bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wallacea and its nectarivorous birds: nestedness and modules
Authors: Carstensen Daniel W. , Olesen Jens M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim  Wallacea, the vast oceanic boundary between the Oriental and Australian regions, contains 122 true nectarivorous bird species. It is the contact zone of the Oriental sunbirds and the Australian honeyeaters, and at least three more true nectarivorous families are resident in the region. An island–bird matrix for Wallacea was tested for the presence of two patterns, nestedness and modularity. If the matrix is modular, it consists of a number of densely linked subgroups or modules of islands and birds, which are weakly interconnected. These modules are used as a new tool in analysing biogeographical boundaries in Wallacea.Location  Wallacea, Indonesia.Methods  We constructed an island–bird matrix for Wallacea and used two algorithms, aninhado and sa, to test it for nestedness and modularity, respectively. aninhado calculates the matrix temperature and provides a null model, and sa is a module‐detecting program based on simulated annealing. The results of the sa were compared with those from a hierarchical cluster analysis.Results  The matrix had a nested pattern, as is commonly the case for island–species matrices. The SA detected four modules in Wallacea, each consisting of a group of islands sharing a group of nectarivorous birds. The sa algorithm produced a more detailed pattern of the area than did the hierarchical cluster analysis.Main conclusions  Modularity and nestedness do not preclude each other as biogeographical patterns. The boundaries of the modules detected by sa compared well with major boundaries from the existing literature and showed a clear division of Wallacea into modules of birds and islands closely linked together. Thus modules are biogeographical units of islands sharing a specific nectarivorous fauna. For some research questions, we suggest that modules may be more appropriate biogeographical units than single islands or traditionally perceived archipelagos. The nectarivorous families showed distinctly different distributions, indicating variation in their colonization history and speciation processes. We recommend sa as a tool for detecting fine‐grained biogeographical patterns.
The stratification theory for plant coexistence promoted by one‐sided competition
Authors: Kohyama Takashi , Takada Takenori 
Published: March 2009

Summary

It is an essential feature of plants that leaves at higher levels have better access to light than those at lower levels. Thus, larger plants generally enjoy greater success in competing for light than smaller ones. We analyse the effect of such size‐asymmetry, or one‐sided competition, on the successful coexistence of plant species, using an analytically tractable model for stratified populations, in which a plant in the same layer exhibits the same crowding effect as any other, irrespective of species.
A two‐layer population that is reproductive in upper layer and juvenile in lower layer has a uniquely stable (plant‐size‐weighted) equilibrium density, as long as its fecundity is sufficient to compensate for its mortality rate. We also calculate a unique threshold lower‐layer density of this layered population when there is no upper‐layer plant. This threshold lower‐layer density is larger than the weighted equilibrium density with upper layer, except for the case of perfect two‐sided competition.
A two‐layer species can stably coexist with a one‐layer, understorey species as a result of one‐sided, but not two‐sided competition. The coexistence condition is that the equilibrium density of the one‐layer species lies between the threshold lower‐layer density and the equilibrium density of the two‐layer species. For an understorey species to coexist successfully with a two‐layer species, any advantage in demographic performance, most prominently in a sufficiently high fecundity per plant must offset the disadvantage of living in dark conditions.
Results from a model of multi‐layer populations suggest that several species differing in terms of maximum layer and fecundity can coexist under conditions of one‐sided competition. We demonstrate an example of the stable coexistence of eight species. The inter‐specific trade‐offs predicted by the model correspond to patterns observed in a rain forest.
Synthesis. We propose a stratification theory that explains the generation and maintenance of the successful coexistence of plant species. Under the condition of one‐sided competition, a canopy population that takes advantage of escaping from understorey competition shows an ability to invade an understorey with a density higher than its own equilibrium density, and which offers opportunities for an understorey population with high fecundity and/or shade tolerance to coexist. The predicted coexistence of species that share maximum canopy height is most pronounced for trees of tropical rain forests.
Hap2 regulates the pheromone response transcription factor prf1 in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Mendoza‐Mendoza Artemio , Eskova Anastasia , Weise Carolin , Czajkowski Robert , Kahmann Regine 
Published: March 2009

SummaryIn Ustilago maydis the pheromone signal is transmitted via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) module to the transcription factor Prf1. Prf1 activates transcription of a and b mating type genes by binding to pheromone response elements (PREs) located in regulatory regions of these genes. Here we show that the CCAAT‐box binding protein Hap2 from U. maydis regulates prf1 expression. Hap2 was initially identified as a potential interaction partner of the MAP kinase Kpp6 in yeast two‐hybrid screens and was subsequently also shown to interact with the MAPK Kpp2. Deletion of hap2 in haploid cells abolished mating, resulting from a defect in pheromone‐induced gene expression. Crosses of haploid hap2 deletion strains were completely impaired in pathogenicity. Constitutive expression of prf1 complemented the pheromone response defect in Δhap2 strains. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that Hap2 binds directly to CCAAT motifs in the prf1 promoter. Point mutations in two putative MAPK phosphorylation sites in Hap2 attenuated the pheromone response. In a solopathogenic strain hap2 deletion affected filamentation and the mutants showed reduced pathogenicity symptoms. These data suggest that Hap2 is a novel regulator of prf1 with additional functions after cell fusion.
Fatigue crack initiation life estimation in a steel welded joint by the use of a two‐scale damage model
Authors: LAUTROU N. , THEVENET D. , COGNARD J.‐Y. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThis work deals with the fatigue behaviour of S355NL steel welded joints classically used in naval structures. The approach suggested here, in order to estimate the fatigue crack initiation life, can be split into two stages. First, stabilized stress–strain cycles are obtained in all points of the welded joint by a finite element analysis, taking constant or variable amplitude loadings into account. This calculation takes account of: base metal elastic–plastic behaviour, variable yield stress based on hardness measurements in various zones of the weld, local geometry at the weld toe and residual stresses if any. Second, if a fast elastic shakedown occurs, a two‐scale damage model based on Lemaitre et al.'s work is used as a post‐processor in order to estimate the fatigue crack initiation life. Material parameters for this model were identified from two Wöhler curves established for base metal. As a validation, four‐point bending fatigue tests were carried out on welded specimens supplied by ‘DCNS company’. Two load ratios were considered: 0.1 and 0.3. Residual stress measurements by X‐ray diffraction completed this analysis. Comparisons between experimental and calculated fatigue lives are promising for the considered loadings. An exploitation of this method is planned for another welding process.
Trends in body mass index and waist circumference among New Zealand adolescents, 1997/1998–2005
Authors: Utter J. , Scragg R. , Denny S. , Schaaf D. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe objective of the current study is to examine changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among New Zealand adolescents between 1997/1998 and 2005. Data were drawn from two cross‐sectional studies of high school students in an economically disadvantaged region of Auckland. In total, 608 adolescents from the 1998 survey and 897 adolescents from the 2005 survey participated. The prevalence of obesity increased from 19.4% in 1997/1998 to 30.7% in 2005. The mean BMI among adolescents significantly increased from 25.3 in 1997/1998 to 27.2 in 2005, with the greatest increases at the high end of the distribution. Increases in BMI did not differ by age, gender or ethnicity. The mean waist circumference increased from 76.2 cm in 1997/1998 to 89.4 cm in 2005, with increases in waist circumference measurements at all points in the distribution. The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly in this sample of ethnically diverse adolescents. Corresponding increases in waist circumference measurements suggest that this population of New Zealand adolescents are at increased risk for related chronic conditions.
Biological invasions and the neutral theory
Authors: Daleo Pedro , Alberti Juan , Iribarne Oscar 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim  The invasion of natural communities by alien species represents a serious threat, but creates opportunities to learn about community functions. Neutral theory proposes that the niche concept may not be needed to explain the assemblage and diversity of natural communities, challenging the classical view of community ecology and generating a lasting debate. Biological invasions, when considered as natural experiments, can be used to contrast some of the predictions of neutral and classic niche theories.Location  Global.Methods  We use data from biological invasions as natural experiments to contrast some of the fundamental predictions of neutral theory.Results  Some emerging patterns did not differ from neutral model expectations (e.g. the relationship between native and exotic species richness, invasibility of resource‐rich habitats, and the relationship between propagule release and invasion success). Nevertheless, other patterns (e.g. experimental evidence of the relationship between diversity and susceptibility to invasion, the invasion of communities with a low resource availability, invasiveness related to species traits) contrasted with the predictions that can be inferred from neutral theory.Main conclusions  Neutral theory correctly highlights the need to include randomness in models of community structure. Biological invasion patterns show that neutral forces are important in structuring natural communities, but the patterns differ from those inferred from a complete neutral model. For biodiversity‐conservation purposes, the implications of accepting or not accepting neutral theory as a process‐based theory are very important.
Vitamin D3 signalling in the brain enhances the function of phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes – 15 kD (PEA‐15)
Authors: Obradovic Darja , Zanca Ciro , Vogl Annette , Trümbach Dietrich , Deussing Jan , Condorelli Gerolama , Rein Theo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn spite of growing evidence linking vitamin D3 levels to mental health disorders, little is known about its direct targets in the brain. This study set out to investigate targets of vitamin D3 in a human brain stem cell line. We employed arrays with antibodies directed against more than 600 structural and signalling proteins, including phospho‐variants. Over 180 proteins responded to vitamin D3, such as cyclin‐dependent protein‐serine kinase 1/2, epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase, protein kinase A, protein‐serine kinase Bγ and protein‐serine kinase Cα. PEA‐15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes‐15 kD, also known as PED), known to be involved in various anti‐proliferative and anti‐apoptotic effects, was strongly up‐regulated. In silico promoter analysis revealed conserved binding sites for vitamin D3 receptor, suggesting a strong vitamin D3 dependency of the PEA‐15 promoter. PEA‐15 up‐regulation by vitamin D3 could be confirmed by Western blot in two different cell lines. Analysis of mRNA and protein phosphorylation status of PEA‐15 suggests that increased PEA‐15 promoter activity and increased protein stabilization contribute to the overall rise of PEA‐15 protein. In a functional test of this novel pathway, we demonstrated that vitamin D3 was able to rescue cells from TRAIL‐induced apoptosis through regulation of the PEA‐15 expression and function. Summarized, our study presents novel targets of vitamin D3 relevant for apoptosis and cell proliferation, and thus strongly supports a function of vitamin D3 in the brain that impacts on processes highly relevant for major neurological disorders.
Differential expression of mucin core proteins and keratins in apocrine carcinoma, extramammary Paget’s disease and apocrine nevus
Authors: Miyamoto Toru , Inoue Sadanori , Adachi Kouji , Takada Rie 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Apocrine carcinomas are rare, the immunohistochemical characterizations that are incomplete. The purpose of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical characteristics of mucin core proteins and keratins in apocrine carcinoma, extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) and apocrine nevus.Methods:  We report four cases of apocrine carcinomas along with immunohistochemical analyses: (i) an axillary apocrine carcinoma with an apocrine nevus, (ii) an inguinal apocrine carcinoma, (iii) a vulvar apocrine carcinoma with EMPD and (iv) an axillary apocrine carcinoma with EMPD and an apocrine nevus.Results:  The tumor cells of apocrine carcinomas, EMPD and apocrine nevi displayed a positive reaction to MUC‐1 and CK7 and a negative reaction to CK20. Apocrine carcinomas had high molecular weight (HMW) cytokeratin(+)/CK5(+)/CK14(−)/MUC5AC(−), EMPD with underlying apocrine carcinoma had HMW cytokeratin(−)/CK5(−)/CK14(−)/MUCA5AC(−) and the apocrine nevi had HMW cytokeratin(+)/CK5(+)/CK14(+)/MUCA5AC(+).Conclusion:  The immunohistochemical findings suggest that apocrine carcinomas, apocrine nevi and EMPD with underlying apocrine carcinomas are quite different, even though they are all derived from apocrine glands.
Genital Mycoplasmas
Authors: Hartmann Martin 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe first described pathogenic organisms that caused urethritis were Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. The significance of detecting mycoplasma with genital swabs remained unclear for a long time. Culture can differentiate between Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. After introduction of nuclear acid amplification, Mycoplasma genitalium was additionally detected, while gene analysis differentiates between Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. Mycoplasma genitalium has become the third most frequent pathogen causing non‐chlamydial, non‐gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU); Ureaplasma urealyticum is less often isolated. Because urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium does not always respond to tetracycline, it is advisable to begin therapy with a macrolide. Mycoplasma hominis is a cofactor for bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). During therapy with metronidazole, the colonization of this mycoplasma is decreased indirectly.
Vascular Impairment of Erection in Patients with Diabetes and Peyronie’s Disease: Is that Accumulative?
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I. , Tayeb Khaled A. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The vascular impairment of erection has been shown in diabetic patients as well as in patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD). However, the impact of both conditions together on vascular impairment has not been well addressed.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and PD solely, and together, on impairment of vascular status of erection in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
Three hundred four male patients with a clinical diagnosis of ED who visited our Andrology clinic and who had DM and/or PD were enrolled in this study. Of the patients, 214, 28, and 62 had DM, PD, and both DM and PD, respectively. Patients were interviewed for ED using the International Index of Erectile Function. All patients were also interviewed for sociodemographic data and medical comorbidities including DM. The diagnosis of PD was based on a palpable penile plaque or acquired penile curvature. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to evaluate the hemodynamics of erection in all patients.

Main Outcome Measures
We assessed the impact of type 2 DM and PD on erectile function (EF) domain and on deterioration of Doppler parameters of erection.

Results
Age, obesity, smoking, and medical comorbidities were significantly higher in patients with both DM and PD than in patients with any of the conditions alone. The means of EF domain, Q3, and Q4 were significantly lower in patients with both DM and PD than in patients with any of the conditions alone. Patients with DM only had significantly lower means of EF domain, Q3, and Q4 than patients with PD only. The means of peak systolic velocity and resistive index were significantly lower, and the means of end-diastolic velocity were significantly higher in patients with both DM and PD than in patients with any of the conditions alone.

Conclusions
Type 2 DM and PD solely, and together, negatively affect the vascular status of erection. Type 2 DM demonstrated the principal effect; however, presence of PD has an additive impairment effect on erection and Doppler parameters.
Gender Reassignment Surgery in Male-to-Female Transsexualism: A Retrospective 3-Month Follow-Up Study with Anatomical Remarks
Authors: Jarolím Ladislav , Šedý Jiří , Schmidt Marek , Naňka Ondřej , Foltán René , Kawaciuk Ivan 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Greater acceptance of sexual minorities has enabled people with transsexualism access to adequate treatment and social integration. Gender reassignment surgery is a complex phase in the care of transsexual patients. In response to a greater volume of patients, surgical techniques have evolved and the outcome in patients with male-to-female transsexualism is now a very accurate imitation of female genitalia, enabling sexual intercourse with orgasm.

Aim
To evaluate the results of surgical reassignment of genitalia in male-to-female transsexuals.

Methods
A retrospective 3-month follow-up study of patients’ opinions following gender reassignment surgery in 129 patients having a primary procedure (eight of whom had later sigmoideocolpoplasty) and five patients undergoing reoperation following an initial unsuccessful procedure at other units. All patients were male transsexuals. The surgical techniques are described in detail.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual functions and complications 3 months after surgery.

Results
All patients were satisfied with the first phase operation. Thirteen patients (9.7%) underwent successful sigmoideocolpoplasty. Main complications were as follows: rectal lesions developing during preparation of the vaginal canal (1.5%); bleeding from the stump of the shortened urethra in the first 48 hours postoperatively requiring secondary suturing (4.5%); temporary urinary retention requiring repeated insertion of urinary catheters for up to 6 days (5.2%); and healing of the suture between the perineum and the posterior aspect of the vaginal introitus healing by secondary intention (5.2%). The neoclitoris had erogenous sensitivity in 93.9% of patients and 65.3% reached orgasm in the first 3 months.

Conclusions
Surgical conversion of the genitalia is a safe and important phase of the treatment of male-to-female transsexuals.
Prevalence of habitual refractive errors and anisometropia among Dutch schoolchildren and hospital employees
Authors: Hendricks Theo J.W. , De Brabander John , Vankan‐Hendricks Marlou H.P. , Van Der Horst Frans G. , Hendrikse Fred , Knottnerus J. Andre 
Published: March 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  Refractive error (RE) is suggested to cause not only visual impairment, but also functional problems such as aspecific health complaints and lower levels of school achievement. During the last few decades the prevalence of myopia has increased worldwide, especially in Asia. We investigated the prevalence of habitual RE and anisometropia in a Dutch population of children and employees.Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, RE in both eyes of 520 children (aged 11–13 years) and 444 hospital employees (aged 17–60 years) were measured using an autorefractometer. The measurements were performed without using a cycloplegium. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyse correlations between the right and left eyes. Chi‐square tests were used to test the differences between subgroups according to gender and age.Results:  In schoolchildren 28% of right eyes were myopic (> 0.50 D) and 8% hyperopic (> 0.50 D). Pearson’s r between right and left eyes for spherical equivalent power (SEP) was 0.93. The mean cylinder deviation in right eyes was 0.26 D (range 0.00–4.50 D). Anisometropia > 1.00 D was present in 4.6% of children; 22% of children were not optimally (> 0.50 D) corrected. In hospital employees, 30% of right eyes were myopic (> 0.50 D) and 10% hyperopic (> 0.50 D). Pearson’s r between right and left eyes for SEP was 0.53. The mean cylinder deviation in right eyes was 0.35 D (range 0.00–5.75 D). Anisometropia > 1.00 D was present in 25% of employees. Anisometropia was more frequently present in employees aged 40–60 years, than in those aged 17–39 years (30% versus 18%; p = 0.02, Cramer’s V = 0.15).Conclusions:  Refractive errors are common in children aged 11–13 years and in working adults aged 17–60 years. Distributions of sphere and cylinder deviations are similar for Dutch schoolchildren and hospital employees. Surprisingly, anisometropia proved to be more prevalent with age. In children many eyes are not optimally corrected. Increased attention should be paid to uncorrected and miscorrected REs.
Translocation of a Thioether-Bridged Azurin Peptide Fragment via the Sec Pathway in
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Kuipers Anneke , Rink Rick , Moll Gert N. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
This study demonstrates for the first time that a thioether-containing peptide, an azurin fragment, can be translocated via the Sec pathway. This methyl-lanthionine was introduced by the nisin modification enzymes. The Sec pathway can therefore be a successful alternative for those cyclized peptides that are inefficiently transported via NisT.
Primary care research and clinical practice: respiratory disease
Authors: Pinnock H , Sheikh A 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Primary care respiratory research has contributed to the evidence base for both the clinical care of common long-term respiratory conditions and the management of acute respiratory illness. Key areas include investigating the role of remote consultations in ensuring regular professional reviews for people with asthma, understanding and evaluating the use of technology to support patient self-care, exploring aspects of the shift of services for long-term conditions from secondary to primary care, investigating primary care prescribing using computerised databases of anonymised medical records, and tackling inequalities in provision of care for ethnic minorities. Further research will be needed in all these areas as the ongoing and increasing challenge of providing support for people with long-term conditions will demand innovative approaches to organisation of care, many of which will involve or be led by primary care.