bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoperiod and variation in life history traits in core and peripheral populations in the damselfly Lestes sponsa
Authors: ŚNIEGULA SZYMON , DROBNIAK SZYMON M. , GOŁĄB MARIA J. , JOHANSSON FRANK 
Published: October 2013

In order to predict evolutionary responses to environmental changes one needs to identify the evolutionary potential in terms of genetic variation of traits and of the traits' plasticity. We studied genetic variance in life history traits and their reaction norms in response to manipulated photoperiods in central, northern, and northernmost peripheral populations of the damselfly Lestes sponsa (Hansemann). After the central‐marginal hypothesis, it is predicted that central populations will express the highest genetic variance.
Northern and northernmost populations showed the highest development and growth rates. All populations expressed shorter development and accelerated growth when raised in a northern compared with a central latitude photoperiod. The slopes of reaction norms differed between regions resulting in a region‐by‐photoperiod interaction.
There was genetic variation in development time; however, it did not differ across regions. There was no genetic variation in growth rate or in the plasticity of development time and growth rate to photoperiod.
Results did not support the central‐marginal hypothesis. However, evidence was found that the development time has the potential to evolve at similar rates across study regions. In contrast, the growth rate seems to be genetically constrained for further evolution, probably because of a strong past directional selection on this trait. The presence of low genetic variation in the slope of the reaction norms could be a result of stabilising selection imposed by seasonality.
Influence of C‐reactive protein levels and age on the value of D‐dimer in diagnosing pulmonary embolism
Authors: Crop Meindert Johannes , Siemes Claire , Berendes Paul , van der Straaten Frans , Willemsen Sten , Levin Mark‐David 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundRecently, the number of performed CT‐angiographies to diagnose pulmonary embolism (PE) rised markedly, while the incidence of PE hardly increased. This low yield of CT‐angiography leads to more patients exposed to radiation and higher costs.AimThe diagnostic value of age, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and D‐dimer in PE was investigated. Additionally an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cutoff level [age‐adjusted cutoff = age/100 mg/L] was compared with the conventional cutoff level in diagnosing PE for patients ≥50 yr.MethodsThis observational study (2004–2007) included all consecutive patients suspected for PE presenting on the emergency department with a performed CT‐angiography after measuring CRP and D‐dimer levels.ResultsOf 4609 patients suspected for PE, 1164 patients underwent CT‐angiography of whom 309 (26.5%) had PE. Correlation between CRP and D‐dimer was 0.42 (P < 0.001). D‐dimer and age correlated positively (rs = 0.33, P < 0.001), but only in patients >50 yr and independent of PE. Multivariate regression analysis showed significant contribution of age, D‐dimer and age‐adjusted D‐dimer for diagnosing PE, but not for CRP. Using an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cutoff value increased specificity from 37% to 50%, whereas sensitivity declined from 96% to 90%. Applying this age‐adjusted cutoff level in patients ≥70 yr, specificity increased from 18% to 40%, while sensitivity decreased from 96% to 88%.ConclusionsIn the prediction of PE, age and D‐dimer levels are relevant, while CRP level is not. Using an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cutoff in older patients remarkably improves the specificity of D‐dimer testing with a minor decline in sensitivity. This may increase the yield of CT‐angiography in diagnosing PE.
Postallogeneic monitoring with molecular markers detected by pretransplant next‐generation or Sanger sequencing predicts clinical relapse in patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Fu Yuewen , Schroeder Thomas , Zabelina Tatjana , Badbaran Anita , Bacher Ulrike , Kobbe Guido , Ayuk Francis , Wolschke Christine , Schnittger Susanne , Kohlmann Alexander , Haferlach Torsten , Kröger Nicolaus 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRelapse is the major cause of treatment failure after allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation (AHSCT) for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative syndrome neoplasms (MDS/MPN). We evaluated the impact of molecular mutations on outcome and the value of molecular monitoring post‐transplantation. We screened 45 patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 39 patients, including seven with transformed‐acute myeloid leukemia), MDS/MPN unclassifiable (n = 5), and atypical BCR‐ABL1‐negative CML (n = 1) for mutations in ASXL1, CBL, NRAS, and TET2 genes by molecular genetics including a sensitive next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technique. In 36 patients, sufficient DNA was available for molecular analyses. In particular, TET2 and CBL mutations were screened applying amplicon deep sequencing. In 89% of cases, at least one mutation could be detected: ASXL1: n = 18 (50%); CBL: n = 7 (19%); TET2: n = 15 (42%); and NRAS: n = 11 (32%). Survival after AHSCT at 5 yr was 46% (95% CI 28–64%) and was not influenced by any mutation. After a median of 6 months after AHSCT in 33% of the patients, one of the molecular markers was still detectable, resulting in a higher incidence of relapse than in patients with undetectable mutations (50% vs. 15%, P = 0.04). In conclusion, pretransplant molecular mutation analysis can help to detect biomarkers in patients with MPN/MDS, which may be subsequently used as minimal residual disease markers after AHSCT.
Adaptive and non‐adaptive changes in activity‐deprived presynaptic terminals
Authors: Horellou Süzel , Pascual Olivier , Triller Antoine , Marty Serge 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHow the number of docked vesicles is regulated is still unclear. Following chronic activity blockade the number of docked vesicles increases, providing a model through which to address this issue. We tested the hypotheses that the number of docked vesicles is regulated with the size of the terminal, and by the level of Rab3‐interacting molecule 1/2 (RIM1/2). We immobilized mouse hippocampal slice cultures by high‐pressure freezing after 3 days of tetrodotoxin treatment and analysed them by electron microscopy. The number of docked vesicles, the size of the active zones and the amount of GluA2 were increased after activity blockade. However, there was no modification of either the total number of synaptic vesicles or the area of presynaptic profiles. Surprisingly, immunocytochemistry showed no change in the mean level of RIM1/2 per terminal but its distribution was modified. Additionally, there was no modification of the mean frequency or amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, but the distribution of amplitudes was modified. These results indicate a specific homeostatic regulation of the synaptic junction. The number of docked vesicles does not seem to be regulated by the amount of RIM1/2. The modification of the distribution, but not the amount, of RIM1/2 may explain the contradiction between the morphological and electrophysiological findings.
Ethical consideration in invasion ecology: A marine perspective
Authors: Bunting Denise , Coleman Ross A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBiological introductions of species to regions outside their known natural distribution are considered a major threat to native marine biodiversity and a key consideration for ecological management. For most invasive species in marine systems, however, little is known about potential impacts. If we are to increase our knowledge of the processes and mechanisms behind the spread of nonindigenous species or determine economic or ecological impacts, manipulative ecological field experiments are the best way to unambiguously ascribe causal relationships. For studies of invasions, such research may result in species spread and the establishment of new viable populations. Is it ethical then, to take the risk of potentially modifying or endangering other species, populations or ecosystems? Is it possible to mitigate the risks? Or should invasion ecologists work under restrictions that limit their ability to fully assess the impact of invaders? Consideration of the ethics of experimentation is rarely carried out. As a consequence, we propose a decision model that includes possible risk of escape/establishment versus the value of the research to allow researchers and/or managers to critically evaluate what type of experimental approach is appropriate.
Frontal plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone and implications for the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons
Authors: Minshall G. J. , Wright I. M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyAccurate radiological and ultrasonographic descriptions of frontal plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB) are lacking, and implications of these fractures for the carpal sheath and its contents have not previously been reported.ObjectivesAims were as follows: 1) to describe the location and radiological features of frontal plane fractures of the ACB; 2) to document communication of displaced fractures with the carpal sheath and consequent injury to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT); 3) to describe ultrasonographic identification of lesions; and 4) to report tenoscopic evaluation and treatment.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsAnalysis of frontal plane fractures of the ACB referred to a single hospital between 2006 and 2012, including review of radiographic, ultrasonographic and tenoscopic images.ResultsNine fractures were identified, of which 8 displaced fractures all communicated with the carpal sheath. Comminuted fragments and/or protruding fracture margins lacerated the lateral margin of the enclosed DDFT. This was identifiable ultrasonographically and confirmed at tenoscopy in 7 cases. Treatment in these horses consisted of removal of torn tendon tissue together with fragmentation and protuberant fracture edges, and 7 of 7 cases returned to work. One horse with a nondisplaced fracture was managed with immobilisation; the fracture healed, and the horse returned to work. One horse with a displaced fracture was retired to stud.ConclusionsFrontal plane fractures of the ACB occur palmar to the groove in its lateral margin for the tendon of insertion of ulnaris lateralis. Comminuted fragments can displace distally within the carpal sheath to a mid‐metacarpal level or abaxially to lie extrathecally, lateral to the parent bone. Displaced fractures communicate with the carpal sheath and traumatise the DDFT.
Plastic collapse load prediction and failure assessment diagram analysis of cracked circular hollow section T‐joint and Y‐joint
Authors: Lie S. T. , Li T. , Shao Y. B. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper concerns the validation of standard safety assessment procedure given in BS 7910 for cracked circular hollow section T‐joint and Y‐joint, using the finite element (FE) results. A robust and efficient FE mesh generator is developed to produce the 3D models of the cracked joints and to calculate the elastic J‐integral (Je) and elastic–plastic J‐integral (Jep) values of the crack respectively. In order to verify its accuracy and convergence, the plastic collapse loads (Pc) obtained from experimental tests and FE predictions are compared; they agree very well with each other. It is also found from experimental tests that the plastic collapse loads (Pc) predicted using the BS 7910 reduction factor (FAR) are safe and conservative. Subsequently, the failure assessment diagrams (FADs) of five cracked T‐joints and three cracked Y‐joints are constructed using the FE results, following the J‐integral method, which is classified as Level 3C in BS 7910. Thereafter, a comparison between the constructed FAD curves and the standard Level 2A curve is carried out, and it is observed that the safety assessment results using the standard Level 2A curve might be unsafe because some parts of the constructed FAD curves fall inside of the standard one. A penalty factor of 1.15 working on both the elastic–plastic J‐integral and plastic collapse load (Pc) is proposed to move all the constructed FAD curves just outside of the standard Level 2A curve.
Residual strength at −40 °C of a precracked cold‐formed rectangular hollow section made of ultra‐high‐strength steel – an engineering approach
Authors: Nykänen T. , Björk T. , Mettänen H. , Ilyin A. V. , Koskimäki M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the residual strength of a precracked cold‐formed rectangular hollow section made of novel ultra‐high‐strength steel. The primary goal was to experimentally discover the residual strength of the structure when used in low temperature service conditions. The secondary goal was to predict the residual strength by using aJ‐integral approach with nonlinear finite element calculations and to compare these predictions with measured results. The experimental tests were carried out with a beam in four‐point bending loading. The test specimens were taken from a cold‐formed rectangular hollow section fabricated from direct quenched (untempered) ultra‐high‐strength steel S960 QC omitting the annealing in the fabrication process. The tests for final failure were carried out at −40 °C, with the exception of the first pilot test. There were two kinds of tests: (1) the beam was cyclically loaded until the final fracture or the fatigue precrack was first introduced and (2) the specimen was then subjected to a quasistatic bending loading condition until it failed. The new experimental results matched well with our predictions, and both confirmed the high toughness of ultra‐high‐strength steel in beam construction studied, even at a low ambient temperature.
Where are the wild things? Why we need better data on species distribution
Authors: Duputié Anne , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Chuine Isabelle 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe effects of ongoing global change are causing increasing concern about the ability of species or biomes to shift or adapt. Tremendous efforts have been made to develop ever more sophisticated species distribution models to provide forecasts for the future of biodiversity. All these models rely on species occurrence data, either for calibration or validation. Here we evaluate (i) whether distribution data diverge among widely used sources, for supposedly well‐known taxa, and (ii) to what extent these divergences affect species distribution models.LocationEurope (as an example).MethodsWe compared the distribution maps of 21 of the most common European trees, according to four large‐scale, putatively reliable sources of distribution data. For each species, we compared the outputs of correlative species distribution models built using occurrence data from each of these sources of data. We also investigated how discrepancies in large‐scale occurrence data affected the validation scores of two process‐based tree distribution models.ResultsMaps of tree occurrence diverged in 8–74% of the forested area, depending on species. These discrepancies affected projections of niche models: for example, 22–75% of the area projected as suitable by at least one model generated using one source of data was not projected as such by all other models. For most species, this proportion increased under scenarios of climate change, whatever the model used. To a lesser extent, uncertainties on current species distributions also affect the validation score of process‐based distribution models.Main conclusionsReliable, widely used sources of occurrence data strongly diverge even for well‐known taxa – the most common European trees. Scientists and stakeholders should acknowledge this gap in knowledge, since accurate data are a prerequisite to providing stakeholders with robust forecasts on biodiversity. Participatory science programmes and remote sensing techniques are promising tools for rapidly gathering such data.
Present and Past Helicobacter pylori Infection in Mexican School Children
Authors: Mendoza Eugenia , Camorlinga‐Ponce Margarita , Perez‐Perez Guillermo , Mera Robertino , Vilchis Jenny , Moran Segundo , Rivera Octavio , Coria Rafael , Torres Javier , Correa Pelayo , Duque Ximena 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn developing countries, more than 50% of children have serological evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, serological tests for H. pylori did not differentiate between active and past infection. The objectives of this study were to estimate the frequency of active and past H. pylori infection utilizing functional urea breath test (UBT) and serological tests and evaluate factors associated with the infection.MethodsA total of 675 school children, 6–13 years of age, participated. UBT was performed to detect active H. pylori infection. Blood samples were obtained to determine iron status and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to the H. pylori whole‐cell and to Cag A antigens by antigen‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Weight, height, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded.ResultsA total of 37.9% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 34.2–41.6) of school children had active or past H. pylori infection; of them, 73.8% (CI95% 68.4−79.2) were carrying CagA‐positive strain, 26.5% (CI95% 23.2–29.8) had active infection, and 11.4% (95%CI: 9.0–13.8) had evidence of past H. pylori infection. School children with iron deficiency and low height for age had higher risk of H. pylori infection: [OR to active or past infection was 2.30 (CI 95% 1.01–5.23) and to active infection it was 2.64 (CI 95% 1.09–6.44)] compared to school children with normal iron status and height for age or with normal iron status but low height for age or with iron deficiency and normal height for age.ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of infection depends of the test utilized. Frequency of H. pylori infection and carrying CagA‐positive strains was high in this population. Malnutrition was associated with active H. pylori infection.
Prevalence of chronic wounds and structural quality indicators of chronic wound care in Dutch nursing homes
Authors: Rondas Armand ALM , Schols Jos MGA , Stobberingh Ellen E , Halfens Ruud JG 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of (infected) chronic wounds in Dutch nursing homes and to explore which signs and symptoms are used to diagnose infected chronic wounds. Moreover, it was to determine which structural quality indicators related to chronic wound care at ward and institutional levels were fulfilled. In April 2012, as part of the annual National Prevalence Measurement of Care Problems of Maastricht University [Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgproblemen (LPZ)], a multi‐center cross‐sectional point‐prevalence measurement was carried out together with an assessment of relevant care quality indicators. The prevalence was 4·2%; 16 of 72 (22%) chronic wounds were considered to be infected. Increase of exudate (81·3%; n = 13), erythema (68·8%; n = 11), pain (56·3%; n = 9) and wound recalcitrance (56·3%; n = 9) were considered to be diagnostic signs and symptoms of a chronic wound infection. Although at institutional level most quality indicators were fulfilled, at ward level this was not the case. Despite the relatively low number of residents, we consider our population as representative for the nursing home population. It may be an advantage to appoint specific ward nurses and to provide them specifically with knowledge and skills concerning chronic wounds.
Role of matrix metalloproteinases in non‐healing venous ulcers
Authors: Amato Bruno , Coretti Guido , Compagna Rita , Amato Maurizio , Buffone Gianluca , Gigliotti Diego , Grande Raffaele , Serra Raffaele , de Franciscis Stefano 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChronic venous ulceration (CVU) of the lower limbs is a common condition affecting 1% of the adult population in Western countries, which is burdened with a high complication rate and a marked reduction in the quality of life often due to prolonged healing time. Several metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP‐9 together with neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) appear to be involved in the onset and healing phases of venous ulcer, but it is still unclear how many biochemical components are responsible for prolonged healing time in those ulcers. In this study, we evaluate the role of MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 in long lasting and refractory venous ulcers. In a 2‐year period we enroled 45 patients (28 female and 17 male, median age 65) with CVU. The enroled population was divided into two groups: group I were patients with non‐healing ulcers (ulcers that had failed to heal for more than 2 months despite appropriate treatments) and group II were patients with healing ulcers (ulcers in healing phases). MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 were measured in fluids and tissues of healing and non‐healing ulcers by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis, respectively. In particular the patterns of the collagenases MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 in healing wounds were distinct, with MMP‐8 appearing in significantly greater amounts especially in the non‐healing group. Our findings suggest that MMP‐1, and MMP‐8 are overexpressed in long lasting CVU. Therefore, this dysregulation may represent the main cause of the pathogenesis of non‐healing CVU.
Application of supernodal sparse factorization and inversion to the estimation of (co)variance components by residual maximum likelihood
Authors: Masuda Y. , Baba T. , Suzuki M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWe demonstrated that supernodal techniques were more efficient than traditional methods for factorization and inversion of a coefficient matrix of mixed model equations (MME), which are often required in residual maximum likelihood (REML). Supernodal left‐looking and inverse multifrontal algorithms were employed for sparse factorization and inversion, respectively. The approximate minimum degree or multilevel nested dissection was used for ordering. A new computer package, Yet AnotherMMESolver (yams), was developed and compared withfspakwith respect to computing time and size of temporary memory for 13 test matrices. The matrices were produced by fitting animal models to dairy data and by using simulations from sire, sire–maternal grand sire, maternal and dominance models for phenotypic data and animal model for genomic data. The order of matrices ranged from 32 840 to 1 048 872. Theyamssoftware factorized and inverted the matrices up to 13 and 10 times faster thanfspak, respectively, when an appropriate ordering strategy was applied. Theyamspackage required at most 282MBand 512MBof temporary memory for factorization and inversion, respectively. Processing time per iteration in average informationREMLwas reduced, usingyams. Theyamspackage is freely available on request by contacting the corresponding author.