bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐zygotic isolation in cactophilicDrosophila: larval viability and adult life‐history traits ofD. mojavensis/D. arizonaehybrids
Authors: BONO J. M. , MARKOW T. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDrosophila mojavensisandDrosophila arizonaeare cactophilic flies that have been used extensively in speciation studies. Incomplete premating isolation, evidence of reinforcement, and a lack of recent introgression between these species point to a potentially important role for post‐zygotic isolating barriers in this system. Other than hybrid male sterility, however, post‐zygotic isolation betweenD. mojavensisandD. arizonaehas received little attention. In this study, we examined viability and life‐history traits ofD. mojavensis/D. arizonaeF1hybrids from sympatric crosses. Specifically, we reared hybrids and purebreds on the natural host cacti of each parental species and compared viability, development time, thorax length, and desiccation resistance between hybrids and purebreds. Interestingly, hybrid females from both crosses performed similarly or even better than purebred females. In contrast, hybrid sons ofD. arizonaemothers, in addition to being sterile, had shorter average thorax length than males of both parental species, and hybrid males from both crosses had substantially lower desiccation resistance thanD. mojavensismales. The probable cost to hybridization forD. mojavensisfemales resulting from reduced desiccation resistance of hybrid sons may have been an important selective factor in the history of reinforcement for crosses involving these females.
The seven deadly sins of comparative analysis
Authors: FRECKLETON R. P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPhylogenetic comparative methods are extremely commonly used in evolutionary biology. In this paper, I highlight some of the problems that are frequently encountered in comparative analyses and review how they can be fixed. In broad terms, the problems boil down to a lack of appreciation of the underlying assumptions of comparative methods, as well as problems with implementing methods in a manner akin to more familiar statistical approaches. I highlight that the advent of more flexible computing environments should improve matters and allow researchers greater scope to explore methods and data.
Genetic variation in the hypothalamic pathways and its role on obesity
Authors: Van Vliet‐Ostaptchouk J. V. , Hofker M. H. , Van Der Schouw Y. T. , Wijmenga C. , Onland‐Moret N. C. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryOver recent decades, the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically worldwide. Although this epidemic is mainly attributable to modern (western) lifestyle, multiple twin and adoption studies indicate the significant role of genes in the individual's predisposition to becoming obese. As the hypothalamus plays a central role in controlling body weight, its regulatory circuits may represent a crucial system in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Genetic variations in genes in the hypothalamic pathways may therefore contribute to the susceptibility for obesity in humans and animals.We summarize current knowledge on the physiological role of the hypothalamus in body‐weight regulation and review genetic studies on the hypothalamic candidate genes in relation to obesity. Together, data from functional and genetic studies as well as the new, common, obesity loci identified in genome‐wide association scans support an important role for the hypothalamic genes in predisposing to obesity. However, findings are still inconclusive for many candidate genes. To improve our understanding of the genetic architecture of common obesity, we suggest that specific obesity phenotypes should be considered and different analytical approaches used. Such studies should consider multiple genes from the same physiological pathways, together with environmental risk factors.
Teachers making connections: Online communities as a source of professional learning
Authors: Duncan‐Howell Jennifer 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe impact of the Internet on our lives has been pervasive. People are increasingly turning to the social interaction available on the Internet to satisfy their needs, whether these are professional or personal. The Internet offers users fast access to social contacts such as online chat groups and discussion lists, helping us to make connections with others. Online communities are being increasingly used by teachers for professional support, guidance and inspiration. These are often organised around subject areas and offer teachers opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Online communities may present as a source of continuous professional development for teachers as they are able to deliver authentic and personalised opportunities for learning. This paper will present the findings of a study that was conducted on three online communities for teachers. It will explore the nature of online community membership and offer some conclusions regarding their potential as a source of professional learning for teachers.
Improving predictions of the location and use of warrens in sensitive rabbit populations
Authors: Barrio I. C. , Bueno C. G. , Tortosa F. S. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe location and use of warrens is a key factor in the population dynamics of the European rabbitOryctolagus cuniculusL., which can influence stability and persistence in the long term. Within the species' original distribution range, its numbers have declined sharply in recent decades, which is a serious problem for the conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems. Artificial warrens are commonly used to bolster rabbit populations and the characterization of natural warrens in those areas might improve their efficiency. In this study, we use binomial generalized linear models to identify the factors associated with the location and use of warrens in a low‐density area and we evaluate the effect of including the spatial structure of the data in the model. In addition, we generate a map that predicts the most suitable areas for artificial warrens. Contrary to what was expected, habitat variables are only secondary factors, and the location and use of warrens is influenced mainly by spatial factors, such as proximity to nearby warrens. Furthermore, the aggregated spatial pattern of warrens suggests that, at the local scale, for example, the hunting estate, intra‐specific interactions might be playing a primary role in these low‐density populations. To identify the most suitable sites for artificial warrens and, thereby, improve the efficiency of artificial warren building for conservation purposes, information about spatial structures should be included in models predicting natural warrens of European rabbits.
Can a large metropolis sustain complex herpetofauna communities? An analysis of the suitability of green space fragments in Rome
Authors: Vignoli L. , Mocaer I. , Luiselli L. , Bologna M. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractUrban areas are primary causes of species' range fragmentation and reduction. However, relatively few studies have attempted to describe the habitat variables influencing the diversity and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, particularly in Mediterranean Europe and in large metropolitan areas. We explored this broad conservation ecology problem by studying the richness and diversity patterns in relation to a suite of six independent habitat variables in Rome, one of the most ancient cities of the world. We considered all the green remnant areas (n=62) of Rome, ranging 1 to >1000 ha in size, which are interspersed within a sea of urbanized matrix. A total of 10 amphibian and 15 reptile species were studied. Their presence/absence patterns were assessed and the effects of the various habitat variables on each species were predicted by a logistic regression model. A total of 1261 presence records (404 amphibians and 857 reptiles) were analysed. Fragment size and wood size within each fragment did correlate significantly with the species richness of both amphibians and reptiles, and there was a clear threshold effect after 50 ha of wooded surface. The presence of water bodies positively affected the species distribution. One amphibian and three reptiles inhabited exclusively fragments >50 ha. The distance from the centre did not affect fragment species richness. The presence of most species of both amphibians and reptiles was positively influenced by the irregular versus circular shape of the wooded area. The legal protection of a given area did not influence the observed patterns but the total number of sheltered species. Overall, our study suggests that, in order to maintain the current diversity and population viability, it is necessary, in addition to water bodies' maintenance, to (1) preserve the wooded landscapes over 50 ha; (2) promote irregularly shaped increases in the wood surface; (3) maintain ecotonal boundaries.
Parent–child hostility and child ADHD symptoms: a genetically sensitive and longitudinal analysis
Authors: Lifford Kate J. , Harold Gordon T. , Thapar Anita 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Families of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report higher rates of conflict within the family and more negative parent–child relationships. This study aimed to test whether negative parent–child relationships have a risk effect on ADHD symptoms using two complementary designs.Method:  The first sample included 886 twin pairs, aged 11–17 years, derived from a population‐based twin study. The second sample was derived from a longitudinal community study and included 282 parents and their children, aged 11–14 years. Questionnaires were used to assess ADHD symptoms and hostility in the mother–child and father–child relationship. Bivariate genetic analysis was used to test the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the association between parent–child hostility and ADHD symptoms in the twin sample. Cross‐lagged and reciprocal effects models were used to test for a bidirectional relationship between parent–child hostility and ADHD symptoms over time in the longitudinal study.Results:  For boys, both genetic and environmental factors contributed to the link between mother–son hostility and ADHD symptoms, but genetic factors alone explained the association between father–son hostility and ADHD symptoms. For girls, the association between ADHD symptoms and mother–daughter hostility as well as father–child hostility was attributed to genetic factors alone. The longitudinal study provided evidence of boys’ ADHD symptoms impacting upon mother–son hostility both within and across time. There were no effects in the opposite direction.Conclusions:  A causal hypothesis of family relations influencing ADHD symptoms was not supported. Boys’ ADHD symptoms appear to have an environmentally mediated impact upon mother–son hostility.
Positive illusions about a partner's physical attractiveness and relationship quality
Authors: BARELDS DICK P. H. , DIJKSTRA PIETERNEL 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe present research examined the existence of positive illusions about a partner's physical attractiveness and its relations to relationship quality. Positive illusions were assumed to exist when individuals rated their partner as more attractive than their partner rated him or herself. In two Dutch community samples of 117 and 203 married or cohabiting heterosexual couples, both partners rated their own and their partner's facial and bodily attractiveness. In Study 2, both partners completed three measures of relationship quality. Both studies found evidence for the existence of positive illusions about a partner's physical attractiveness. Moreover, Study 2 found clear positive illusion actor effects for relationship quality. This association differed by age of couples.
Demand‐withdraw patterns in marital conflict in the home
Authors: PAPP LAUREN M. , KOUROS CHRYSTYNA D. , CUMMINGS E. MARK 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe present study extended laboratory‐based findings of demand‐withdraw communication into marital conflict in the home and further explored its linkages with spousal depression. U.S. couples (N = 116) provided diary reports of marital conflict and rated depressive symptoms. Hierarchical linear modeling results indicated that husband demand‐wife withdraw and wife demand‐husband withdraw occurred in the home at equal frequency, and both were more likely to occur when discussing topics that concerned the marital relationship. For both patterns, conflict initiator was positively linked to the demander role. Accounting for marital satisfaction, both demand‐withdraw patterns predicted negative emotions and tactics during marital interactions and lower levels of conflict resolution. Spousal depression was linked to increased likelihood of husband demand‐wife withdraw.
Inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase‐3 reduces endotoxaemic acute renal failure by down‐regulating inflammation and renal cell apoptosis
Authors: Wang Y , Huang WC , Wang CY , Tsai CC , Chen CL , Chang YT , Kai JI , Lin CF 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  Excessive inflammation and apoptosis are pathological features of endotoxaemic acute renal failure. Activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) is involved in inflammation and apoptosis. We investigated the effects of inhibiting GSK‐3 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute renal failure, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), inflammation and apoptosis.Experimental approach:  The effects of inhibiting GSK‐3 with inhibitors, including lithium chloride (LiCl) and 6‐bromo‐indirubin‐3′‐oxime (BIO), on LPS‐treated (15 mg·kg−1) C3H/HeN mice (LiCl, 40 mg·kg−1 and BIO, 2 mg·kg−1) and LPS‐treated (1 µg·mL−1) renal epithelial cells (LiCl, 20 mM and BIO, 5 µM) were studied. Mouse survival was monitored and renal function was analysed by histological and serological examination. Cytokine and chemokine production, and cell apoptosis were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP–biotin nick‐end labelling staining, respectively. Activation of NF‐κB and GSK‐3 was determined by immunostaining and Western blotting, respectively.Key results:  Mice treated with GSK‐3 inhibitors showed decreased mortality, renal tubular dilatation, vacuolization and sloughing, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and renal cell apoptosis in response to endotoxaemia. Inhibiting GSK‐3 reduced LPS‐induced tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and CCL5/RANTES (released upon activation of normal T‐cells) in vivo in mice and in vitro in murine kidney cortical collecting duct epithelial M1 cells. Inhibiting GSK‐3 did not block TNF‐α‐induced cytotoxicity in rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial NRK52E or in M1 cells.Conclusions and implications:  These results suggest that GSK‐3 inhibition protects against endotoxaemic acute renal failure mainly by down‐regulating pro‐inflammatory TNF‐α and RANTES.
Oncolytic gene therapy for canine cancers: teaching old dog viruses new tricks
Authors: Arendt M. , Nasir L. , Morgan I. M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe use of viruses to treat cancer has been studied for decades. With the advancement of molecular biology, viruses have been modified and genetically engineered to optimize their ability to target cancer cells. Canine viruses, such as distemper virus and adenovirus, are being exploited for the treatment of canine cancer as the dog has proven to be a good comparative model for human cancer research and proof of concept investigations. In this review, we introduce the concept of oncolytic viruses and describe some of the preliminary attempts to use oncolytic viruses for the treatment of canine cancer.
The Accurate Control of Ultrafiltration
Authors: Flendrig J. Guus , Carpay Wim M. , Dekkers Wil T. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTAn apparatus has been constructed to regulate ultra‐filtration accurately during dialysis. The principle of the apparatus is that, per unit of time, exactly the same amount of dialysate is introduced into the dialyzer as is discharged from it. The apparatus consists of two isovolumetric pumps connected in line. The four compartments of the two pumps must change their functions at every pump stroke. This is accomplished by a switching system. There is a continuously closed dialysate circuit. The fluid extracted from this circuit will be replenished from the blood compartment of the dialyzer. Ultrafiltration is regulated by a simple peristaltic pump, which sucks the fluid out of the closed dialysate circuit. The isovolumetric pumps and the switching system are driven by the elevated pressure of the dialysate (0.5–1.0 atm). The apparatus can be used in single pass dialysis. Dialysis in accordance with the Bergström principle can be simply performed.In over 5,000 dialyses with several types of dialyzers, ultrafiltration was always accurate within the measuring limits. Considerable improvement was noticed in the well‐being of the patients; hypotension, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps were not seen.
Hemodiafiltration: A New Alternative To Hemofiltration And Conventional Hemodialysis*
Authors: Leber Heinrich‐Wolfgang , Wizemann Volker , Goubeaud G. , Rawer Peter , Schütterle Georg 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTA new dialysis method, termed hemodiafiltration, is proposed. The procedure consists of the combination of hemofiltration and conventional hemodialysis using high flux membranes with a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 300–500 mmHg and a dialysate flow of 900 ml/min. Due to the combination of convective mass transfer and diffusion, the clearance values of both small and larger molecules are significantly higher than during hemofiltration or hemodialysis alone with the same membranes. The removal of excess water is better tolerated than during hemodialysis. With this new method, six patients have been successfully treated for six months (three times per week, three hours per treatment) without side effects. Thus, hemodiafiltration appears to be the method of choice to shorten dialysis time.
Surface Chemistry Characteristics of Human Umbilical Vein used as Chronic Canine Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Shapiro Raphael I. , Cerra Frank B. , Hoffman Jeffrey K. , Baier Robert E. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTSix bilateral loop arteriovenous fistulas from the femoral artery to the femoral vein were constructed in dogs using Dacron‐mesh‐coated human umbilical vein. Each graft was punctured twice weekly with a 16 gauge needle for up to 36 weeks, and biopsies were done every four to eight weeks. The long‐term patency was 83% at 24 weeks. There was no thrombosis from the needle puncture. Serial histologic examination revealed progressive transmural fibrous cell ingrowth and progressive neointimal cell formation. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated areas of disrupted basement membrane covered with laminar fibrin meshes, probably representing sites of needle puncture. With multiple attenuated internal reflection spectroscopy of the graft lumens, minimal to moderate lipid deposition was observed to a depth of 1 μm at 32–36 weeks. No abnormal amounts of minerals were found within the graft walls with energy‐dispersive x‐ray analysis. Critical surface tensions remained within the biocompatible range of 20–30 dynes/cm. Human umbilical vein possesses many of the surface chemistry qualities of an ideal vascular prosthesis, has excellent long term patency, and is suitable for use where angioaccess with repeated needle puncture is needed.
The Green Design Apprenticeship
Authors: Matthews Deanna H. , Hawkins Troy R. , Jaramillo Paulina , Marriott Joe , Sharrard Aurora L. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryIn order to convey the results of our industrial ecology research to broader audiences, the Green Design Institute research group at Carnegie Mellon University offers the Green Design Apprenticeship for local high school students. The Green Design Apprenticeship introduces participants to industrial ecology concepts and how they intersect with engineering. The content of the program has evolved to include the topics of life cycle assessment, energy and water resources, transportation, and the built environment. The program has resulted in exposing a new generation of scholars to industrial ecology and has also benefited the research of graduate students involved with the program. The process of developing the instructional materials for younger, novice students based on complex industrial ecology research was a challenging task requiring thoughtful and iterative planning. Through the development and delivery of the program, we have experienced awareness of where our own research fits into the larger industrial ecology scope, have improved our communication of complex industrial ecology concepts into simple terms, and have gained valuable insight for engaging students in our teaching.
Aberrant methylation and associated transcriptional mobilization of Alu elements contributes to genomic instability in hypoxia
Authors: Pal Arnab , Srivastava Tapasya , Sharma Manish K , Mehndiratta Mohit , Das Prerna , Sinha Subrata , Chattopadhyay Parthaprasad 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHypoxia is an integral part of tumorigenesis and contributes extensively to the neoplastic phenotype including drug resistance and genomic instability. It has also been reported that hypoxia results in global demethylation. Because a majority of the cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) islands are found within the repeat elements of DNA, and are usually methylated under normoxic conditions, we suggested that retrotransposable Alu or short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) which show altered methylation and associated changes of gene expression during hypoxia, could be associated with genomic instability. U87MG glioblastoma cells were cultured in 0.1% O2 for 6 weeks and compared with cells cultured in 21% O2 for the same duration. Real‐time PCR analysis showed a significant increase in SINE and reverse transcriptase coding long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) transcripts during hypoxia. Sequencing of bisulphite treated DNA as well as the Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis (COBRA) assay showed that the SINE loci studied underwent significant hypomethylation though there was patchy hypermethylation at a few sites. The inter‐alu PCR profile of DNA from cells cultured under 6‐week hypoxia, its 4‐week revert back to normoxia and 6‐week normoxia showed several changes in the band pattern indicating increased alu mediated genomic alteration. Our results show that aberrant methylation leading to increased transcription of SINE and reverse transcriptase associated LINE elements could lead to increased genomic instability in hypoxia. This might be a cause of genetic heterogeneity in tumours especially in variegated hypoxic environment and lead to a development of foci of more aggressive tumour cells.