bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family History of Dilated Cardiomyopathy among Patients with Heart Failure from the HF‐ACTION Genetic Ancillary Study
Authors: Hudson Laura , Morales Ana , Mauro Ana Clara , Whellan David , Adams Kirkwood F. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Hershberger Ray E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe value of family history (FH) is well established, but its sensitivity to detect familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDC) has been infrequently examined.MethodsA genetic ancillary study was created as a component of the HF‐ACTION trial, a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial of exercise in patients with heart failure and an ejection fraction <35%. A FH‐based study using a structured questionnaire mailed to all consenting individuals was incorporated into the genetic ancillary. FH responses were analyzed for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in family members.ResultsOf the 741 individuals with data available, 358 (48.3%) had nonischemic and 383 (51.6%) had ischemic etiology, and of these 164 (45.8%) and 201 (52.4%), respectively, returned evaluable questionnaires. Of those with nonischemic etiology, 14/164 (8.5%) reported at least one first‐degree family member with DCM or an enlarged heart; another 21/164 (12.8%) reported a FH of “cardiomyopathy,” a less specific term to indicate DCM.ConclusionAt least 8.5% of patients with nonischemic etiology in the HF‐ACTION genetic ancillary study provided FH indicating familial DCM, information important to inform further genetic analyses of this cohort and to plan other studies.
Unifying measures of biodiversity: understanding when richness and phylogenetic diversity should be congruent
Authors: Tucker Caroline M. , Cadotte Marc W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimBiogeographical theory and conservation valuation schemes necessarily involve assessing how biodiversity is distributed through space and ‘biodiversity’ encapsulates many different aspects of biological organization and information. While biogeography may try to explain biodiversity patterns, successful conservation strategies should attempt to maximize different aspects of diversity. Ultimately, diversity patterns are the product of evolutionary history, and research and conservation efforts seek to understand the unequal distribution of evolutionary history. For conservation efforts, results have been inconsistent as to whether species richness (SR) provides sufficient surrogacy for evolutionary history. Here, we provide a conceptual framework allowing for the direct comparison of taxonomic richness and phylogenetic diversity (PD), both in terms of their mechanistic relationship and the relationship between their spatial distributions.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe present a framework that relates regional SR, PD, biogeographically weighted evolutionary distinctiveness and biogeographically weighted SR. Further, we use simulations to illustrate how the size of the species pool, topological patterns within the phylogeny and autocorrelation in spatial distributions affect the correlation among metrics.ResultsIn regions that include both recently diversified groups and ancient species poor lineages, large species pools and low spatial autocorrelation, the correlation between biodiversity measures is lower than regions with low richness, balanced phylogenetic trees and high spatial autocorrelation.Main conclusionsWe can now understand and predict when regional richness and PD should be strongly correlated. This congruency is the product of evolutionary and ecological processes that determine species pool membership and community assembly. Further, in regions where SR is not expected to be congruent with phylogenetic distinctiveness, re‐examining how existing reserve networks protect the multiple aspects of biodiversity is critically important.
Diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c in diabetes between Eastern and Western
Authors: Yan Shuang , Liu Siying , Zhao Yashuang , Zhang Wencui , Sun Xiaohui , Li Jianing , Jiang Fuli , Ju Jiaming , Lang Ning , Zhang Yingqi , Zhou Weiyu , Li Qiang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn 2010, the American Diabetes Association recommended the use of HbA1c as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. However, HbA1c is not an accepted diagnostic tool for diabetes in Eastern Asia, because genetic differences compromise the standardization of the diagnostic cut‐off point.ObjectivesThis study evaluated differences in the use of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in Eastern and Western populations and investigated whether HbA1c cut‐off point of ≥ 6·5% is diagnostic of diabetes in patients from Eastern Asia.MethodsLiterature was obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of each HbA1c cut‐off point were extracted and compared between Western and Eastern populations. Differences in the cut‐off point for diagnosing diabetes in each region were compared by examining differences in the area under summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves.ResultsTwelve publications from Eastern countries (n = 59 735) and 13 from Western countries (n = 22 954) were included in the analysis. Areas under SROC curves in the Eastern and Western groups were 0·9331 and 0·9120, respectively (P = 0·98). The cut‐off point of the highest Youden index was 6·0%. At the HbA1c cut‐off point of 6·5%, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 58·7% and 98·4% for Eastern countries and 65·5% and 98·1% for Western countries, respectively.ConclusionsHbA1c exhibits the same diagnostic value for diabetes in Eastern and Western populations. In both populations, HbA1c levels > 6·0% identify the population at high risk of diabetes, and HbA1c > 6·5% is diagnostic of clinically established diabetes.
Platelets and autoimmunity
Authors: Habets Kim L. L. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractVascular injury is the initial manifestation of inflammation resulting in the recruitment and activation of various cell types. The integrity of the vascular wall is monitored by platelets that become activated in the presence of exposed subendothelium. Besides their well‐established role in haemostasis, ample data are now emerging on the many immunoregulatory functions of platelets. Platelets store and release a large plethora of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. They also represent the largest circulating pool of many inflammatory mediators like P‐selectin, CD40L and non‐neuronal serotonin. Furthermore, complement activation occurs on the platelet surface and deposition of complement results in platelet activation. Overall, platelets have multiple functions in both innate and adaptive immunity. Further insight into the multifaceted role of platelets could therefore provide important clues into how we could implement current platelet therapy to reduce both platelet‐induced thrombosis and inflammation. In this review, we discuss the current perceptions of platelet involvement in various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis.
Identity and combinations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal isolates influence plant resistance and insect preference
Authors: ROGER AURÉLIEN , GÉTAZ MICHAEL , RASMANN SERGIO , SANDERS IAN R. 
Published: April 2013

Accumulating evidence indicates that plant resistance against above‐ground herbivores can be affected by the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in association with the host plant. Little is known, however, about how AMF composition can influence herbivore choice to feed on a particular plant.
Unravelling the preference–performance hypothesis in a multitrophic context is needed to expand our knowledge of complex multitrophic interactions in natural systems. If given mycorrhizal fungal genotypes increase attractiveness for a herbivore (reduced plant resistance), then the benefits of increased unpalatability provided by the mycorrhizal fungi (increased plant resistance) might be outweighed by the increased herbivore recruitment.
This was addressed by designing three experiments to test the effects of different AMF genotypes, inoculated either alone or in combination, to measure intraspecific AMF effects on plant resistance and insect herbivore preference. Using strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) plants that were colonised by eight different combinations of Rhizophagus irregularis isolates, we measured effects on plant growth, insect growth and survival, as well as feeding preferences of a generalist herbivore caterpillar (Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval).
Overall, it was found that: (i) AMF influenced plant resistance in an AMF genotype‐specific manner; (ii) some AMF inoculations decreased insect performance; (iii) insects preferentially chose to feed more on leaves originating from non‐mycorrhizal plants; but also that (iv) in a whole plant bioassay, insects preferentially chose the biggest plant, regardless of their mycorrhizal status.
Therefore, AMF‐mediated trade‐offs between growth and resistance against herbivores have been shown. Such trade‐offs, particularly driven by plant attractiveness to herbivores, buffer the positive effects of the mycorrhizal symbiosis on enhanced plant growth.
The risk of marine bioinvasion caused by global shipping
Authors: Seebens H. , Gastner M. T. , Blasius B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe rate of biological invasions has strongly increased during the last decades, mostly due to the accelerated spread of species by increasing global trade and transport. Here, we combine the network of global cargo ship movements with port environmental conditions and biogeography to quantify the probability of new primary invasions through the release of ballast water. We find that invasion risks vary widely between coastal ecosystems and classify marine ecoregions according to their total invasion risk and the diversity of their invasion sources. Thereby, we identify high‐risk invasion routes, hot spots of bioinvasion and major source regions from which bioinvasion is likely to occur. Our predictions agree with observations in the field and reveal that the invasion probability is highest for intermediate geographic distances between donor and recipient ports. Our findings suggest that network‐based invasion models may serve as a basis for the development of effective, targeted bioinvasion management strategies.
The genetic risk of acute seizures in African children with falciparum malaria
Authors: Kariuki Symon M. , Rockett Kirk , Clark Taane G. , Reyburn Hugh , Agbenyega Tsiri , Taylor Terrie E. , Birbeck Gretchen L. , Williams Thomas N. , Newton Charles R. J. C. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPurposeIt is unclear why some children with falciparum malaria develop acute seizures and what determines the phenotype of seizures. We sought to determine if polymorphisms of malaria candidate genes are associated with acute seizures.MethodsLogistic regression was used to investigate genetic associations with malaria‐associated seizures (MAS) and complex MAS (repetitive, prolonged, or focal seizures) in four MalariaGEN African sites, namely: Blantyre, Malawi; Kilifi, Kenya; Kumasi, Ghana; and Muheza, Tanzania. The analysis was repeated for five inheritance models (dominant, heterozygous, recessive, additive, and general) and adjusted for potential confounders and multiple testing.Key FindingsComplex phenotypes of seizures constituted 71% of all admissions with MAS across the sites. MAS were strongly associated with cluster of differentiation‐ligand‐rs3092945 in females in Kilifi (p = 0.00068) and interleukin (IL)‐17 receptor E‐rs708567 in the pooled analysis across the sites (p = 0.00709). Complex MAS were strongly associated with epidermal growth factor module‐containing mucin‐like hormone receptor (EMR)1‐rs373533 in Kumasi (p = 0.00033), but none in the pooled analysis. Focal MAS were strongly associated with IL‐20 receptor A‐rs1555498 in Muheza (p = 0.00016), but none in the pooled analysis. Prolonged MAS were strongly associated with complement receptor 1‐rs17047660 in Kilifi (p = 0.00121) and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐rs1050828 in females in the pooled analysis (p = 0.00155). Repetitive MAS were strongly associated with EMR1‐rs373533 in Kumasi (p = 0.00003) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance receptor‐rs17140229 in the pooled analysis (p = 0.00543). MAS with coma/cerebral malaria were strongly associated with EMR1‐rs373533 in Kumasi (p = 0.00019) and IL10‐rs3024500 in the pooled analysis across the sites (p = 0.00064).SignificanceWe have identified a number of genetic associations that may explain the risk of seizures in >2,000 cases admitted to hospitals with MAS across four sites in Africa. These associations differed according to phenotype of seizures and site.
Elevated light and nutrients alter the nutritional quality of stream periphyton
Authors: Cashman Matthew J. , Wehr John D. , Truhn Kam 
Published: April 2013

Summary

The biochemical composition of primary food resources may affect secondary production, growth, reproduction and other physiological responses in consumers and may be an important driver of food‐web dynamics. Changes in land use, riparian clearing and non‐point nutrient inputs to streams have the potential to alter the biochemical composition of periphyton, and characterising this relationship may be critical to understand the processes by which environmental change can affect food webs and ecosystem function.

We conducted a manipulative, in situ experiment to examine the effect of light and nutrient availability on stream periphyton biomass, nutrient content, stoichiometry and fatty acid composition. Greater light increased periphyton biomass [chl‐a, ash‐free dry mass (AFDM)], periphyton carbon concentrations and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), but decreased saturated fatty acids (SAFAs). Greater light availability also increased levels of <20C polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but decreased quantities of several long‐chain (20–22 C), highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs).

Nutrient (+N, +P) addition had no significant effect on periphyton biomass in the study streams, but did increase periphyton carbon content. For fatty acids, despite non‐significant effects on periphyton biomass, nutrient additions resulted in an increased ratio of SAFA to PUFA, greater concentrations of stearidonic acid (18:4ω3) and near‐significant increases in α‐linolenic acid (18:3ω3). Nutrient additions also resulted in decreased quantities of the physiologically important docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω3) and increased the ratio of omega‐3 to omega‐6 fatty acids. An interaction between nutrient addition and greater light also resulted in decreased percentages of another physiologically important fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5ω3).

Results from this study suggest that increased light and nutrients, a condition common in urban and agricultural catchments, would increase 18C PUFA intermediates that would be available in periphyton food sources, but decrease the availability of essential 20‐22C HUFAs. If stream consumers are unable to elongate PUFAs into essential HUFAs, there may be important effects on food webs, including shifts by invertebrate consumers from herbivory to omnivory or carnivory, or changes in the species composition of aquatic consumers.

Our results demonstrate that fatty acid measures were more sensitive to changes in light and nutrient conditions than more traditional measures of biomass, nutrient content and stoichiometry. We recommend routine measurement of fatty acid content in monitoring the effect of changing environmental conditions in rivers and streams, particularly studies on food quality and ecosystem health.
Development and validation of an experimental life support system for assessing the effects of global climate change and environmental contamination on estuarine and coastal marine benthic communities
Authors: Coelho Francisco J. R. C. , Rocha Rui J. M. , Pires Ana C. C. , Ladeiro Bruno , Castanheira José M. , Costa Rodrigo , Almeida Adelaide , Cunha Ângela , Lillebø Ana Isabel , Ribeiro Rui , Pereira Ruth , Lopes Isabel , Marques Catarina , Moreira‐Santos Matilde , Calado Ricardo , Cleary Daniel F. R. , Gomes Newton C. M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAn experimental life support system (ELSS) was constructed to study the interactive effects of multiple stressors on coastal and estuarine benthic communities, specifically perturbations driven by global climate change and anthropogenic environmental contamination. The ELSS allows researchers to control salinity, pH, temperature, ultraviolet radiation (UVR), tidal rhythms and exposure to selected contaminants. Unlike most microcosms previously described, our system enables true independent replication (including randomization). In addition to this, it can be assembled using commercially available materials and equipment, thereby facilitating the replication of identical experimental setups in different geographical locations. Here, we validate the reproducibility and environmental quality of the system by comparing chemical and biological parameters recorded in our ELSS with those prevalent in the natural environment. Water, sediment microbial community and ragworm (the polychaete Hediste diversicolor) samples were obtained from four microcosms after 57 days of operation. In general, average concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients (NO3−; NH4+ and PO4−3) in the water column of the ELSS experimental control units were within the range of concentrations recorded in the natural environment. While some shifts in bacterial community composition were observed between in situ and ELSS sediment samples, the relative abundance of most metabolically active bacterial taxa appeared to be stable. In addition, ELSS operation did not significantly affect survival, oxidative stress and neurological biomarkers of the model organism Hediste diversicolor. The validation data indicate that this system can be used to assess independent or interactive effects of climate change and environmental contamination on benthic communities. Researchers will be able to simulate the effects of these stressors on processes driven by microbial communities, sediment and seawater chemistry and to evaluate potential consequences to sediment toxicity using model organisms such as Hediste diversicolor.
(Re)considering New Agents: A Review of Labour Market Intermediaries within Labour Geography
Authors: Enright Bryony 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe world of work continues to change. Labour markets in most countries are increasingly shaped by policies of neoliberal deregulation while strategies of flexibility dominate public policy and corporate strategy across an array of sectors. At the forefront of these changes are the myriad labour market intermediaries that are used by workers and employees to enhance their ability to navigate ever more complex and volatile labour markets. For some, mediated employment, recruitment and work practices mean greater career progression and profit making ability, but for many others, it means increased precarity, vulnerability and insecurity. This paper critically reviews existing literature within geography on three types of private labour market intermediary, namely temporary staffing agencies and contract brokers; executive search firms and headhunters; and informal intermediaries such as gangmasters. The final section addresses the future for research in labour geography and, in particular, suggests new ways in which to broaden our understanding of labour market intermediaries and their impact on worker agency.
Statistical Downscaling in Climatology
Authors: Schoof Justin T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDownscaling is a term that has been used to describe the range of methods that are used to infer regional‐scale or local‐scale climate information from coarsely resolved climate models. The use of statistical methods for this purpose is rooted in both operational weather forecasting and synoptic climatology and has become a widely applied method for development of regional climate change scenarios. This article provides an overview of statistical downscaling with a focus on assumptions, common predictors and predictands, and methodological approaches ranging from interpolation and scaling to regression‐based methods, weather pattern‐based techniques, and stochastic weather generators. Suggestions are made for improved assessment of the fundamental downscaling assumptions as well as reduction of uncertainty associated with application of downscaled climate information across models and greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Towards an insight on photodamage in hair fibre byUV‐light: An experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Longo V. M. , da Silva Pinheiro A. , Sambrano J. R. , Agnelli J. A. M. , Longo E. , Varela J. A. 
Published: April 2013

SynopsisObjectivesIn this research, an experimental and theoretical study was conducted to design a photodegradation mechanism of the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) in hair fibres.MethodsFor the experimental research, Caucasian hair fibres were exposed to several different solar radiation simulation periods. Then, Trp and its photoproducts (N‐formylkynurenine and kynurenine) were assayed by excitation and emission spectroscopic analysis.ResultsFor the theoretical study, reactions involved in the photodegradation of Trp were evaluated by high‐level quantum mechanical calculations in a density functional theory (DFT) framework which indicate a probable Trp degradation mechanism with a minimum expended energy pathway.ConclusionThe biochemistry concerning these reactions is essentially important for a biological system where the degradation of Trp occurs.
Determination of the coordination environment of Cu(II) in human hair and its possible relevance to health and hair care treatments
Authors: Worasith N. , Goodman B. A. 
Published: April 2013

SynopsisObjectiveThis paper addresses the question of the coordination environment of copper (II) in hair.MethodsThe research is based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), a spectroscopic technique that detects specifically paramagnetic molecules. Samples were investigated from various male and female subjects of different ages and races.ResultsThe Cu(II) EPR signals seemed to be a combination of two components in widely differing relative proportions, although both have the relationship g// > g⊥ > 2.0 expected for the unpaired electron in a orbital and are thus consistent with square planar or tetragonal symmetry for the Cu(II) ion. With a very few samples, the EPR spectra consisted of a single component, and high quality spectra from these samples are presented for use as standard reference results. In one type of complex, 14N superhyperfine structure (shfs) was resolved and the spectrum corresponds to Cu coordination to mixed O‐ and N‐containing functional groups, although the number of N atoms cannot be determined with certainty. No 14N shfs was seen in the spectrum from the other type of complex, and its narrow linewidth excluded the possibility of any. Furthermore, the spectral parameters are inconsistent with coordination of the Cu to four O atoms, but consistent with some S coordinated to the Cu. Large variations between the relative proportions of the two Cu(II) forms were observed with a single healthy subject over a 5‐year period, thus suggesting that they are determined by ‘environmental’ factors, possibly hair treatment processes, rather than being markers for the health of the subject.ConclusionsEPR spectroscopy is a convenient non‐destructive method for determining the Cu coordination environment in hair, and could be used to monitor its response to various types of hair treatment.