bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in light usage among three fern species of genus Blechnum of contrasting ecological breadth in a forest light gradient
Authors: Saldaña Alfredo O. , Hernández Carolina , Coopman Rafael E. , Bravo León A. , Corcuera Luis J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn Chilean evergreen temperate forest, fern species of the genus Blechnum occur in diverse microhabitats in a light gradient. We hypothesized that differences in the habitat preferences of three co‐occurring Blechnum species would be associated with differences in the magnitude of responses of light capture [chlorophyll (Chl) content] and use (photosynthetic capacity and performance) to light availability. We measured the abundance, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic capacity (A), and photosynthetic performance (chlorophyll fluorescence of photosystems I and II) of juvenile individuals of each species growing in different light levels in the field. While Blechnum magellanicum covers a broad light environments range, B. mochaenum is restricted to shade, and B. penna‐marina occupies full sun sites. Despite significant interspecific differences in average total chlorophyll content, this trait did not differ among species along the light gradient. There was significant interspecific variation in both the mean value and the plasticity of Chl a:Chl b ratio and A to light availability. While B. penna‐marina showed a flatter reaction norm (lower response) of Chl a:Chl b ratio to light availability than its two congeners, B. mochaenum showed a lower response of A to light availability. B. penna‐marina and B. magellanicum individuals from open sites had higher light saturation points of the electron transport rate (ETR) of both photosystems (ETRLSP I and II) and photochemical quenching (qL and NA) than the shade restricted B. mochaenum. Additionally, non‐photochemical quenching values for both photosystems (NPQ and ND) were higher in ferns species occurring in shaded sites. The adjustment of the photosynthetic capacity and performance to light availability appears to be an important mechanism of acclimation in these three Blechnum species that differ in their habitat preferences across a light gradient.
Factors influencing the choice of laparoscopy or laparotomy in pregnant women with presumptive benign ovarian tumors
Authors: Lee Yoo‐Young , Kim Tae‐Joong , Choi Chel Hun , Lee Jeong‐Won , Kim Byoung‐Gie , Bae Duk‐Soo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the factors associated with physicians’ choice of laparotomy or laparoscopy in pregnant women with presumptive benign ovarian tumors.MethodsRetrospective comparative analysis of pregnant women who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy for ovarian tumors and who delivered at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between July 1995 and April 2008.ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed that the following factors had a significant or a borderline significant association with the choice of operation type: maternal age (P = 0.044); surgeon type (professor vs clinical fellow; P = 0.094); tumor mass size (P = 0.081); gestational age (P = 0.035); and time since surgery (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size (P = 0.030), gestational age (P = 0.027), and time since surgery (P = 0.004) were independent factors associated with physicians’ choice of laparoscopy or laparotomy for the management of presumptive benign ovarian tumors during pregnancy.ConclusionsIn the latter years of the present study, physicians at the study center preferred the laparoscopic approach for managing presumptive benign ovarian tumors during pregnancy. Furthermore, they preferred this approach to laparotomy for pregnancies at a relatively early gestational age and for treating small tumors.
Secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer
Authors: Schorge John O. , Wingo Shana N. , Bhore Rafia , Heffernan Thomas P. , Lea Jayanthi S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the risks and benefits of secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer.MethodsData were obtained retrospectively for all women with recurrent platinum‐sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent a second debulking operation between 1998 and 2008 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Survival analysis and comparisons were performed using the Kaplan‐Meier method, log‐rank test, and Cox multivariate proportional hazards model.ResultsOptimal secondary cytoreductive surgery (< 5 mm of residual disease) was achieved in 32 of 40 patients (80%). Nine women (23%) developed major complications. Two variables, residual disease of less than 5 mm vs 5 mm or greater (median 63 months vs 11 months; P = 0.003); and less than 5 vs 5 or more sites of disease relapse (median 63 months vs 22 months; P = 0.009), were independently associated with survival and retained prognostic significance on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsOptimal secondary cytoreductive surgery was associated with a survival advantage and acceptable risks.
Infection levels ofAustrodiplostomum compactum(Digenea, Diplostomidae) metacercariae inPlagioscion squamosissimus(Teleostei, Sciaenidae) from the Nova Avanhandava reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Paes J.V.K. , Carvalho E.D. , da Silva R.J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study was aimed at evaluating the infection levels ofAustrodiplostomum compactummetacercariae in 378 specimens ofPlagioscion squamosissimus(‘corvina’ or ‘pescada branca’) from the Nova Avanhandava reservoir, low Tietê River, São Paulo State, Brazil. High prevalence, mean intensity of infection and abundance were observed inP. squamosissimusduring most of the study, with the exception of March 2004. The relative condition factor (Kn) did not differ between parasitized and non-parasitized fish. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between host standard length and intensity of infection. The analysis of biotic and abiotic variables showed that no abiotic variable correlated with parasitic infection levels. Moreover,P. squamosissimusstatus was demonstrated to be unaffected byA. compactummetacercariae infection.
The impact of an integrated community-based micronutrient and health programme on anaemia in non-pregnant Malawian women
Authors: Kalimbira Alexander A , MacDonald Carolyn , Randall Simpson Janis 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of an integrated community-based micronutrient and health (MICAH) programme on anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l) among non-pregnant rural Malawian women aged 15–49 years from communities that participated in the 1996–2005 MICAH programme.DesignProspective study of two large-scale cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2000 and 2004 as part of programme evaluation in MICAH and Comparison areas.SettingRural areas across Malawi. The MICAH programme implemented a comprehensive package of interventions to reduce anaemia, based on a broad range on direct and indirect causes in Malawi. The project approaches included: Fe supplementation; dietary diversification and modification; food fortification; and strengthening primary health care.ParticipantsNon-pregnant women of childbearing age (15–49 years old, n 5422), from randomly selected households that responded to a household questionnaire, had their Hb measured from finger-prick blood samples using the HemoCue®.ResultsIn 2000, there was no significant difference in Hb concentration between MICAH and Comparison areas (mean (se): 117·4 (0·4) v. 116·8 (0·5) g/l, P > 0·05) and the corresponding prevalence of anaemia (53·5 % v. 52·9 %, P > 0·05). By 2004, Hb concentration had increased significantly in MICAH but not in Comparison areas (mean (se): 121·0 (0·4) v. 115·7 (0·6) g/l, P < 0·001), and the prevalence of anaemia had declined significantly in MICAH areas (53·5 % to 44·1 %, χ2 = 28·2, P < 0·0001) but not in Comparison areas (52·8 % to 54·0 %, χ2 = 0·3, P = 0·6).ConclusionsThe MICAH programme was an effective public health nutrition programme that was associated with significant reductions in the prevalence of anaemia among non-pregnant rural Malawian women.
Millennial archaeology. Locating the discipline in the age of insecurity
Authors: Dawdy Shannon Lee 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis discussion article responds to a forum question posed by the editors of Archaeological dialogues: ‘is archaeology useful?’ My response initially moves backward from the question, considering whether archaeology ought to be useful, how it has been useful in the past, and the millennial overtones of the question in our present climate of crisis. I critique the primary way in which archaeology attempts to be useful, as a dowsing rod for heritage through ‘public archaeology’. While European archaeology has long been aware of the dangers of nationalism, in the Americas this danger is cloaked by a focus on indigenous and minority histories. I then move forward through the question and urge colleagues to embrace an archaeological agenda geared towards the future rather than the past. My hope is that transatlantic dialogue will be politically useful in reorienting archaeological research towards supranational problems such as climate change, hunger and population stress.
Common Transactivation Motif 9aaTAD recruits multiple general co-activators TAF9, MED15, CBP and p300
Authors: Piskacek Martin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMore than 2000 transcription factors are involved in the human gene regulation to provide cellular function and development. Transactivation domain, TAD, mediates the interaction of transcription factors with general transcriptional co-activators such as TAF9, MED15, CBP and p300. Recently reported NMR-data for interactions of these co-activators with transcription factors reveal tightly binding of KIX and TAZ domains to common 9aaTAD motif. Nine-amino-acid Trans-Activation Domain, 9aaTAD, defines a transactivation domain common to a large super-family of eukaryotic transcription factors represented in yeast by Gal4, Oaf1, Pdr1, Rtg3, Pho4, Gln3, Gcn4 and in mammals by p53, E2A, NFAT, NFkB, HSF1, NF-IL6, MLL, EBNA2, VP16. The 9aaTAD family was derived from the transcription factor Oaf1 and its close orthologs Gal4, Pdr1, Leu3, Tea1 and Cha4.
Bacterial Spot of Tomato Caused by Xanthomonas perforans, a New Disease in Korea
Authors: Myung I.-S. , Moon S. Y. , Jeong I. H. , Lee Y.-K. , Lee Y. H. , Ra D. S. 
Published: November 2009

In July 2007, a leaf spot was observed on seedlings of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in a commercial greenhouse in Sungju County, Korea. Symptoms were dark, circular-to-irregular, water-soaked spots surrounded by chlorotic halos. Affected leaves turned yellow and readily detached. Two bacterial isolates, BC2642 and BC2923, were obtained from leaf lesions. The isolates were gram-negative, aerobic rods with a single flagellum. On peptone sucrose agar, colonies were yellow and raised with smooth margins. Starch and pectate hydrolysis tests were positive. Pathogenicity was confirmed by spraying cell suspensions containing 108 CFU/ml on seedlings of tomato (cv. Seokwang) and hot pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Daekwang) in a greenhouse maintained at 28 ± 2°C. The isolates induced similar symptoms as those originally observed on tomato and also caused spots and a marginal blight of leaves of pepper 2 weeks after inoculation. No symptoms were noted on the control plants sprayed with sterilized distilled water. The identity of bacteria reisolated from spots on leaves of both plants were confirmed by comparison of patterns of metabolite fingerprints with those from preliminary identification of the isolates using the Biolog Microbial Identification System, version 4.2 (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA), and reinoculation of the seedlings as above. The 16S rRNA gene (rrs) and the intergenic spacer (IGS) located between the rrs and the 23S rRNA gene, and partial sequences of gyrB were sequenced to aid in the identification of the isolates (1–3). A 2,134-bp fragment of the rrs and IGS regions and 701-bp fragment of the gyrB region from isolates BC2642 and BC2923 were compared with sequences in GenBank. Sequences from both isolates shared 100% similarity to sequences of Xanthomonas perforans (Genbank Accession No. AF123091). On the basis of the sequences and other assays, the two isolates were identified as X. perforans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial spot of tomato caused by X. perforans in Korea. Nucleotide sequence data reported are available under Accession Nos. GQ461739 and GQ461740 for rrs and IGS of BC2642 and BC2923, respectively, and GQ368187 and GQ380567 for gyrB of BC2642 and BC2923, respectively. An outbreak of this disease in the greenhouse may be due to the use of tomato seeds harvested in foreign countries where spot is known to occur. The disease is expected to have a significant economic impact on tomato culture in Korea. References: (1) J. B. Jones et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 50:1211, 2000. (2) N. Parkinson et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 59:264, 2009. (3) J. M. Young et al. Syst. Appl. Microbiol. 31:366, 2008.
First Report of Sclerotinia Blight Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Petunia × hybrida in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Bertetti D. , Pensa P. , Gullino M. L. 
Published: November 2009

Petunia × hybrida (Solanaceae) includes several hybrids that are grown as ornamental plants and are very much appreciated for their long-lasting flowering period. During the spring of 2009, extensive wilting was observed on 2-month-old potted plants of Petunia × hybrida cv. Sanguna Lilac Vein grown in a commercial glasshouse near Albenga (northern Italy). First symptoms included stem necrosis and darkening and withering of leaves. Wilt occurred a few days after the appearance of the first symptoms. Infected plants were characterized by the presence of soft, watery tissues. In the presence of high relative humidity, lesions became covered with a whitish mycelium and irregular, dark gray sclerotia (3.0 to 6.5 × 2.0 to 5.0 mm, average 4.8 × 3.3 mm) were produced on the mycelium. Diseased tissue was surface sterilized for 1 min in 1% NaOCl and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 100 mg/l of streptomycin sulfate. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (3) was consistently recovered from infected stem pieces. Sclerotia produced on PDA measured 2.0 to 6.0 × 1.5 to 5.0 mm (average 3.9 × 3.1) mm. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified with primers ITS4/ITS6 and sequenced. BLAST analysis (1) of the 548-bp segment showed a 100% homology with the sequence of S. sclerotiorum. The nucleotide sequence has been assigned GenBank Accession No. GQ375746. Pathogenicity of one isolate obtained from sclerotia of infected plants was confirmed by inoculating three 90-day-old plants belonging to cv. Sanguna Lilac Vein transplanted in 22-cm-diameter pots in a glasshouse in a sphagnum peat/pomix/pine bark/clay (50:20:20:10) mix. Inoculum that consisted of 2 g/liter of substrate of wheat kernels infested with mycelium and sclerotia was placed in the soil and around the base of each plant. Three noninoculated plants served as controls. Plants were maintained in greenhouse at temperatures ranging between 22 and 26°C and relative humidity >90%. The inoculation trial was carried out twice. All inoculated plants developed leaf yellowing by 20 days after soil infestation. White, cottony mycelium and dark sclerotia developed on stems and at the base of all inoculated plants. Eventually, infected plants wilted. Control plants remained symptomless. S. sclerotiorum was reisolated from the stems of inoculated plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. sclerotiorum on Petunia × hybrida in Italy. The disease has been previously reported on Petunia × hybrida in Bermuda (2) and the United States (4). References: (1) S. F. Altschul et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389, 1997 (2) R. M. Brien. N.Z. J. Sci. Tech., A, 24, 62, 1942. (3) N. F. Buchwald. Kongl. Veterisk Landb. Aarssk. 75, 1949. (4) D. F. Farr et al. Fungi on Plants and Plant Products in the United States. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1989.
Stereoselectivity in the human metabolism of methamphetamine
Authors: Li Linghui , Everhart Tom , Jacob III Peyton , Jones Reese , Mendelson John 
Published: November 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Methamphetamine (MA) is a chiral compound.• The S‐(+) enantiomer is more commonly abused and is more potent in producing central nervous system and cardiovascular effects than the R‐(−) enantiomer.• Studies describing the metabolism of MA have mainly been done with the S‐(+)‐isomer; pharmacokinetic data for R‐(−)‐MA or racemic MA are very limited.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• Stereoselectivity exists in the metabolism of MA.• Urinary excretion of para hydroxymethamphetamine (pOH‐MA) was found to be least affected by stereoselectivity.• It is suggested that pOH‐MA may be a more stable biomarker of MA abuse.AIMTo characterize the formation and urinary elimination of metabolites of S‐(+) and R‐(−) methamphetamine (MA) in humans.METHODSIn this 12‐subject, six‐session, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, balanced, crossover design study, the formation of the MA metabolites para hydroxymethamphetamine (pOH‐MA) and amphetamine (AMP) were determined in urine after intravenous doses of S‐(+)‐MA 0.25 and 0.5 mg kg−1, R‐(−)‐MA 0.25 and 0.5 mg kg−1, racemic MA 0.5 mg kg−1, or placebo. Parent drug and metabolite levels in urine and plasma were measured by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental models using WinNonlin.RESULTSAn approximately threefold enantioselectivity difference in elimination was observed for AMP, with 7% of the dose converted to S‐(+)‐AMPvs.2% to R‐(−)‐AMP (P< 0.001). Furthermore, less R‐(−)‐pOH‐MA was excreted in the urine compared with S‐(+)‐pOH‐MA (8%vs.11%,P= 0.02). Correspondingly, S‐(+)‐MA excretion was less than R‐(−)‐MA (42%vs.52%;P= 0.005).CONCLUSIONSThe metabolism of MA is enantioselective, with formation of AMP having the highest isomer selectivity. A greater percentage of MA is converted to pOH‐MA (8–11%) than AMP (2–7%). The formation of pOH‐MA was less affected by the MA enantiomer administered, suggesting that urine pOH‐MA may be a more stable biomarker of MA metabolism.
Randomized cross‐over clinical trial of injectablevs.implantable depot testosterone for maintenance of testosterone replacement therapy in androgen deficient men
Authors: Fennell Carolyn , Sartorius Gideon , Ly Lam P. , Turner Leo , Liu Peter Y. , Conway Ann J. , Handelsman David J. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground Life‐long testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for younger men with organic androgen deficiency is best provided by depot testosterone (T) products. This study compared directly the two long‐acting depot T products, subdermal T implants (TI) and injectable T undecanoate (TU) for maintenance of TRT.Design, setting and participants Men with organic androgen deficiency (n = 38) undergoing regular TRT at an academic Andrology centre were recruited for a two period, randomized sequence, cross‐over clinical trial without intervening wash‐out period of TRT maintenance.Outcomes For both depot T products, their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were evaluated using a range of androgen sensitive clinical, laboratory and quality of life measures as well as preference for ongoing treatment after experience of both products.Results The two depot T products had distinct pharmacokinetics and were not bioequivalent. However, there were no consistent clinical differences in a comprehensive range of pharmacodynamic measures reflecting androgen effects on biochemistry and haematology, muscle mass and strength, and quality of life, mood and sexual function. The majority (91%) of participants chose TU over TI at study completion.Conclusion Despite significant pharmacokinetic differences, the two depot T products are clinically interchangeable allowing for choice dependent on patient and physician delivery preference in practice but most patients preferred the injectable over the implantable form.
Identification of lateral discontinuities via multi‐offset phase analysis of surface wave data
Authors: Vignoli Giulio , Cassiani Giorgio 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTSurface wave methods are based on the inversion of observed Rayleigh wave phase‐velocity dispersion curves. The goal is to estimate mainly the shear‐wave velocity profile of the investigated site. The model used for the interpretation is 1D, hence results obtained wherever lateral variations are present cannot be considered reliable.In this paper, we study four synthetic models, all with a lateral heterogeneity. When we process the entire corresponding seismograms with traditional f‐k approach, the resulting 1D profiles are representative of the subsurface properties averaged over the whole length of the receivers lines. These results show that classical analysis disregards evidences of sharp lateral velocity changes even when they show up in the raw seismograms.In our research, we implement and test over the same synthetic models, a novel robust automated method to check the appropriateness of 1D model assumption and locate the discontinuities. This new approach is a development of the recent multi‐offset phase analysis with the following further advantages: it does not need previous noise evaluation and more than one shot.Only once the discontinuities are clearly identified, we confidently perform classical f‐k dispersion curve extraction and inversion separately on both sides of the discontinuity. Thus the final results, obtained by putting side by side the 1D profiles, are correct 2D reconstructions of the discontinuous S‐wave distributions obtained without any additional ad‐hoc hypotheses.
Parabiotic associations between tropical ants: equal partnership or parasitic exploitation?
Authors: Menzel F. , Blüthgen N. 
Published: November 2009

Summary 1. The huge diversity of symbiotic associations among animals and/or plants comprises both mutualisms and parasitisms. Most symbioses between social insect species, however, involve social parasites, while mutual benefits have been only suspected for some parabiotic associations – two colonies that share a nest. 2. In the rainforest of Borneo, we studied parabiotic associations between the ants Crematogaster modiglianii and Camponotus rufifemur. Parabiotic nests were regularly found inside hollow tree trunks, most likely initiated by Cr. modiglianii. This species frequently nested without its partner, whereas we never found non‐parabiotic Ca. rufifemur nests. We experimentally investigated potential benefits, potential interference competition for food (as a probable cost), and foraging niches of both species. 3. The two species never showed aggressive interactions and amicably shared food resources. However, Cr. modiglianii had a wider temporal and spatial foraging range than Ca. rufifemur, always found baits before Ca. rufifemur and recruited more efficiently. Camponotus rufifemur probably benefited from following pheromone trails of Cr. modiglianii. In turn, Ca. rufifemur was significantly more successful in defending the nest against alien ants. Crematogaster modiglianii hence may profit from its partner’s defensive abilities. 4. In neotropical parabioses, epiphytes grown in ‘ant‐gardens’ play a crucial role in the association, e.g. by stabilization of nests. Hemiepiphytic Poikilospermum cordifolium (Cecropiaceae) seedlings and saplings frequently grew in the entrances of parabiotic nests in Borneo, obviously dispersed by the ants. In cafeteria experiments, both parabiotic ants carried its elaiosome‐bearing seeds into the nest. However, P. cordifolium does not provide additional nest space, contrasting with neotropical ant‐gardens. 5. The parabiotic association appears beneficial for both ant species, the main benefits being nest initiation by Cr. modiglianii and interspecific trail‐following (for Ca. rufifemur), and, in turn, nest defence by Ca. rufifemur (for Cr. modiglianii). However, Ca. rufifemur seems to be more dependent on its partner than vice versa.