bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gonadal function in males with autoimmune Addison's disease and autoantibodies to steroidogenic enzymes
Authors: Dalla Costa M , Bonanni G , Masiero S , Faggian D , Chen S , Furmaniak J , Rees Smith B , Perniola R , Radetti G , Garelli S , Chiarelli S , Albergoni M P , Plebani M , Betterle C 
Published: February 2014

Summary
Steroidogenic enzyme autoantibodies (SEAbs) are frequently present and are markers of autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF) in females with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). The prevalence and significance of SEAbs in males with AAD have not yet been defined. We studied the prevalence of SEAbs in a large cohort of males with AAD and assessed the relationship between SEAbs positivity and testicular function. A total of 154 males with AAD (mean age 34 years) were studied. SEAbs included autoantibodies to steroid-producing cells (StCA), detected by immunofluorescence, and steroid 17α-hydroxylase (17α-OHAbs) and side chain cleavage enzyme (SCCAbs) measured by immunoprecipitation assays. Gonadal function was evaluated by measuring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHGB), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin-B (I-B). Twenty-six males, 10 SEAbs(+) and 16 SEAbs(–), were followed-up for a mean period of 7·6 years to assess the behaviour of SEAbs and testicular function. SEAbs were found in 24·7% of males with AAD, with the highest frequency in patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1). The levels of reproductive hormones in 30 SEAbs(+) males were in the normal range according to age and were not significantly different compared to 55 SEAbs(–) males (P &gt; 0·05). During follow-up, both SEAbs(+) and SEAbs(–) patients maintained normal testicular function. SEAbs were found with high frequency in males with AAD; however, they were not associated with testicular failure. This study suggests that the diagnostic value of SEAbs in males with AAD differs compared to females, and this may be related to the immunoprivileged status of the testis.
Remodeling of cortical and corticocancellous fresh‐frozen allogeneic block bone grafts – a radiographic and histomorphometric comparison to autologous bone grafts
Authors: Spin‐Neto Rubens , Stavropoulos Andreas , Coletti Felipe L. , Pereira Luís A. V. D. , Marcantonio Elcio , Wenzel Ann 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo compare cortical (AL‐C) and corticocancellous (AL‐CC) fresh‐frozen block bone allografts to cortical block bone autografts (AT) used for lateral ridge augmentation in terms of radiographic dimensional maintenance and histomorphometrical graft remodeling.Materials and methodsTwenty‐four patients, requiring ridge augmentation in the anterior maxilla prior to implant placement, were treated with AT, AL‐C or AL‐CC bone blocks (eight patients per graft type). Patients were examined with CBCT prior to, 14 days, and 6–8 months after grafting. Amount of augmentation and dimensional block graft maintenance over time was evaluated by comparing planimetric measurements of the alveolar ridge made on CBCT sections of the augmentation area. During implant installation surgery, 6–8 months after grafting, cylindrical biopsies were harvested perpendicularly to the lateral aspect of the augmented alveolar ridge. The relative volumes of vital and necrotic bone and soft tissues were histomorphometrically estimated. Comparisons among groups and observation times were performed using Friedman test followed by Dunn's post‐hoc test.ResultsRadiographic evaluation showed that the three types of grafts resulted in a significant increase in alveolar ridge width, with no significant differences among the groups in terms of ridge dimensions at the various observation times. However, significant graft resorption (P = 0.03) was observed in the AL‐CC group over time (−8.3 ± 7.1%) compared with the AT and AL‐C groups, where a slight increase was observed, on average (1.5 ± 20.6% and 1.3 ± 14.9%, respectively). Histomorphometrical analysis showed that larger amounts of vital bone were found in the biopsies from the AT augmented sites (25.1 ± 11.2%) compared with AL‐CC and AL‐C augmented sites (9.3 ± 3.8% and 3.9 ± 4.6%, respectively; P ≤ 0.01). AL‐CC and AT biopsies had the smallest amount of necrotic bone (38.2 ± 12.1% and 56.7 ± 26.0, respectively) compared with AL‐C (83.7 ± 10.8%, P < 0.01) biopsies. AL‐CC biopsies showed the largest amount of soft tissues (52.5 ± 11.7%) compared with those from AT (18.1 ± 17.1%, P = 0.03) and AL‐C (12.3 ± 8.5%, P < 0.01) sites.ConclusionsAL block bone graft architecture influences significantly its dimensional incorporation and remodeling. Compared with AT bone graft, a small portion of the AL block consists of vital bone 6–8 months after grafting. Cortical AL blocks seem to show the least amounts of vital bone, while corticocancellous AL blocks seem to undergo more resorption over time.
Genetic testing in inherited polyposis syndromes – how and why?
Authors: Lee G. H. , Payne S. J. , Melville A. , Clark S. K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere have been recent advances in genetic testing enabling accurate diagnosis of polyposis syndromes by identifying causative gene mutations, which is essential in the management of individuals with polyposis syndrome and predictive genetic testing of their extended families. There are some similarities in clinical presentation of various polyposis syndromes, which may pose a challenge to diagnosis. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation of the main polyposis syndromes and the process of genetic testing, including the latest advancement and future of genetic testing. We aim to reiterate the importance of genetic testing in the management of polyposis syndromes, potential pitfalls associated with genetic testing and recommendations for healthcare professionals involved with the care of polyposis patients.
Method of extraction and resolubilisation of pigments from Chlorociboria aeruginosa and Scytalidium cuboideum, two prolific spalting fungi
Authors: Robinson Sara C , Hinsch Eric , Weber Genevieve , Freitas Shawn 
Published: February 2014

Twelve solvents were tested for their ability to extract the pigments of Chlorociboria aeruginosa and Scytalidium cuboideum, two fungi used primarily for the spalting of decorative wood. Solvents were assessed on the basis of the saturation of pigment produced, their ability to diffuse through filter paper, and whether they reacted with the extracted pigments. Solvents that performed well in extraction testing were then tested to determine whether they could also dissolve the extracted pigment once dried. Of the solvents tested, only dichloromethane was capable of quick, non‐reactive extraction with filter paper diffusion, as well as being able fully to redissolve dried pigment extracted from C. aeruginosa. The results of this study show dichloromethane to be an ideal solvent for extracting and applying fungal pigments that offers new possibilities for spalting in which fungi do not need to be grown directly on a substrate in order to produce pigmented wood.
Transitional Justice and the Task of Inclusion: A Habermasian Perspective on the Justification of Aboriginal Educational Rights
Authors: Martin Christopher 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn February 2012, Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission released an interim report that detailed its findings based on extensive testimony by former students of the nation's residential school system, a system designed to forcibly assimilate aboriginal peoples. The report concludes that the state must play an active role in the restoration of indigenous culture and knowledge. It is against this background that Christopher Martin analyzes the idea of aboriginal educational rights. The concern here is not so much with aboriginal persons' right to a fair share of educational provision, but with the aboriginal person's right to reassert authority over his or her developmental interests, including an interest in culture and identity. The specific role of educational rights in such debates remains an important one, especially since such discussions impinge on difficult issues of state sovereignty and cultural rights. In this essay Martin examines various justifications of aboriginal educational rights and develops a Habermasian justification that remains consistent with individual rights.
Effectiveness of a simulated patient training programme based on trainee response accuracy and appropriateness of feedback
Authors: Yoshida T. , Ogawa T. , Taguchi N. , Maeda J. , Abe K. , Rodis O. M. , Nakai Y. , Shirai H. , Torii Y. , Konoo T. , Suzuki K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionSimulated patients (SPs) need education and training in required skills to be effective resources in education. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of an SP training programme based on the accuracy of trainee responses and the appropriateness of their feedback.MethodsThirty‐two applicants to the training programme and 35 experienced SPs were included in this study. The experienced SPs served as a reference group. The rate of accurate responses and the rate of appropriate feedback were assessed with pre‐ and post‐training tests, and these two outcome measures were compared with those of the experienced SPs.ResultsNo significant differences were found in trainee response accuracy or appropriateness of feedback between pre‐ and post‐training tests. The response accuracy rate of the trainees on the pre‐training test was significantly lower than that of SPs with 1–2 years of experience, whilst there was no significant difference between these SPs and the trainees on the post‐training test.ConclusionsAlthough our study suggests that more training is needed to improve the skills of SPs, the training programme may contribute to helping trainees reach a novice level in the skill of providing accurate responses. SP training should be encouraged to contribute to the effectiveness of such teaching and to establish the validity of the assessment.
Perceptions of D.M.D. student readiness for basic science courses in the United States: Can online review modules help?
Authors: Miller C. J. , Aiken S. A. , Metz M. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere can be a disconnect between the level of content covered in undergraduate coursework and the expectations of professional‐level faculty of their incoming students. Some basic science faculty members may assume that students have a good knowledge base in the material and neglect to appropriately review, whilst others may spend too much class time reviewing basic material. It was hypothesised that the replacement of introductory didactic physiology lectures with interactive online modules could improve student preparedness prior to lectures. These modules would also allow faculty members to analyse incoming student abilities and save valuable face‐to‐face class time for alternative teaching strategies. Results indicated that the performance levels of incoming U.S. students were poor (57% average on a pre‐test), and students often under‐predicted their abilities (by 13% on average). Faculty expectations varied greatly between the different content areas and did not appear to correlate with the actual student performance. Three review modules were created which produced a statistically significant increase in post‐test scores (46% increase, P < 0.0001, n = 114–115). The positive results of this study suggest a need to incorporate online review units in the basic science dental school courses and revise introductory material tailored to students’ strengths and needs.
Reproductive effort accelerates actuarial senescence in wild birds: an experimental study
Authors: Boonekamp Jelle J. , Salomons Martijn , Bouwhuis Sandra , Dijkstra Cor , Verhulst Simon 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOptimality theories of ageing predict that the balance between reproductive effort and somatic maintenance determines the rate of ageing. Laboratory studies find that increased reproductive effort shortens lifespan, but through increased short‐term mortality rather than ageing. In contrast, high fecundity in early life is associated with accelerated senescence in free‐living vertebrates, but these studies are non‐experimental. We performed lifelong brood size manipulation in free‐living jackdaws. Actuarial senescence – the increase in mortality rate with age – was threefold higher in birds rearing enlarged‐ compared to reduced broods, confirming a key prediction of the optimality theory of ageing. Our findings contrast with the results of single‐year brood size manipulation studies carried out in many species, in which there was no overall discernible manipulation effect on mortality. We suggest that our and previous findings are in agreement with predictions based on the reliability theory of ageing and propose further tests of this proposition.
Discovery of a cell wall porin in the mycolic‐acid‐containing actinomycete Dietzia marisDSM 43672
Authors: Mafakheri Samaneh , Bárcena‐Uribarri Iván , Abdali Narges , Jones Amanda L. , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Benz Roland 
Published: February 2014

The cell wall of the Gram‐positive mycolic‐acid‐containing actinomycete Dietzia maris DSM 43672 was found to contain a pore‐forming protein, as observed from reconstitution experiments with artificial lipid bilayer experiments in the presence of cell wall extracts. The cell wall porin was purified to homogeneity using different biochemical methods and had an apparent molecular mass of about 120 kDa on tricine‐containing SDS/PAGE. The 120 kDa protein dissociated into subunits with a molecular mass of about 35 kDa when it was heated to 100 °C in 8 m urea. The 120 kDa protein, here named PorADm, formed ion‐permeable channels in lipid bilayer membranes with a high single‐channel conductance of about 5.8 nS in 1 m KCl. Asymmetric addition of PorADm to lipid bilayer membranes resulted in an asymmetric voltage dependence. Zero‐current membrane potential measurements with different salt solutions suggested that the porin of D. maris is cation‐selective because of negative charges localized at the channel mouth. Analysis of the single‐channel conductance using non‐electrolytes with known hydrodynamic radii indicated that the diameter of the cell wall channel is about 2 nm. The channel characteristics of the cell wall porin of D. maris are compared with those of other members of the mycolata. They share some common features because they are composed of small molecular mass subunits and form large and water‐filled channels. The porin was subjected to protein analysis by mass spectrometry but its sequence had no significant homology to any known porin sequences.
A quantitative fluorescence‐based steady‐state assay of DNA polymerase
Authors: Driscoll Max D. , Rentergent Julius , Hay Sam 
Published: February 2014

Fluorescent dyes that bind DNA have been demonstrated as a useful alternative to radionucleotides for the quantification of DNA and the in vitro measurement of the activity of DNA polymerases and nucleases. However, this approach is generally used in a semi‐quantitative way to determine relative rates of reaction. In this report, we demonstrate a method for the simultaneous quantification of DNA in both its single‐strand and double‐strand forms using the dye PicoGreen. This approach is used in a steady‐state assay of DNA polymerase Klenow fragment exo−, where we determine kcat and Km values for the DNA polymerase that are in excellent agreement with literature values.
The ecology and mechanisms of overflow‐mediated dispersal in a rock‐pool metacommunity
Authors: Pellowe‐Wagstaff Kara E. , Simonis Joseph L. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe dispersal of organisms in fragmented habitats connects spatially separated local populations at the regional, metapopulation scale, with potential consequences for spatial population dynamics and persistence. As any dispersing organism is engaged in trophic interactions as well, dispersal also connects local food webs at the regional scale, and differential dispersal among taxa of different trophic levels has the potential to strongly influence spatial food‐web dynamics.We used a combination of field surveys and experiments to test the significance of passive dispersal via overflowing water for population and food‐web dynamics in a system of freshwater rock pools onAppledoreIsland,Maine,U.S.A. The rock pools contain a three‐trophic‐level food chain consisting of phytoplankton (primarily chlorophyte algae), grazer zooplankton (two species of Cladocera) and a predatory insect (Trichocorixa), all of which are passively dispersed between rock pools when the pools overflow during rain events.During the summers of 2010 and 2011, rain events were observed (on average) every two and a half days. Three‐quarters of rain events generated overflows, and observed overflow rates varied over four orders of magnitude (0.5–474 mLs−1). A Monte Carlo simulation showed that, on average, a pool is expected to overflow 5.6 times during a summer.Despite all three taxa dispersing in overflows, and dispersing more at higher flow rates, a mesocosm experiment showed that dispersal rates decreased significantly with increasing trophic level, such thatTrichocorixadispersed less than cladocerans, which dispersed less than phytoplankton. Results from a follow‐up experiment suggest that this decrease in dispersal is primarily due to organisms at higher trophic levels being more able to avoid currents, rather than an ability to swim more strongly against currents.Finally, we conducted a field experiment to determine the influence of overflows on population and food‐web dynamicsin situ. Populations in pools that were part of experimental overflows were significantly more variable than nearby populations that were not in the overflow, and taxa at all three trophic levels were influenced similarly by the overflows.This study demonstrates that passive dispersal of aquatic organisms among habitat patches is likely to occur at different rates for different taxa, which may have strong effects on spatial food‐web dynamics.
Modelling epilithic biofilms combining hydrodynamics, invertebrate grazing and algal traits
Authors: Graba Myriam , Sauvage Sabine , Majdi Nabil , Mialet Benoît , Moulin Frédéric Y. , Urrea Gemma , Buffan‐Dubau Evelyne , Tackx Michèle , Sabater Sergi , Sanchez‐Pérez José‐Miguel 
Published: February 2014

Summary

This model of stream epilithic biofilm biomass dynamics is based on the system of equations from Uehlinger et al. () and the term for autogenic detachment of biofilm from Boulêtreau et al. (). Its new features are (i) a mathematical term based on estimated feeding activity of biofilm‐dwelling invertebrates, (ii) local hydrodynamics considered as the principal factor governing algal traits and biofilm structure and (iii) a variable degree of parameterisation that was adjusted to biofilm biomass conditions.
Biofilm biomass was monitored over a one‐year period in the Garonne river in France (September 2008–2009). An allometric approach was used to estimate the feeding activity of biofilm‐dwelling invertebrates based on their energetic requirements. Diatom functional diversity was also monitored to find how it varied with overall biofilm growth patterns. The one‐year monitoring period was divided into six biofilm biomass cycles, with each cycle consisting of a phase of biofilm growth as the main process, followed by detachment.
This model reproduced the observed data as a complex of biofilm growth/detachment cycles using different sets of empirical parameters which allowed (i) the dominant processes involved in each biofilm cycle to be evaluated and (ii) the six cycles of biofilm growth/detachment to be reproduced. This accounted for the observed patterns more effectively than a parameterisation using a single set of empirical parameters.
High flow had a severe effect on biofilm dynamics through chronic and catastrophic detachment. Presumably as a result, assemblages of diatoms shifted towards species that were firmly attached and protected by mucilage.
During low flow (and when temperature was high), biofilm dynamics was mainly affected by autogenic detachment and grazer activity. The grazing pressure of the dominant biofilm‐dwelling invertebrates (Nematoda and larvae of Chironomidae and Trichoptera) was fairly low (a maximum of 6% of biofilm biomass ingested daily); nevertheless, their presence in the biofilm seemed to favour biofilm autogenic detachment.
Beavers (Castor canadensis) influence habitat for juvenile salmon in a largeAlaskan river floodplain
Authors: Malison Rachel L. , Lorang Mark S. , Whited Diane C. , Stanford Jack A. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryOur aim was to determine how beavers affect habitats and food resources for juvenile salmon in theKwethlukRiver in westernAlaska.Habitat modification by beavers was quantified using 3 years of satellite imagery to assess the amount and spatial distribution of potential juvenile rearing habitat. Macroinvertebrate community composition and juvenile salmon abundance in beaver ponds, spring brooks with and without upstream beaver dams, and main channel shorelines were quantified to determine beaver influence. Presence of beaver dams and time‐series measures of water levels were used to assess hydrological connectivity and fish access between the sites and the river as modified by beavers.Of the off‐channel aquatic habitat, 87.5% was altered by beavers damming spring brooks. All beaver‐free and beaver‐influenced juvenile salmon habitats had similar physical characteristics [by non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination], indicating that all are suitable as juvenile salmon rearing habitat.Aquatic macroinvertebrate community composition differed between beaver ponds and spring brooks (byNMDSordination) with differences driven by larval stoneflies in spring brooks compared to cladocerans, copepods and freshwater clams in beaver ponds.Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (O. kisutch) salmon were predominant in all habitat types except late‐successional ponds. Total fish species and salmon species richness was 2–3× higher, the proportion of young‐of‐the‐year salmon was over 50% compared to <5%, and densities of juvenile salmon were 5–7× higher in spring brooks and early‐successional ponds compared to late‐successional ponds.Early‐successional ponds had high hydrological synchrony values (closely tracking water fluctuations in the main channel), while mid‐ and late‐successional ponds, being farther from the main channel and with more dams blocking flow paths, had lower and highly variable synchrony values. Almost no movement of juvenile salmon occurred past dams at base flow. However, summer and autumn flooding mediated movement past dams, allowing individuals to ‘escape’ or enter early‐successional ponds.Beavers reduced habitat connectivity and added variability to macroinvertebrate assemblages within habitats by damming floodplain spring brooks. Nonetheless, juvenile salmon were able to effectively inhabit and move between early‐successional ponds and spring brooks in theKwethlukRiver, although the presence of beaver dams strongly limited the use of late‐successional ponds on the large alluvial river floodplain.