bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalization of learned predator recognition in coral reef ecosystems: how cautious are damselfish?
Authors: Mitchell Matthew D. , McCormick Mark I. , Chivers Douglas P. , Ferrari Maud C. O. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Learned predator recognition provides animals with an adaptive mechanism to rapidly adapt to current levels of predation risk. Prey may be able to reduce the cost associated with learning if they can use information learned about known predators to respond to cues from closely related predators with which they are unfamiliar.

The capacity of prey to generalize recognition and distinguish between novel predators and non‐predators is poorly understood, particularly in species‐diverse communities with many closely related predators and non‐predators.

Lemon damselfish, Pomacentrus moluccensis, conditioned to recognize the odour of a predatory moon wrasse, Thalassoma lunare, as a risky stimulus, were subsequently tested for their response to T. lunare and a range of closely related predators and non‐predators from within the Labridae family, a distantly related non‐predator and a saltwater control.

Pomacentrus moluccensis displayed antipredator responses not only to T. lunare odour, but also generalized their recognition to congeneric T. amblycephalum and T. hardwicke odours. Recognition was not extended to other species within (Labridae; Coris batuensis and Halichoeres melanurus) or beyond (Pseudochromidae; Pseudochromis fuscus) the family. Individuals could not distinguish between the predator T. hardwicke and non‐predator T. amblycephalum when generalizing their recognition to congeneric species based on chemosensory assessment alone.

Our results demonstrate that reef fishes may limit their generalization to congeneric species only, and may be unable to distinguish between predators and non‐predators using chemosensory cues. Recognition patterns may result from uncertainties in predicting the identities of predators in species‐diverse communities.
Neuroscientists’ everyday experiences of ethics: the interplay of regulatory, professional, personal and tangible ethical spheres
Authors: Brosnan Caragh , Cribb Alan , Wainwright Steven P. , Williams Clare 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe ethical issues neuroscience raises are subject to increasing attention, exemplified in the emergence of the discipline neuroethics. While the moral implications of neurotechnological developments are often discussed, less is known about how ethics intersects with everyday work in neuroscience and how scientists themselves perceive the ethics of their research. Drawing on observation and interviews with members of one UK group conducting neuroscience research at both the laboratory bench and in the clinic, this article examines what ethics meant to these researchers and delineates four specific types of ethics that shaped their day‐to‐day work: regulatory, professional, personal and tangible. While the first three categories are similar to those identified elsewhere in sociological work on scientific and clinical ethics, the notion of ‘tangible ethics’ emerged by attending to everyday practice, in which these scientists’ discursive distinctions between right and wrong were sometimes challenged. The findings shed light on how ethical positions produce and are, in turn, produced by scientific practice. Informing sociological understandings of neuroscience, they also throw the category of neuroscience and its ethical specificity into question, given that members of this group did not experience their work as raising issues that were distinctly neuro‐ethical.
DNA Barcodes indicate members of the Anopheles fluviatilis (Diptera: Culicidae) species complex to be conspecific in India
Authors: Pradeep kumar N. , Krishnamoorthy N. , Sahu S. S. , Rajavel A. R. , Sabesan S. , Jambulingam P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAnopheles fluviatilis, a major vector of malaria in India has been described as a complex of three sibling species members, named as S, T and U, based on variations in chromosomal inversions. Also, ribosomal DNA markers (repetitive Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and 28S D3 region) were described to differentiate these three sibling species members. However, controversies prevail on the genetic isolation status of these cryptic species. Hence, we evaluated this taxonomic incongruence employing DNA barcoding, the well established methodology for species identification, using 60 An. fluviatilis sensu lato specimens, collected from two malaria endemic eastern states of India. These specimens were also subjected to sibling species characterization by ITS2 and D3 DNA markers. The former marker identified 31 specimens among these as An. fluviatilis S and 21 as An. fluviatilis T. Eight specimens amplified DNA fragments specific for both S and T. The D3 marker characterized 39 specimens belonging to species S and 21 to species T. Neither marker identified species U. Neighbor Joining analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene 1 sequences (the DNA barcode) categorized all the 60 specimens into a single operational taxonomic unit, their Kimura 2 parameter (K2P) genetic variability being only 0.8%. The genetic differentiation (FST) and gene flow (Nm) estimates were 0.00799 and 62.07, respectively, indicating these two ‘species’ (S & T) as genetically con‐specific intermixing populations with negligible genetic differentiation. Earlier investigations have refuted the existence of species U. Also, this study demonstrated that An. fluviatilis and the closely related An. minimus could be taxonomically differentiated by the DNA Barcode approach (K2P = 5.0%).
Comparison of the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV with Genomica HPV Clinical Array for the detection of human papillomavirus DNA
Authors: Sias Catia , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Piselli Pierluca , Cimaglia Claudia , Lapa Daniele , Nonno Franca Del , Baiocchini Andrea , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria 
Published: February 2013

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the major cause of cervical cancer worldwide and HPV DNA testing is recommended in primary cervical cancer screening. Several molecular tests for detection/typing of HPV DNA with different sensitivity and specificity are commercially available. The present study compared the performance of the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV assay and the Genomica HPV Clinical Array CLART2 in 78 specimens (63 cervical smears and 15 rectal/urethral swabs).The typing results of the Genomica assay were in absolute agreement with each of the four possible result categories of the Abbott assay (HPV16, HPV18, Other HR HPV, not detected) in 87.2% (68/78) of the samples, with a Cohen' kappa agreement coefficient for every HR type of 0.62 (95% CI: 0.39–0.85), higher in cervical swabs (k = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.50–0.99) than in rectal/urethral swabs (k = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.00–0.82). There was an excellent agreement of the Genomica results with those of Abbott in cervical samples harbored HPV single infection (100% agreement). Nonetheless, both methods may lose sensitivity for detecting HPV types in multiple infections, giving discordant results (10/78). This underlines the importance of establishing the analytical sensitivity in HPV type detection in single and multiple HPV infections.In rectal/urethral swabs, 5 of 15 (33%) discordant cases were observed, most of which became compatible when the Genomica assay was performed starting from nucleic acid extracted with the Abbott m2000sp system. These results suggest that nucleic extraction based on the magnetic beads technique is suitable for HPV DNA detection in urethral/rectal swabs.
Restorative proctocolectomy impairs fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Tulchinsky H. , Averboukh F. , Horowitz N. , Rabau M. , Klausner J. M. , Halpern Z. , Dotan I. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe effect of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) on fertility and pregnancy in women with ulcerative colitis (UC) was evaluated.MethodPost‐RPC female patients with UC who were attempting to become pregnant filled out questionnaires on fertility and pregnancy. Demographic and pouch data of pregnancies ending with delivery were collected from a prospective database.ResultsForty‐one women, 44 ± 10 years of age, completed the questionnaires. The median follow‐up period post‐RPC was 167 (range, 20–352) months. Before RPC, 26 women had 70 pregnancies and 62 deliveries. After RPC, 17 women had 32 pregnancies and 26 deliveries (P = 0.0035). Post‐RPC, 10 (37%) of 27 patients failed to conceive compared with 26/26 successful attempts before RPC (P = 0.0006). The number of offspring per patient was 2.38 ± 1.27 before, and 0.68 ± 0.93 after, RPC (P < 0.0001). A higher number of spontaneous pregnancies occurred before (56/62; 90%) than after (15/25; 60%) RPC (P = 0.0004). The time to conception was longer (5.0 ± 11.6 vs 16.3 ± 25.1 months; P = 0.039) and there were more in‐vitro fertilization procedures (three vs six) post‐RPC. The gestation period was similar, but after RPC more deliveries were by Caesarean section (12.9% vs 46.2%; P = 0.0007). Babies born before RPC weighed more than those born after RPC (3.16 ± 0.61 kg vs 2.79 ± 0.68 kg, respectively; P = 0.0327).ConclusionRPC is associated with an increased risk of infertility, similar duration of gestation and lower birthweight. Female candidates for RPC who have not finished family planning should be counselled accordingly.
Approach towards developing a novel procedure to selectively quantify topically applied substances in the hair follicles of the model tissue porcine ear skin
Authors: Knorr Fanny , Patzelt Alexa , Richter Heike , Schanzer Sabine , Sterry Wolfram , Lademann Juergen 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHair follicles represent reservoirs for localized drug therapy and transport pathways for systemic drug delivery. This study describes an approach towards developing a novel procedure for quantifying topically applied substances located in the hair follicles of porcine ear skin, a model for human in vivo skin, using a fluorescent dye. Approximately 5% of the topically applied dye was recovered from the hair follicles, which is in accordance with a previous study.
NF1 gene silencing induces upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in both Schwann and non‐Schwann cells
Authors: Kawachi Yasuhiro , Maruyama Hiroshi , Ishitsuka Yosuke , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Furuta Junichi , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Ichikawa Eiko , Furumura Minao , Otsuka Fujio 
Published: February 2013

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is associated with typical hypervascular tumors, including neurofibroma, glioma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) and glomus tumors. Previously, we and other groups reported that neurofibromas showed high‐level expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor involved in neovascularization. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the upregulation of VEGF in neurofibromas remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of Nf1 gene silencing on VEGF expression in Schwann cell and non‐Schwann cell line and the upstream mTOR‐HIF‐1α – VEGF pathway in Schwann cell line. The results indicated that Nf1 gene silencing by lentiviral‐mediated RNA interference resulted in elevated expression of VEGF, HIF‐1α and phosphorylated mTOR at the protein level. The results obtained from Nf1 gene silencing in murine Schwann cell line analogously suggest that NF1 gene haploinsufficiency in human tumor Schwann cells may directly elicit upregulation of VEGF expression without the tumor microenvironment by activation of the mTOR‐HIF‐1α – VEGF pathway. We also showed that interleukin‐6 is upregulated in Nf1 gene knock‐down Schwann cells at the protein level.
Detection and Molecular Variability of Apple Stem Grooving Virus in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Lei , Zhang Huawei , Jiao Honghong , Wu Yunfeng 
Published: February 2013

AbstractApple stem grooving virus (ASGV) is one of the economically important latent viruses that are distributed in apple production areas worldwide. The presence of ASGV in apple trees was studied by serological assay and molecular biology methods. A total of 550 apple leaf samples from 14 different areas in Shaanxi were tested by DAS‐ELISA, and the results revealed an ASGV infection level of 55%. Those samples were also examined by RT‐PCR, and an infection level of 67% was found. Fourteen complete coat protein gene sequences of ASGV were obtained; phylogenetic analysis revealed that these 14 sequences separated into two clusters regardless of the geographic origin or host plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of molecular variability analysis of ASGV in apple trees in China.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Feline Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Geddes R.F. , Finch N.C. , Elliott J. , Syme H.M. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) is a phosphaturic hormone involved in the pathogenesis of secondary renal hyperparathyroidism (SRHP) in humans. There are no published studies examining feline FGF‐23.ObjectivesValidation of a method for FGF‐23 quantification in feline plasma and assessment of the associations among plasma FGF‐23, PTH, creatinine, and phosphate concentrations in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).AnimalsOne hundred nonazotemic and azotemic geriatric (>9 years) client‐owned cats.MethodsRetrospective cross‐sectional study: Cats were categorized into 4 groups: control group (plasma creatinine (Cr) ≤2.0 mg/dL), stage 2 (Cr 2.1–2.8 mg/dL), stage 3 (Cr 2.9–5.0 mg/dL), stage 4 (Cr >5.0 mg/dL). Stages 2 and 3 were further subdivided based on International Renal Interest Society targets for plasma phosphate concentration (PO4): stage 2a (PO4 ≤4.5 mg/dL), stage 2b (PO4 >4.5 mg/dL), stage 3a (PO4 ≤5 mg/dL), stage 3b (PO4 >5 mg/dL). Plasma FGF‐23 concentrations were measured by a human intact FGF‐23 ELISA. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were performed.ResultsThe ELISA demonstrated acceptable precision, reproducibility, and specificity. Plasma FGF‐23 concentrations increased with increasing plasma creatinine concentrations and were significantly different between all groups (P < .008). Plasma FGF‐23 concentrations were significantly higher in cats in stage 2b than stage 2a (P = .008) and in stage 3b than in stage 3a (P = .012). Phosphate, log creatinine, total calcium, log parathyroid hormone, and packed cell volume were all independent predictors of FGF‐23.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFGF‐23 concentrations increase with increasing stage of feline CKD and might be a marker or mediator of feline SRHP.
Postscript on Credibility
Authors: McDade John 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe article considers some of the factors relevant to the question of the credibility of Christian faith. It argues that atheism is a product of a certain kind of Western Christianity: when you exceed the boundaries of what can be said about God and create “religion”, at the same time you create the conditions for disbelief in that religion. Nietzsche is a point of reference for various aspects of the question which centres on the status of “God” in relation to religious narratives that have lost power. How might Christians conduct themselves in the “Courtyard of the Gentiles” that Pope Benedict proposes?
Church, Culture and Credibility: A Perspective from Ireland
Authors: Regan Ethna 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article explores the crisis in the Catholic Church in Ireland in light of the child-abuse scandals exposed in recent reports and outlines some of the theological responses to that crisis. It suggests that it is necessary to examine not just the crimes of the perpetrators of abuse and the inadequate response of individual church leaders but also the structural sin within the Church that is at the root of the crisis. It is argued that the collusion between Church and State in modern Ireland that emerges from these reports can be defined in terms of Hiberno-Christendom, drawing from Charles Taylor definition of “Christendom”. In the midst of the crisis, the ongoing revelations of clerical abuse and the accompanying analysis, there is still pastoral vibrancy and people are trying to cultivate hope. The Catholic Church in Ireland may need to learn how to become what Juan Luis Segundo calls a “creative minority”, re-imagining the parameters of its power and developing a new political theology.
Faith in Culture
Authors: Sweeney James 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article, working within a sociological framework, discusses the issues and challenges arising at the church-culture interface, which are of central importance for ecclesial credibility, many of which came up in the 2012 Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization. It suggests that, while there are evident problems with postmodern culture, the key problem lies within the Church itself, in the disconnect between contemporary modes of cultural production and the dominant mode of transmission of the Christian faith. The remedy would be a presentation of the gospel and an ecclesial witness that is deeply respectful of individuals searching for authentic ways of living and that invites and enables them to find in a renewed church the path to true freedom.
Radio‐protective effects of Nigella sativa oil on oxidative stress in tongue tissue of rats
Authors: Üstün K , Taysı S , Sezer U , Demir E , Baysal E , Demir T , Sarıçiçek E , Alkış H , Şenyurt SZ , Tarakçıoğlu M , Aksoy N 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N.S.) oil against radiation‐induced oxidative stress in the rat tongue.Material and MethodsThirty‐two Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group 1 [control group(C)] did not receive N.S. oil or irradiation. Group 2 [sham control group(CN)] did not receive N.S. oil or irradiation but received 1‐ml saline orally, plus sham irradiation. Group 3 [irradiation group(R)] received irradiation, plus 1‐ml saline orally. Group 4 [irradiation plus N.S. oil group(RN)] received irradiation plus 1 g kg−1 per day of N.S. oil orally for 10 days. The animals were euthanized on day 10, and tongue tissues were collected for evaluating biochemical oxidative parameters.ResultsThe oxidative stress index, total oxidant status and lipid hydroperoxides levels in the R group were statistically higher than those in the C, CN and RN groups. The paraoxonase levels in the R group were statistically lower than those in the C, CN and RN groups. No statistically significant differences were detected between any of the groups, in terms of total antioxidant status and the arylesterase, ceruloplasmin and total sulfhydryl group levels.ConclusionNigella sativa (N.S.) oil may be a beneficial agent in protecting against ionizing radiation‐related tissue injury.
Polymorphism of the Melatonin Receptor Genes and its Relationship with Seasonal Reproduction in the Gulin Ma Goat Breed
Authors: Lai P , Zhang BY , Wang PQ , Chu MX , Song WJ , Cai BJ 
Published: February 2013

ContentsMelatonin is thought to be the main molecule that transmits the signal of seasonal change to the neuroendocrine system in seasonal breeding species. Melatonin exerts its effects through specific melatonin receptors, MTNR1A and MTNR1B. In the present study, six native goat breeds in China and one introduced goat breed were analysed to investigate the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of receptor genes and seasonal reproduction. Sequencing results showed that there were five polymorphic mutations in the MTNR1A gene and two in the MTNR1B gene. In the MTNR1A gene, genotypes AA, AB and BB for 424C>T and genotypes CC, CD and DD for 589C>A were observed in these goat breeds. In all six native goat breeds, only genotype AA was detected. In the MTNR1B gene, genotypes EE, EF and FF for 1179G>A and genotypes GG, GH and HH for 1529A>G were detected. However, in Gulin Ma goats, the genotypes EE and HH were not found. Moreover, the base of G at position 1179 and A at position 1529 were linked (By Arlequin ver 3.1, Zoological Institute, Berne, Switzerland, http://cmpg.unibe.ch/software/arlequin3,D′ = 0.7496, r2 = 0.4421, χ2 = 489.8679, p = 0.000). Among these mutations, no amino acid change was found in MTNR1A, while both of the mutations in MTNR1B gene caused amino acid changes of R222H and S339G, respectively. The structural analysis showed that the R222H mutation occurred in the first amino acid residue of the third cytoplasmic loop, and the S339G mutation was located in the carboxyl terminus of the protein. In terms of seasonal breeding, all the genotypes we detected showed a similar kidding frequency distribution trend with a higher frequency in May–August than in January–April and in September–December. This suggests that the relationship between the polymorphisms in the MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes and seasonal breeding could not be established.
Ties of Resistance and Cooperation. Aedemon, Lusius Quietus and the Baquates
Authors: Vanacker Wouter 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Gaius’ decision to dissolve the protectorate of Mauretania and to depose its client king, Ptolemaeus, led to the outbreak of the Revolt of Aedemon (AD 40). This paper will develop a number of innovative thoughts and hypotheses concerning the extent of this rebellion and its possible impact on the deposition of Ptolemaeus, as well as the role of the Romans in its suppression. The main aim is to explore the connection between this revolt, Trajanus’ famous general Lusius Quietus (cos. AD 117?), and the Baquates, an indigenous Mauretanian tribe. I will suggest that Lusius Quietus was descended from a chief of a (semi-)nomadic tribe who supported the Roman cause during the Revolt of Aedemon. Considering the setting and dimension of this revolt, as well as the unrest in Mauretania at the time of Lusius Quietus’ execution by Hadrianus, I argue that this tribe can be identified as the Baquates. This reconstruction suggests a long-lasting and particularly positive relationship between this tribe and Rome. It allows for a further reconsideration of the relationship between (semi-)nomadic and Roman/sedentary groups in Roman North Africa, to the detriment of one-sided analytical schemes that stress endemic hostility.
Habitat use of the common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) in Estonia
Authors: Rannap Riinu , Markus Maris , Kaart Tanel 
Published: February 2013

Habitat loss and degradation are the most obvious and acute factors which influence amphibian decline. Fortunately, however, habitat deterioration is potentially reversible. Recognizing the factors critical for the species is therefore essential for successful habitat restoration and maintenance. In this study we explored the habitat requirements of the common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus), a severely declining species in Europe. The toad is considered a typical representative of herpetofauna in open agricultural landscapes but at its northern and western range edge the species occurs also in forested areas. So far, studies on the habitat requirements of the common spadefoot toad have only focused on agricultural areas and the significance of forest habitats has remained indistinct. In order to determine the habitat characteristics vital for the species as well as the function of forests as possible sink or source habitats, we explored 34 water bodies and their surroundings comparatively in forested and open landscapes in Estonia. Our study demonstrated that land cover type did not influence the presence of the species – the limiting habitat factors were related to soil type and quality of the reproduction site only. Respectively, the species preferred large fish free sun exposed water bodies in areas with sandy soil. In our study sites such conditions were best met in old growth coniferous forest areas. Thus we suggest that these types of forests holding viable populations of the common spadefoot toad should be protected with large scale clear cuttings as well as altering of hydrology avoided.