bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating laboratory diagnostic tests and translational research
Authors: Plebani Mario 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
In laboratory medicine, the evaluation of an assay is reasonably straightforward and allows broad applicable standards to be established. In contrast, the evaluation of a test is more complex and inherently less susceptible to standardization. The term “test” refers to the use of an assay in the context of a particular disease, in a particular population, and for a particular purpose. Therefore, the true evaluation is to demonstrate its effectiveness in helping a clinician achieve a correct diagnosis or improve patient clinical outcomes. The debate on the current weak framework used for evaluating laboratory tests has been stimulated by recent technological developments, in particular “omics” tests. Currently, consensus has been achieved concerning the proposal to use a model based on at least four steps to be investigated. These are analytical and clinical validity, clinical usefulness and, finally, any ethical, social and legal implications, including economic implications. As the pace of technological advancements in laboratory medicine accelerates, it is time to discuss the role of laboratory testing, and the related role of clinical laboratories. In particular, we should consider whether they should evolve as focused factories of numbers and results, or as knowledge services with an emphasis on improving appropriateness in test requesting, and the interpretation and utilization of laboratory information.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:983–8.
Clinical implication of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations in patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Giaginis Constantinos , Zira Athina , Katsargyris Athanasios , Klonaris Chris , Theocharis Stamatios 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is well established as an early and specific biomarker of kidney disease. Recent evidence further suggests that NGAL may play a crucial role in vascular remodeling and plaque instability during the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods: Plasma NGAL concentrations measured using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were correlated with medical history, risk factors and medication intake in 141 patients with advanced carotid atherosclerotic lesions who underwent carotid endarterectomy for vascular repair.

Results: Plasma NGAL concentrations were associated with patient age (Rs=0.2055, p=0.0144), plasma homocysteine (Rs=0.4274, p<0.00001) and serum creatinine (Rs=0.4640, p<0.00001) concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Rs=−0.4911, p<0.00001). Hypertensive patients, as well as those receiving therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, presented with significantly enhanced plasma NGAL concentrations when compared to normotensive (p=0.0341) patients and those not treated (p=0.0004). Enhanced NGAL concentrations did not meet statistical significance for patients with advanced stenosis grade (p=0.0971) or a history of peripheral artery disease (p=0.0827). Multiple regression analysis identified homocysteine, creatinine, eGFR and treatment with ACE inhibitors (p=0.0019, <0.00001, 0.0005 and 0.0219, respectively) as independent predictors of NGAL concentration.

Conclusions: Plasma NGAL concentrations were associated with patient age, hypertension, eGFR, creatinine and homocysteine concentrations and therapy with ACE inhibitors. The role of NGAL in the development of atherosclerosis needs to be further explored taking into consideration the uncontrolled effect of renal disease in atherosclerotic patients with multiple risk factors.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1035–41.
Naturalizing the unnatural: A view from blending theory
Authors: Fludernik Monika 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
In Towards a ‘Natural’ Narratology (Fludernik, Routledge, 1996), I presented the process of naturalization as a strategy of converting not-naturally-occurring storytelling scenarios into familiarized models of narration. In order to map this process, this paper resorts to the most recent version of blending theory (conceptual integration networks) as proposed by Mark Turner and Gilles Fauconnier. The analysis will be prefaced by a few framing remarks on the cognitive approach in the study of narrative and will conclude with an outlook on further possible applications of blending theory.
Causal attribution and the analysis of literary characters: A. C. Bradley's study of Iago and Othello
Authors: Arenas Enrique Cámara 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
A. C. Bradley's approach to character-construal in Shakespearean Tragedy (MacMillan, 1904) has often been regarded as a good example of the humanizing approach to literary characters. His lectures on Iago, Othello or Macbeth have been criticized by other scholars for a number of reasons, but particularly for using premises and facts in his argumentation which are not found in the plays. Bradley's task is in many senses an example of person perception, which he performs without alluding to any social psychological theories or methods. In the present article I revise Bradley's reasoning in the light of Kelley's Covariance Theory of Causal Attribution, in an attempt both to re-evaluate Bradley's procedures and, especially, to determine ways in which social psychology might provide literary critics with valuable tools and insights.
Mitotic Expression of Spo13 Alters M-Phase Progression and Nucleolar Localization of Cdc14 in Budding Yeast
Authors: Varela Elisa , Schlecht Ulrich , Moina Anca , Fackenthal James D , Washburn Brian K , Niederhauser-Wiederkehr Christa , Tsai-Pflugfelder Monika , Primig Michael , Gasser Susan M , Esposito Rochelle E 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Spo13 is a key meiosis-specific regulator required for centromere cohesion and coorientation, and for progression through two nuclear divisions. We previously reported that it causes a G2/M arrest and may delay the transition from late anaphase to G1, when overexpressed in mitosis. Yet its mechanism of action has remained elusive. Here we show that Spo13, which is phosphorylated and stabilized at G2/M in a Cdk/Clb-dependent manner, acts at two stages during mitotic cell division. Spo13 provokes a G2/M arrest that is reversible and largely independent of the Mad2 spindle checkpoint. Since mRNAs whose induction requires Cdc14 activation are reduced, we propose that its anaphase delay results from inhibition of Cdc14 function. Indeed, the Spo13-induced anaphase delay correlates with Cdc14 phosphatase retention in the nucleolus and with cyclin B accumulation, which both impede anaphase exit. At the onset of arrest, Spo13 is primarily associated with the nucleolus, where Cdc14 accumulates. Significantly, overexpression of separase (Esp1), which promotes G2/M and anaphase progression, suppresses Spo13 effects in mitosis, arguing that Spo13 acts upstream or parallel to Esp1. Given that Spo13 overexpression reduces Pds1 and cyclin B degradation, our findings are consistent with a role for Spo13 in regulating APC, which controls both G2/M and anaphase. Similar effects of Spo13 during meiotic MI may prevent cell cycle exit and initiation of DNA replication prior to MII, thereby ensuring two successive chromosome segregation events without an intervening S phase.
The Drosophila Claudin Kune-kune Is Required for Septate Junction Organization and Tracheal Tube Size Control
Authors: Nelson Kevin S , Furuse Mikio , Beitel Greg J 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The vertebrate tight junction is a critical claudin-based cell–cell junction that functions to prevent free paracellular diffusion between epithelial cells. In Drosophila, this barrier is provided by the septate junction, which, despite being ultrastructurally distinct from the vertebrate tight junction, also contains the claudin-family proteins Megatrachea and Sinuous. Here we identify a third Drosophila claudin, Kune-kune, that localizes to septate junctions and is required for junction organization and paracellular barrier function, but not for apical-basal polarity. In the tracheal system, septate junctions have a barrier-independent function that promotes lumenal secretion of Vermiform and Serpentine, extracellular matrix modifier proteins that are required to restrict tube length. As with Sinuous and Megatrachea, loss of Kune-kune prevents this secretion and results in overly elongated tubes. Embryos lacking all three characterized claudins have tracheal phenotypes similar to any single mutant, indicating that these claudins act in the same pathway controlling tracheal tube length. However, we find that there are distinct requirements for these claudins in epithelial septate junction formation. Megatrachea is predominantly required for correct localization of septate junction components, while Sinuous is predominantly required for maintaining normal levels of septate junction proteins. Kune-kune is required for both localization and levels. Double- and triple-mutant combinations of Sinuous and Megatrachea with Kune-kune resemble the Kune-kune single mutant, suggesting that Kune-kune has a more central role in septate junction formation than either Sinuous or Megatrachea.
Sex-Linked Inheritance in Macaque Monkeys: Implications for Effective Population Size and Dispersal to Sulawesi
Authors: Evans Ben J , Pin Laura , Melnick Don J , Wright Stephen I 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Sex-specific differences in dispersal, survival, reproductive success, and natural selection differentially affect the effective population size (Ne) of genomic regions with different modes of inheritance such as sex chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA. In papionin monkeys (macaques, baboons, geladas, mandrills, drills, and mangabeys), for example, these factors are expected to reduce Ne of paternally inherited portions of the genome compared to maternally inherited portions. To explore this further, we quantified relative Ne of autosomal DNA, X and Y chromosomes, and mitochondrial DNA using molecular polymorphism and divergence information from pigtail macaque monkeys (Macaca nemestrina). Consistent with demographic expectations, we found that Ne of the Y is lower than expected from a Wright–Fisher idealized population with an equal proportion of males and females, whereas Ne of mitochondrial DNA is higher. However, Ne of 11 loci on the X chromosome was lower than expected, a finding that could be explained by pervasive hitchhiking effects on this chromosome. We evaluated the fit of these data to various models involving natural selection or sex-biased demography. Significant support was recovered for natural selection acting on the Y chromosome. A demographic model with a skewed sex ratio was more likely than one with sex-biased migration and explained the data about as well as an ideal model without sex-biased demography. We then incorporated these results into an evaluation of macaque divergence and migration on Borneo and Sulawesi islands. One X-linked locus was not monophyletic on Sulawesi, but multilocus data analyzed in a coalescent framework failed to reject a model without migration between these islands after both were colonized.
The Impact of Genetic Architecture on Genome-Wide Evaluation Methods
Authors: Daetwyler Hans D , Pong-Wong Ricardo , Villanueva Beatriz , Woolliams John A 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe rapid increase in high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism data has led to a great interest in applying genome-wide evaluation methods to identify an individual's genetic merit. Genome-wide evaluation combines statistical methods with genomic data to predict genetic values for complex traits. Considerable uncertainty currently exists in determining which genome-wide evaluation method is the most appropriate. We hypothesize that genome-wide methods deal differently with the genetic architecture of quantitative traits and genomes. A genomic linear method (GBLUP), and a genomic nonlinear Bayesian variable selection method (BayesB) are compared using stochastic simulation across three effective population sizes and a wide range of numbers of quantitative trait loci (NQTL). GBLUP had a constant accuracy, for a given heritability and sample size, regardless of NQTL. BayesB had a higher accuracy than GBLUP when NQTL was low, but this advantage diminished as NQTL increased and when NQTL became large, GBLUP slightly outperformed BayesB. In addition, deterministic equations are extended to predict the accuracy of both methods and to estimate the number of independent chromosome segments (Me) and NQTL. The predictions of accuracy and estimates of Me and NQTL were generally in good agreement with results from simulated data. We conclude that the relative accuracy of GBLUP and BayesB for a given number of records and heritability are highly dependent on Me, which is a property of the target genome, as well as the architecture of the trait (NQTL).
A statistical analysis of the relationship between red fox Vulpes vulpes and its prey species (grey partridge Perdix perdix, brown hare Lepus europaeus and rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Western Germany from 1958 to 1998
Authors: Knauer Felix , Küchenhoff Helmut , Pilz Stefan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPredator‐prey relationships are of general interest in ecology and have been studied extensively. They are also of interest for effective management and recovery of prey populations. However, quantification of these relationships in the field has remained difficult. We analysed the impact of the predation of red fox Vulpes vulpes on brown hare Lepus europaeus, grey partridge Perdix perdix and rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus using yearly hunting bag records as population indicators in eight German provinces over a period of 41 years. Bag records were tested for deviation from properties of suitable population indicators. We quantified the association between prey and predator populations within the context of other variables such as weather and long‐term trends. We used an overall regression model for each prey population and discussed three statistical approaches accounting for the time series structure of the data. Models for all prey species populations display a good fit. The fox population has a significant negative association to the hare population in all models. The results for the rabbit population show only a small effect of the fox population, though it is not significant. The effect of the fox population on the partridge population cannot be clearly distinguished from a general trend. Additionally, there is a strong long‐term trend in the hare and partridge populations. This could be due to major changes in the agricultural landscapes over the last decades. It is important to note that this trend is much stronger than the association to the fox population. Our study suggests that habitat improvement could be much more effective in restoring prey populations than fox control due to the minor interactions between the fox and the prey populations.
Hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia population dynamics in a fragmented landscape: a metapopulation approach
Authors: Sahlsten Jonas , Wickström Frederik , Höglund Jacob 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIf the deterministic threats of fragmentation can be stopped or reversed, species may find opportunities to disperse between patches and reduce the risk of extinction. In order to realise these opportunities and apply them to conservation programmes, it is necessary to understand the dynamics involved and to estimate which capacity is high enough to sustain a population at the landscape level. In a regional population consisting of several subpopulations, the incidence function model (IFM) is a stochastic, spatially‐realistic patch occupancy model which can be applied using few parameters. With this model one can simulate and manipulate a patch network for a species. In IFM, the extinction probability is assumed to be proportional to local population size which in turn is assumed to be proportional to the local patch area. Although, the basic area of patches is of importance, influence from the geometric shape of patches may be equally or more important to determine potential incidence of a species in a particular patch. Basic area measurements might overestimate the probability of occupancy and/or capacity of a certain patch network to sustain a metapopulation. One applicable method to use in dealing with regional dynamics in fragmented landscapes is metapopulation capacity; derived from metapopulation theory, this method can be used to rank different patch networks. In our study, we examine if there is any difference in occupancy level and capacity between four different area scenarios. This allows us to determine if the basic area measurement of patches can result in a biased estimation of population viability in a specific landscape. It is concluded that perimeter‐area related measures of patch size combined with capacity could be a more important measure for estimation of population dynamics and impact of landscape changes compared to basic area measurement and occupancy levels.
Can supplementary feeding be used to redistribute moose Alces alces?
Authors: Sahlsten Jonas , Bunnefeld Nils , Månsson Johan , Ericsson Göran , Bergström Roger , Dettki Holger 
Published: April 2010

AbstractForaging patterns, behaviour and the distribution of animals are affected by the availability and distribution of food in the landscape. Increasing numbers of ungulates may also be in conflict with agriculture, timber, infrastructure and conservation interests. Understanding foraging habits of ungulates and how these are affected by a change in forage availability or composition are, therefore, issues of major importance both from ecological and management perspectives. Supplementary feeding (i.e. artificial supply of food) is being used to improve local habitat, and thereby affecting ungulate movements, habitat choice and migration patterns. We experimentally tested the predictions that supplementary feeding redistributes moose Alces alces during two different migration phases (early, i.e. during the onset of migration and late, i.e. in the wintering areas). We used individually marked moose and pellet group counts to investigate the effect of supplementary feeding both at the individual and population level. We monitored 30 moose with GPS‐collars before, during and after the supplementary feeding experiment, corresponding to 8‐10% of the moose population in two different valleys in Northern Scandinavia. During early migration, moose ignored supplementary feeding sites even though migration routes were close to the sites. At the end of the migration route, supplementary feeding affected moose movement, distribution and behaviour. In conclusion, we suggest that there is a clear difference in response to supplementary feeding by moose due to the phase of migration. We conclude that supplementary feeding can be used under certain conditions to redistribute moose in relation to browsing, or to traffic, preferably at the end‐point of migration.
Trends in the harvest of Brünnich's guillemots Uria lomvia in Newfoundland: effects of regulatory changes and winter sea ice conditions
Authors: Gaston Anthony J. , Robertson Gregory J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe harvest of Brünnich's guillemots (thick‐billed murres) Uria lomvia off Newfoundland and Labrador is the only legal hunt of seabirds by non‐natives in Canada and the United States. Ringing programmes at Arctic breeding colonies have been used to track changes in numbers and age composition of harvested birds. In recent years, the numbers of rings reported by hunters have fallen steeply. We examined recoveries by hunters of rings from a colony in northern Hudson Bay during 1984‐2006 to assess the possible reasons for the decline in recoveries. Because recoveries of common guillemots have remained stable over the same period, it seems unlikely that a change in reporting rates is involved. Instead, it appears that a combination of a reduction in hunting pressure and a change in the behaviour of the birds due to more northerly termination of the winter pack‐ice boundary account for the observed reduction in recovery rates. The pattern of first year recovery rates, in particular, appears consistent with an explanation based on accommodation to ice conditions. Recovery rates of older birds appear less affected by ice conditions and in recent years, have, in any case, been very low. Our study demonstrates that under conditions of changing weather and climate, harvest management decisions may not always have the impact expected.
Home‐range size and spatial organization of black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes in South Dakota, USA
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Biggins Dean E. , Livieri Travis M. , Matchett Marc R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractEffective conservation planning for endangered species depends on an understanding of space use patterns. Black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes depend on prairie dogs Cynomys sp. as prey and use their burrow systems for shelter. The availability of areas with high densities of active prairie dog burrows is the major factor thought to affect their selection of sites and resources. However, we have little knowledge about how the spatial distribution of active prairie dog burrows might influence the spatial organization and home‐range size of ferrets. We monitored the movements of black‐footed ferrets on a black‐tailed prairie dog C. ludovicianus colony in South Dakota to document ferret space use patterns. Home ranges of female ferrets were 22.9 ‐ 95.6 ha in size (x̄ = 56.3 ha, SE = 19.7, N = 6), while male ferret home ranges were on average more than twice as large as those of females (x̄ = 128.3 ha, SE = 68.5, N = 3). The home‐range size of female ferrets was correlated with mean active prairie dog burrow utilization distribution (UD) value within ferret home ranges, where home‐range size decreased as active prairie dog burrow UD value increased (r2 = 0.974, P < 0.001, N = 6). Ferret space use overlapped more extensively than previously reported, with up to 43% UD overlap between a ferret and the nearest adjacent ferret of the same sex. Areas of overlap tended to have higher active prairie dog burrow UD values, suggesting that the spatial distribution of active prairie dog burrows influenced both home‐range size and the amount of space use overlap between ferrets. These findings emphasize the potential influence of resource distribution on carnivore sociobiology and the importance of considering that distribution in assessing habitat for the reintroduction of specialized species.
Factors influencing the presence of the cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus at carcasses: food preferences and implications for the management of supplementary feeding sites
Authors: Moreno‐Opo Rubén , Margalida Antoni , Arredondo Ángel , Guil Francisco , Martín Manuel , Higuero Rafael , Soria Carlos , Guzmán José 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe studied the factors that determine the presence of the cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus at 134 carcasses experimentally distributed in Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA) in western and central Spain. Our goals were to assess the use of these carcasses and by‐products in order to find out the cinereous vulture's food preferences and thus provide recommendations for the management of specific vulture restaurants for this species. Our results suggest that the number of cinereous vultures that come to feed on the carcasses is related to the quantity of biomass present and to the types of pieces of the provided food. Cinereous vultures prefer individual, medium‐sized muscular pieces and small peripheral scraps of meat and tendon. The time that elapses before the cinereous vultures begin to consume a carcass depends on the biomass delivered, the number of pieces into which it is divided, and the type categories of the provided food. The population density of the species in our study area and the breeding stage seem to determine the time invested in feeding at the carcasses. These results may help managers to optimise the creation of vulture restaurants and favour their use by cinereous vultures.