducos‐Galand Magaly , Skovgaard Ole , Mazel Didier 
Published: December 2013

SummaryDam methylates GATC sequences in γ‐proteobacteria genomes, regulating several cellular functions including replication. In Vibrio cholerae, which has two chromosomes, Dam is essential for viability, owing to its role in chr2 replication initiation. In this study, we isolated spontaneous mutants of V. cholerae that were able to survive the deletion of dam. In these mutants, homologous recombination and chromosome dimer resolution are essential, unless DNA mismatch repair is inactivated. Furthermore, the initiator of chr2 replication, RctB, is no longer required. We show that, instead, replication of chr2 is insured by spontaneous fusion with chr1 and piggybacking its replication machinery. We report that natural fusion of chr1 and chr2 occurred by two distinct recombination pathways: homologous recombination between repeated IS elements and site‐specific recombination between dif sites. Lastly, we observed a preferential fusion of the two chromosomes in their terminus of replication.
Interpreting the genetic basis of silique traits in Brassica napus using a joint QTL network
Authors: Qi Liping , Mao Long , Sun Chengming , Pu Yuanyuan , Fu Tingdong , Ma Chaozhi , Shen Jinxiong , Tu Jinxing , Yi Bin , Wen Jing 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to decipher the genetic determinants of silique length (SL), number of seeds per silique (SN), thousand seed weight (TSW) and to reveal interactions between trait loci. A double haploid population of 181 lines derived from a cross between two Brassica napus genotypes exhibiting contrasting silique traits was evaluated for silique traits under three environmental conditions. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between SL and TSW, a weak positive correlation between SL and SN and a negative correlation between SN and TSW. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping detected 14 additive QTL and 7 QTL pairs with epistatic interactions. Three additive QTL located on LG A9, A1 and A9 had the greatest effect, explaining 51.49%, 23.54% and 27.15% of the phenotypic variance for SL, SN and TSW, respectively. Additionally, the additive × environment and epistatic × environment interaction effects were negligible, indicating the stability of the genetic effects for these QTL. The results will promote a more comprehensive description of the genetic basis of these silique traits in B. napus.
MT1‐MMP modulates melanoma cell dissemination and metastasis through activation of MMP2 and RAC1
Authors: Shaverdashvili Khvaramze , Wong Poki , Ma Jun , Zhang Keman , Osman Iman , Bedogni Barbara 
Published: December 2013

SummaryMetastatic melanoma remains the deadliest of all skin cancers with a survival rate at five years of less than 15%. MT1‐MMP is a membrane‐associated matrix metalloproteinase that controls pericellular proteolysis and is an important, invasion‐promoting, pro‐tumorigenic MMP in cancer. We show that deregulation of MT1‐MMP expression happens as early as the transition from nevus to primary melanoma and continues to increase during melanoma progression. Furthermore, MT1‐MMP expression is associated with poor melanoma patient outcome, underscoring a pivotal role of MT1‐MMP in melanoma pathogenesis. We demonstrate that MT1‐MMP is directly required for melanoma cells to metastasize, as cells deprived of MT1‐MMP fail to form distant metastasis in an orthotopic mouse melanoma model. We show that MT1‐MMP affects cell invasion by activating its target MMP2. Importantly, we demonstrate, for the first time, that activation of MMP2 by MT1‐MMP is required to sustain RAC1 activity and promote MT1‐MMP‐dependent cell motility. These data highlight a novel MT1‐MMP/MMP2/RAC1 signaling axis in melanoma that may represent an intriguing molecular target for the treatment of invasive melanoma.
Probable role of dopamine in the regulation of ventral nephrocyte functioning in Drosophila melanogaster adults
Authors: ANDREENKOVA OLGA V. , KARPOVA EUGENIYA K. , GRUNTENKO NATALY E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFiltration of haemolymph in insects to remove waste products is performed by nephrocytes, which comprise accessory cells of the circulatory system that are not connected to Malpighian tubules. There are two types of nephrocytes in Drosophila: ventral cells, situated around the junction between the cardia and the oesophagus, and pericardial cells, situated around the heart. In the present study, the expression of dopamine D1 (DopR) and D2‐like (DD2R) receptors in the ventral nephrocytes of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is investigated. Immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal antibodies against DopR and DD2R demonstrates the presence of these receptors in adult nephrocytes. The functioning of D. melanogaster nephrocytes is investigated by evaluation of mortality rates in flies treated with silver nitrate (AgNO3) compared with untreated controls. To determine whether a change in the level of dopamine receptors has an effect on the functioning of nephrocytes, the antisense suppressor of DD2R gene together with a nephrocyte‐specific driver is used in the UAS‐GAL4 system. The suppression of DD2R in nephrocytes results in a significant decrease of mortality under toxic conditions. Taken together, the data obtained in the present study indicate that dopamine takes part in the control of ventral nephrocyte functioning in D. melanogaster.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Z172, a Vancomycin-Intermediate and Daptomycin-Nonsusceptible Methicillin-Resistant Strain Isolated in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Feng-Jui , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling , Wang Lih-Shinn , Huang I-Wen 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of Z172, a representative strain of sequence type 239-staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
type III (ST239-SCC
mec
type III) hospital-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
in Taiwan. Strain Z172 also exhibits a vancomycin-intermediate and daptomycin-nonsusceptible phenotype.