bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
African Wild Dogs as a Fugitive Species: Playback Experiments Investigate How Wild Dogs Respond to their Major Competitors
Authors: Webster Hugh , McNutt John W. , McComb Karen 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIt has been suggested that African wild dogs Lycaon pictus need exceptionally large home ranges (and hence occur at such low densities) because they are limited by competition with larger sympatric carnivores, namely lions Panthera leo and spotted hyenas Crocuta crocuta. To investigate this relationship at a proximate level and explore which factors mediate it, we conducted audio playback experiments examining how wild dogs responded to the simulated proximity of either lions or hyenas. The principle finding was that wild dogs consistently moved directly away from lion roars, but when played hyena whoops either stood their ground or, later, moved off in a random direction. These results suggest that lions represent an immediate high‐level threat to wild dogs that is invariably best avoided, whilst the threat from hyenas may not be so great or perhaps is simply unavoidable. Wild dogs appeared to make some assessment of ambush risk during interactions with lions, illustrated by the varying latency to their retreat in habitats of differing vegetation density (and hence ambush potential). Additionally, packs with younger pups were more likely to alarm call and exhibited a slower rate of retreat in the hour following exposure to lion roars. Other variables investigated (competitor group size, lion sex, presence of pups) failed to explain variation in wild dogs’ responses.
Identification of candidate gene–based SSR markers for lysine and tryptophan metabolic pathways in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Babu Banisetti K. , Agrawal Pawan K. , Gupta Hari S. , Kumar Anil , Bhatt Jagadeesh C. 
Published: December 2011

With 3 figures and 5 tablesAbstractIdentification of candidate gene–based SSR markers is extremely useful in genetic enhancement of crop plants. A total of twenty‐four SSR loci were developed for the candidate genes of lysine and tryptophan metabolic pathways and for opaque2 (o2) modifiers. Of the 24 SSR loci, 23 yielded amplicons of expected size; however, fifteen were found polymorphic among the 22 maize genotypes including normal and quality protein maize inbreds from India and exotic inbreds from CIMMYT, Mexico. The polymorphism information content of primers was in the range of 0.16–0.72, with a mean of 0.49. The gene diversity ranged from 0.17 to 0.75, and the inbreeding coefficient was in the range of 0.48–1.0. The candidate genes of lysine metabolism showed higher polymorphism levels and genetic diversity than other candidate genes. The SSR loci developed from the candidate genes of aspartate kinase 2 and homoserine dehydrogenase were found to have high potential. Thus, the SSR loci identified in this study added useful markers for fine mapping and high‐density mapping of opaque2 modifiers.
Discovery of critical host factor, IL‐28B, associated with response to hepatitis C virus treatment
Authors: Mizokami Masashi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractChronic hepatitis C affects 2.2–3.0% of the world population (130 million–170 million). Pegylated interferon‐α (PEG‐IFN‐α) in combination with ribavirin (RBV), the approved and standard therapy, leads to viral eradication in about 50% of treated patients. In 2009, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) identified host genetic variation to be critical for predicting treatment response and spontaneous clearance in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). A correlated set of polymorphisms in the region of the interleukin‐28B (IL‐28B) gene on chromosome 19, coding for interferon (IFN)‐λ3 were associated with clearance of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients treated with PEG‐IFN‐α and RBV. The same polymorphisms were subsequently associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV in untreated patients. In addition, prediction of viral response to PEG‐IFN‐α and RBV therapy of patients with recurrent HCV infection after orthotopic liver transplantation depends on the IL‐28B genotype of both recipient and donor tissues. Diagnosis of a patient's IL‐28B genotype is likely to aid in clinical decision making with standard‐of‐care regimens. Future studies will investigate the possibility of individualizing treatment duration and novel regimens according to IL‐28B genotype. As GWAS yield unexpected data, this approach could lead to the development of novel drug therapy, such as already appears promising with IFN‐λ. In this Okuda lecture, I present the current understanding in regard to the relationship between host variations and clinical outcome of hepatitis C.
Self‐reported seafood intake and atopy in Japanese school‐aged children
Authors: Kunitsugu Ichiro , Okuda Masayuki , Murakami Natsuko , Hashimoto Michio , Yamanishi Rintaro , Bando Noriko , Sasaki Satoshi , Terao Junji , Sugiyama Shinichi , Hobara Tatsuya 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The effects of fish consumption and n‐3 poly‐unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels on atopic disorders are inconsistent in previous reports, but few studies have investigated the effects of both fish and n‐3 PUFA. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether erythrocyte fatty acids and the consumption of fish are associated with atopic diseases in pre‐ and early adolescents.Methods:  A total of 135 students with eczema, 136 students with asthma, and 137 healthy control students were selected from fifth and eighth grades in Shunan, Japan. Atopic disorders and dietary intake were evaluated with questionnaires, and total serum IgE was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, erythrocyte membrane levels of PUFA were assessed via gas chromatography.Results:  Total IgE was significantly elevated in the atopic subjects (P < 0.001). The intake of fatty and dried fish or seafood was significantly associated with eczema (odds ratios of the highest quartiles: 0.46, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.22–0.94; 0.34, 95%CI: 0.16–0.71, respectively). Additionally, only erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level had a negative association with eczema (P= 0.048). For asthma, the effect of fish consumption was not significant.Conclusions:  Fish consumption was related to a low prevalence of eczema, but not asthma in Japanese pre‐ and early adolescents. EPA may be involved in this mechanism.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in the aqueous humour of patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kramer Michal , Hasanreisoglu Murat , Feldman Anna , Axer‐Siegel Ruth , Sonis Paulina , Maharshak Idit , Monselise Yehudit , Gurevich Michael , Weinberger Dov 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  To investigate the role of inflammation in age‐related macular degeneration by measuring the levels of cytokines in the aqueous humour.Methods:  Samples of aqueous humour were collected from 34 patients with age‐related macular degeneration and 16 age‐matched control subjects undergoing cataract surgery. Age‐related macular degeneration stage was determined clinically, before surgery. Levels of cytokines were measured using Luminex X‐MAP technology, and positive results were verified by Western blot.Results:  Age‐related macular degeneration was moderate in 18 patients and advanced in 16. The advanced age‐related macular degeneration group was further divided into patients with active choroidal neovascularization (n = 7), disciform scar (n = 7) or central geographic atrophy (n = 2). Higher‐than‐normal levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in the aqueous humour were associated with advanced age‐related macular degeneration (200 ± 140 pg/mL vs. 100 ± 61 pg/mL; P = 0.03), especially active choroidal neovascularization (255 ± 155 pg/mL; P = 0.02), Western blot analysis verified the monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 findings. Patients with disciform scar showed a trend of abnormally high levels of interleukin‐12 (p70) (1.7 ± 2.4 pg/mL vs. 0.2 ± 1 pg/mL; P = 0.07), tumour necrosis factor‐α (1.8 ± 2.4 pg/mL vs. 0.3 ± 1 pg/mL; P = 0.06) and interleukin‐12 (4.7 ± 6.4 pg/mL vs. 1.2 ± 2.1 pg/mL; P = 0.08).Conclusion:  Elevated levels of inflammation‐related cytokines in the aqueous humour in various stages of age‐related macular degeneration may suggest a pathogenic role of inflammation. Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 may be indicative of the angiogenic phase. Further corroborative studies are required.
Anterior chamber depth and its associations with ocular and general parameters in adults
Authors: Jonas Jost B , Nangia Vinay , Gupta Rajesh , Khare Anshu , Sinha Ajit , Agarwal Shubhra , Bhate Karishna 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  To investigate the normative data of anterior chamber depth and its associations in adults in rural Central India.Design:  Population‐based study.Participants:  The Central India Eye and Medical Study included 4711 subjects aged 30+ years (response rate 80.1%).Methods:  The subjects underwent an ophthalmological examination including measurement of the anterior chamber depth by sonography.Main Outcome Measure:  Anterior chamber depth.Results:  Mean anterior chamber depth was 3.22 ± 0.34 mm. In multivariate analysis, a shallow chamber depth was significantly associated with higher age (P < 0.001), female gender (P < 0.001), shorter body stature (P = 0.003), hyperopic refractive error (P < 0.001), higher lens thickness (P < 0.001) and shorter axial length (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  In the rural Central Indian population, a shallow anterior chamber was associated with higher age, female gender, short body stature, hyperopia, thick lens and shorter axial length. Compared with population‐based data from East Asia (China), the anterior chamber was markedly deeper in India. The data may be helpful to explain anatomic relationships of the anterior segment of the eye, to elucidate risk factors of angle‐closure glaucoma and to explain ethnic differences in the prevalence of angle‐closure glaucoma.
Surgical services: shaping future directions
Authors: MacLellan Donald G. , Smyth Tim , Cregan Patrick C. , Lizzio Joseph , Watt Hunter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Advances in surgical techniques and anaesthetic practise have facilitated a significant change in the way surgery is currently delivered. In particular, short stay surgery including ambulatory surgery has become the norm for the majority of surgical conditions. However, the planning of surgical services has not always kept pace with nor capitalised on these clinical advances. Like many major urban centres in Australia, the Greater Sydney region is changing, in terms of population growth and configuration of clinical and operational networks. In conjunction with NSW Department of Health, the ministerially appointed Surgical Services Taskforce was tasked with determining the shape and direction of surgery in Greater Sydney over the next 5 to 10 years.Methods:  Over 400 clinicians either attended hospitals forums or were contacted by the Surgery Futures project team.Results:  From the consultations, three models of service delivery were strongly advocated. These were the development of high volume short stay surgery centres, the establishment of specialty centres and the expansion of the streaming of planned and emergency surgery.Conclusion:  These three major recommendations will require a significant reorganisation of surgical services in NSW. However, they are also relevant to surgical services planning elsewhere in Australia. It is imperative that these recommendations are incorporated into long term surgical planning in order to improve the efficiency and sustainability of surgical service delivery.
Interference in dichotic listening: the effect of contralateral noise on oscillatory brain networks
Authors: Ross Bernhard , Miyazaki Takahiro , Fujioka Takako 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCoupling of thalamocortical networks through synchronous oscillations at gamma frequencies (30–80 Hz) has been suggested as a mechanism for binding of auditory sensory information into an object representation, which then becomes accessible for perception and cognition. This study investigated whether contralateral noise interferes with this step of central auditory processing. Neuromagnetic 40‐Hz oscillations were examined in young healthy participants while they listened to amplitude‐modulated sound in one ear and a multi‐talker masking noise in the contralateral ear. Participants were engaged in a gap‐detection task, for which their behavioural performance declined under masking. The amplitude modulation of the stimulus elicited steady 40‐Hz oscillations with sources in bilateral auditory cortices. Analysis of the temporal dynamics of phase synchrony between source activity and the stimulus revealed two oscillatory components; the first was indicated by an instant onset in phase synchrony with the stimulus while the second showed a 200‐ms time constant of gradual increase in phase synchrony after phase resetting by the gap. Masking abolished only the second component. This coincided with masking‐related decrease of the P2 wave of the transient auditory‐evoked responses whereas the N1 wave, reflecting early sensory processing, was unaffected. Given that the P2 response has been associated with object representation, we propose that the first 40‐Hz component is related to representation of low‐level sensory input whereas the second is related to internal auditory processing in thalamocortical networks. The observed modulation of oscillatory activity is discussed as reflecting a neural mechanism critical for speech understanding in noise.
Consistent abundance distributions of marine fishes in an old, climatically buffered, infertile seascape
Authors: Langlois Timothy J. , Radford Ben T. , Van Niel Kimberley P. , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Pearce Alan F. , Rousseaux Cecile S. G. , Kendrick Gary A. , Harvey Euan S. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAim  Macroecological theory predicts that along direct physiological gradients there will be unimodal abundance distributions of species and consistent rates of assemblage turnover. However, the majority of marine studies that have investigated the realized distribution of species along latitudinal or temperature gradients have generally found unimodal distributions to be rare. We assess fish distributions along a temperature gradient in a stable oligotrophic seascape and suggest that unimodal distributions will be more common.Location  Nearshore demersal fish habitat extending 1500 km along the coast of south‐western Australia.Methods  The relative abundances of demersal fish species were sampled off the coast of south‐western Australia along a temperature gradient. The confounding influence of other environmental variables was tested, and the assemblage was found to be highly correlated with temperature. For the 20 most abundant species, quantile regression spline models were used to construct a model within which 95% of their abundance was expected to fall. We compared the results from this study with the proportion of unimodal species abundance distributions observed in other studies.Results  Of the 20 most abundant species, 19 displayed patterns that indicated temperature was an important factor influencing their range and relative abundance; with 15 species exhibiting unimodal abundance distributions, four having ramped distribution to one end of the sampled range and one showing no consistent pattern.Main conclusions  The high diversity and percentage of endemic species in terrestrial and marine habitats of south‐western Australia is likely to be due to the stable geological and oceanographic history of the region. In comparison, studies of abundance distribution in other marine systems have been conducted in relatively heterogeneous and productive environments. The old, climatically buffered, oligotrophic seascape of south‐western Australia has provided a simple system in which the consistent influence of physiological gradients on the abundance distribution of fish species can be observed.
Forging the nation as an imagined community
Authors: Shahzad Farhat 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article examines the ways in which young Canadians represent the ‘the War on Terror’ in their narratives. I explore how a hegemonic nationalist narrative enters into this representation in different ways and positions itself in a dynamic tension with the USA, at times eliding the difference and at times affirming it. I illustrate that these students do not simply tell the narrative of the war, but use the deixis of ‘we/us/our’ or ‘them/they/their’ in a way that constructs multiple imagined communities. I argue that these presumably benign representations of Canadian involvement in the war produce banal nationalism that excludes ‘others’, and binds human imagination into a framework that works against critical thinking.
Comparisons between Bio‐Oss® and Straumann® Bone Ceramic in immediate and staged implant placement in dogs mandible bone defects
Authors: Antunes Antonio A. , Oliveira Neto Patricio , de Santis Enzo , Caneva Marco , Botticelli Daniele , Salata Luiz A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo compare immediate and staged approach implant placement in circumferential defects treated with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM); hidroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TP); autogenous bone (Ab); and coagulum (Cg); upon implant stability, osseointegration and alveolar crest maintenance.Materials and methodsSix dogs underwent extractions of lower premolars, bilaterally. Twelve weeks later four bone defects (6 mm wide/4 mm long) were drilled at one side and randomly filled with DBBM; HA/TP; Ab; and Cg, respectively, and left to heal (staged approach). Eight weeks later one implant (Osseospeed™, AstraTech) was placed in experimental sites. At the same session four defects were drilled on contra‐lateral side and implants were inserted immediately after biomaterials grafting (immediate approach). Animals were euthanized 8 weeks later. Implant stability was measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at installation and after sacrifice. Ground sections were prepared for bone contact (BIC); bone area (BA); distance implant shoulder‐bone crest (IS‐C); distance implant shoulder first bone contact (IS‐B); and areas occupied by soft tissue.ResultsThe BA and BIC were superior in the staged approach. The Cg exhibited higher BIC and BA as compared with other materials at the total implant body (P = 0.004 and 0.012, respectively). The DBBM, HA/TP and Ab groups rendered similar BA and BIC. The immediate approach resulted in less crest resorption compared to staged approach. The biomaterials did not affect the IS‐C and IS‐B measurements. Particles area tended to be higher in DBBM group than HA/TP (P = 0.15), while soft tissue infiltrate was higher in DBBM group when used in the immediate approach (P = 0.04). The RFA indicated gain in stability in the staged approach (P = 0.002). The correlation test between RFA vs. BIC and BA demonstrated inferior stability for DBBM group in immediate approach (P = 0.01).ConclusionsImplants placed in healed defects resulted in better stability as a consequence of higher BIC and BA. The Cg alone rendered increased BIC compared to other materials in both approaches. Immediate approach should be preferable to staged approach in terms of alveolar crest maintenance. The BIC and BA values did not vary between micro and macro‐threads in this experimental model. Implants installed in sites filled with DBBM in immediate approach were less stable.
Hereditary protein C deficiency and thrombosis risk: genotype and phenotype relation in a large Italian family
Authors: Cafolla Arturo , D’Andrea Giovanna , Baldacci Erminia , Margaglione Maurizio , Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Foà Robin 
Published: December 2011

AbstractProtein C (PC) deficiency is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder associated with spontaneous and recurrent thrombotic events. Factor V Leiden (FVL) increases the risk of thrombosis in PC‐deficient type I families. We have investigated the relationship between PC deficiency genotype and clinical phenotype in a large four‐degree Italian family followed since 1988. Methods: PC activity and antigen levels were quantified; sequencing of PC DNA was performed to identify polymorphism. FVL and factor II (G20210A) polymorphism were screened. Results: PC activity ranged from 5% to 9%, and PC antigen levels were 5,3% in two homozygous for PROC missense mutation Arg32Cys; PC activity ranged from 18% to 60% and antigen levels from 21% to 64%, respectively, in 11 heterozygous for Arg32Cys; PC activity was 99% and 120% in two wild type. Of 15, eight were heterozygous for FVL. The two subjects with PC < 6%, homozygous for Arg32Cys and heterozygous for FVL, suffered from thrombosis during childhood. Of 11, six subjects with PC deficiency and heterozygous for FVL showed the first thrombosis at an age between 21 and 54. None of the five PC‐deficient subjects, who were wild type for FVL, showed thrombosis. Two subjects with PC > 70%, both heterozygous for FVL developed thrombosis in the presence of another risk factor. This study suggests that FVL and PROC mutations increase the risk of thrombosis in subjects with PC deficiency, which could be considered as a ‘variable’ risk factor. The thrombosis‐prone PC‐deficient families carry additional risk factors for thrombosis.
Gobernanza y seguridad social: progresos en las directrices de la AISS para una buena gobernanza
Authors: Musalem Alberto R. , Ortiz Maribel D. 
Published: December 2011

ResumenLos gobiernos de muchos países están redefiniendo sus políticas y estrategias con miras a atender las profundas y crecientes necesidades de sus ciudadanos. Puesto que la eficacia de las nuevas políticas y estrategias depende exclusivamente de su aplicación, una buena gobernanza en la administración de la seguridad social es indispensable para alcanzar los resultados apetecidos. El artículo se centra en la práctica de una buena gobernanza en dos esferas de autoridad: a) la institución de la seguridad social, y b) el gobierno nacional. Con respecto a la institución de la seguridad social, estudiamos un marco genérico de gobernanza destinado a ofrecer un panorama general de los aspectos que intervienen en la aplicación de un programa de la seguridad social. El estudio se amplía hasta la esfera nacional con la finalidad de centrarse en la gobernanza de un sistema de la seguridad social. Desde este punto de vista, el presente artículo pone de relieve el papel fundamental que desempeñan los gobiernos en cuanto a la fijación de los objetivos generales del régimen de la seguridad social del país. Aboga por la designación de una autoridad nacional en materia de seguridad social que garantice la coherencia en la aplicación y el desarrollo de los diversos programas que comprende dicho régimen. Conviene llegar a una mayor sincronización entre la política de la seguridad social y las políticas de empleo y del mercado del trabajo con la que se estimule la sinergia y la eficacia de ambas en aras de facilitar el acceso a las oportunidades de trabajo en los diversos sectores de la economía formal, que es un factor clave para atajar la pobreza, poner freno a la exclusión social y favorecer un mayor acceso de las personas sin recursos a formas más integrales de protección social. La buena gobernanza garantizará mejor la contribución sostenible y duradera de la seguridad social al crecimiento y el desarrollo económicos.