bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupancy Modeling and Estimation of the Holiday Darter Species Complex within the Etowah River System
Authors: Anderson Gregory B. , Freeman Mary C. , Hagler Megan M. , Freeman Byron J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDocumenting the status of rare fishes is a crucial step in effectively managing populations and implementing regulatory mechanisms of protection. In recent years, site occupancy has become an increasingly popular metric for assessing populations, but species distribution models that do not account for imperfect detection can underestimate the proportion of sites occupied and the strength of the relationship with a hypothesized covariate. However, valid detection requires temporal or spatial replication, which is often not feasible due to logistical or budget constraints. In this study, we used a method that allowed for spatial replication during a single visit to evaluate the current status of the holiday darter species complex, Etheostoma sp. cf. E. brevirostrum, within the Etowah River system. Moreover, the modeling approach used in this study facilitated comparisons of factors influencing stream occupancy as well as species detection within sites. The results suggest that there is less habitat available for the Etowah holiday darter form (Etheostoma sp. cf. E. brevirostrum B) than for the Amicalola holiday darter form (Etheostoma sp. cf. E. brevirostrum A). Additionally, occupancy models suggest that even small decreases in forest cover within these headwater systems adversely affect holiday darter populations.
Echocardiographic quantification of regional deformation helps to distinguish isolated left ventricular non‐compaction from dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Niemann Markus , Liu Dan , Hu Kai , Cikes Maja , Beer Meinrad , Herrmann Sebastian , Gaudron Philipp Daniel , Hillenbrand Hanns , Voelker Wolfram , Ertl Georg , Weidemann Frank 
Published: January 2012

AimsPronounced trabeculation is presented in both left ventricular non‐compaction (LVNC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which sometimes makes the differentiation difficult. We hypothesized that echocardiographic deformation analysis would help to differentiate these two cardiomyopathies.Methods and resultsWe investigated 15 patients with LVNC (9 males; 42 ± 9 years), 15 age‐ and gender‐matched DCM patients, and 15 healthy controls. The echocardiographic diagnosis of LVNC was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. In all subjects standard echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to study regional LV deformation were carried out. No statistical difference was observed in standard echocardiographic parameters between LVNC and DCM patients. Compared with controls, both patient groups showed significantly reduced annular displacements (septal: controls 14 ± 2 mm vs. DCM 6 ± 3 mm vs. LVNC 7 ± 3 mm) and reduced strain values of the LV segments. A characteristic deformation pattern with significantly higher values in the LV base compared with the apex was observed in patients with LVNC by deformation measurements with TDI. This gradient was found particularly in the lateral and inferior wall but spared the anteroseptal wall; non‐compaction was not found in basal segments throughout the ventricle and also spared the anteroseptal midventricular wall. In DCM the strain and strain rate values were homogeneously reduced in all LV segments.ConclusionA special regional deformation pattern (preserved deformation in basal segments of LVNC) seems to be of major diagnostic help for the definite differential diagnosis of LVNC and DCM.
Pathophysiological role of inflammatory molecules in paediatric ischaemic brain injury
Authors: Mirabelli‐Badenier Marisol , Braunersreuther Vincent , Lenglet Sébastien , Galan Katia , Veneselli Edvige , Viviani Giorgio L. , Mach François , Montecucco Fabrizio 
Published: January 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (7): 784–794AbstractIschaemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and lifelong disability also in the paediatric population. Strong scientific effort has been put to clarify the pathophysiology of this disease in adults. However, only few studies have been performed in children. Preliminary results indicate that pathophysiological processes might differently affect the poststroke neuronal injury in neonates as compared to children. During the neural development, selective molecular mechanisms might be differently triggered by an ischaemic insult, thus potentially resulting in defined postischaemic clinical outcomes. Basic research studies in neonatal animal models of cerebral ischaemia have recently shown a potential role of soluble inflammatory molecules (such as cytokines, chemokines and oxidants) as pivotal players of neuronal injury in both perinatal and childhood ischaemic stroke. Although larger clinical trials are still needed to confirm these preliminary results, the potential benefits of selective treatments targeting inflammation in perinatal asphyxia encephalopathy might represent a promising investigation field in the near future. In this review, we will update evidence on the pathophysiological role of soluble inflammatory mediators in neonatal and childhood ischaemic stroke. Recent evidence on potential anti‐inflammatory treatments to improve paediatric stroke prognosis will be discussed.
Long‐term effects of soil nutrient deficiency on arbuscular mycorrhizal communities
Authors: Antunes Pedro M. , Lehmann Anika , Hart Miranda M. , Baumecker Michael , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been proposed as a mechanism to reduce nutrient inputs in agriculture, thereby reducing costs and increasing environmental sustainability. However, before this can be achieved, we need to gain a better understanding of the importance of the prolonged selective pressures acting on indigenous AMF communities.2. Much research concentrates on short‐term ecological soil × plant × AMF interactions. However, we have little understanding of how long‐term manipulations of abiotic conditions can be strong selection agents for AMF communities. Here, we ask how the long‐term management of soil fertility and fertilizer use can influence the AM symbiosis. More specifically, we investigated whether 70 years of consistently imposed nutrient limitations affected the structure and symbiotic functioning of indigenous AMF communities.3. Using the long‐term Static Nutrient Deficiency Experiment carried out since 1937 in Thyrow, Germany, with and without nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions, we addressed the following questions: (i) Do different soil fertilizer treatments affect the overall abundance and diversity of indigenous AMF in an agricultural field; and (ii) Does the depletion of a nutrient select for an enhanced AMF ability to supply the deficient nutrient?4. We assessed AMF spore diversity in the field and established a common garden experiment where soil nutrient treatments were calibrated against those in the long‐term field experiment. For each soil nutrient treatment, we compared the growth responses of barley plants to the indigenous AMF communities isolated from the different soil fertilization treatments in the field.5. We found that the long‐term use of specific soil fertilization treatments altered the effects of the AMF symbiosis on plant and fungal growth. Consistent with the optimal foraging theory, AMF from N‐ or P‐deficient soils grew larger but reduced plant growth more in those conditions relative to AMF isolated from non‐deficient soils. This could result from both community‐level changes and/or adaptations within species.6. Thus, we propose that the ongoing agronomic management of abiotic selective pressures such as soil fertility needs to be considered as a strong determinant of AMF symbiotic functioning.
Species richness at the guild level: effects of species pool and local environmental conditions on stream macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Grönroos Mira , Heino Jani 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. A fundamental question in ecology is which factors determine species richness. Here, we studied the relative importance of regional species pool and local environmental characteristics in determining local species richness (LSR). Typically, this question has been studied using whole communities or a certain taxonomic group, although including species with widely varying biological traits in the same analysis may hinder the detection of ecologically meaningful patterns.2. We studied the question above for whole stream macroinvertebrate community and within functional feeding guilds. We defined the local scale as a riffle site and the regional scale (i.e. representing the regional species pool) as a stream. Such intermediate‐sized regional scale is rarely studied in this context.3. We sampled altogether 100 sites, ten riffles (local scale) in each of ten streams (regional scale). We used the local‐regional richness regression plots to study the overall effect of regional species pool on LSR. Variation partitioning was used to determine the relative importance of regional species pool and local environmental conditions for species richness.4. The local‐regional richness relationship was mainly linear, suggesting strong species pool effects. Only one guild showed some signs of curvilinearity. However, variation partitioning showed that local environmental characteristics accounted for a larger fraction of variance in LSR than regional species pool. Also, the relative importance of the fractions differed between the whole community and guilds, as well as among guilds.5. This study indicates that the importance of the local and regional processes may vary depending on feeding guild and trophic level. We conclude that both the size of the regional species pool and local habitat characteristics are important in determining LSR of stream macroinvertebrates. Our results are in agreement with recent large‐scale studies conducted in highly different study systems and complement the previous findings by showing that the interplay of regional and local factors is also important at intermediate regional scales.
Plant diversity improves protection against soil‐borne pathogens by fostering antagonistic bacterial communities
Authors: Latz Ellen , Eisenhauer Nico , Rall Björn C. , Allan Eric , Roscher Christiane , Scheu Stefan , Jousset Alexandre 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Rhizosphere bacteria antagonistic to fungal pathogens improve plant performance by preventing infection. In temperate grasslands, primary productivity often increases with plant diversity, and we hypothesized that this effect may in part rely on the interactions between plants and antagonistic bacteria.2. We investigated the impact of plant diversity and functional group composition on soil bacteria producing the antifungal compounds 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) and pyrrolnitrin (PRN) in a long‐term grassland biodiversity experiment, as well as their impact on soil suppressiveness. Soil suppressiveness was investigated in a model infection assay with Beta vulgaris and the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani.3. The abundance of DAPG and PRN producers increased with plant diversity and that of PRN also increased in the presence of grasses. Moreover, legume species richness and coverage decreased the abundance of DAPG and PRN producers, respectively, contrary to beneficial effects of legumes on soil microorganisms reported previously. In turn, soil suppressiveness was at maximum when DAPG and PRN producer abundance was high.4. Synthesis. Our results suggest that plant diversity contributes to plant community resistance against pathogens by fostering beneficial bacterial communities. This indirect soil feedback mechanism may contribute to the positive relationship between plant diversity and productivity and could also help the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural management strategies.
Nitrogen Uptake by Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Exposed to Low Water Temperatures at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Shimono H. , Fujimura S. , Nishimura T. , Hasegawa T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe responses of nitrogen (N) uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.) to low water temperatures at different growth stages were examined during a 3‐year field trial in northern Japan. Cool irrigation water was applied at two to three temperature levels (16–25 °C) for 20–34 days during the vegetative stage and then during reproductive growth. We measured the N uptake rate, N content and canopy radiation interception during both growth stages. Exposure to low water temperature during either the vegetative or the reproductive growth stage slowed N uptake, and the magnitude of the decrease differed between the growth stages; the decrease was greater during vegetative growth than during reproductive growth. Consequently, total N uptake at maturity was most strongly reduced by low water temperature during vegetative growth and was not affected by low water temperature during reproductive growth, even though N distribution to the panicle was greatly reduced. The variations in N uptake during the growing season among growth stages and years were explained better by the amount of canopy radiation capture than by the number of degree‐days based on water temperature. This strong dependency on canopy radiation capture improves our understanding of the factors responsible for variations in N uptake under different levels of water temperature, and this knowledge will provide an opportunity to simplify the modelling of N uptake.
The night‐eating syndrome and obesity
Authors: Gallant A. R. , Lundgren J. , Drapeau V. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe rising prevalence of obesity is a global concern. Eating behaviour and circadian rhythm are proving to be important factors in the aetiology of obesity. The night‐eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by increased late‐night eating, insomnia, a depressed mood and distress. It is evident that prevalence is higher among weight‐related populations than the general community. The exact relationship between this syndrome and obesity remains unclear. The reasons for the discrepancies found in the literature likely include varying diagnostic criteria and a wide range of study population characteristics. NES does not always lead to weight gain in thus certain individuals may be susceptible to night‐eating‐related weight gain. Weight loss through surgical and behavioural treatments has shown success in diminishing symptoms. The increasing literature associating obesity with circadian imbalances strengthens the link between the NES and obesity. Circadian genes may play a role in this syndrome. This review will examine different aspects of obesity in the context of the NES.
Narratives or Sources? Active Learning and the Teaching of Ancient Jewish History and Texts
Authors: Satlow Michael L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDuring my career, I have regularly taught a survey course on the history of Jews and Judaism in the Persian, Greek, and early Roman periods (ca. 520 BCE – 70 CE). Student performance in the course has long concerned and puzzled me. By the end of the course students demonstrated familiarity with the narratives and concepts we covered, but most did not really “think historically.” They had great difficulties using and applying the historical tools they learned to new situations and evidence. In 2006 and again in 2010 I overhauled the course not only to improve it, but also to figure out how my students learned history. Using a wiki exercise, I traced how students learned and then applied these insights the next time I taught the course. In this essay I report on what I learned.
Patient time costs and out‐of‐pocket costs in hepatitis C
Authors: Federico Carole A. , Hsu Priscilla C. , Krajden Mel , Yoshida Eric M. , Bremner Karen E. , Weiss Alan A. , Anderson Frank H. , Krahn Murray D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with substantial costs to patients, their caregivers and society.AimsWe evaluated time costs (time spent seeking healthcare) and out‐of‐pocket (OOP) costs for patients with HCV and their caregivers.MethodsWe measured costs for 738 HCV outpatients in a tertiary‐care clinic using a patient‐completed questionnaire. Time and OOP costs were compared across disease stages and sociodemographic categories. We examined the association between cost and disease stage using linear regression adjusting for age, gender, marital status, education, income and Index of Coexistent Disease (ICED) comorbidity score. Costs were expressed in 2007 Canadian dollars.ResultsThe mean annual time cost per patient was $2136 (98 h), and ranged from $281 (18 h) in individuals who had cleared the virus to $9416 in transplant recipients (420 h). Caregiver costs were reported in 10% of patients. The mean annual OOP cost per patient was $1326. Patients receiving active treatment and those with late‐stage disease spent $2500–2800 per year on HCV‐related healthcare, approximately 7% of their annual income. Patients who had cleared the virus had the lowest time and OOP costs. Low income and unemployed patients had higher costs.ConclusionsIn HCV‐infected individuals, OOP and time costs represent a significant economic burden and fall disproportionately upon those least able to afford them. The lower cost burden among those who were successfully treated suggests that wider use of antiviral therapy may reduce economic burden in addition to improving health outcomes.
Micronutrients (Other than iron) and Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lahner Edith , Persechino Severino , Annibale Bruno 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Many micronutrients depend on a healthy stomach for absorption. Helicobacter pylori chronic gastritis may alter gastric physiology affecting homeostasis of vitamins and minerals.Objectives:  Systematic review to assess whether H. pylori infection is associated with reduced micronutrient levels (other than iron) in the plasma or gastric juice and whether low micronutrient levels are modified by eradication treatment.Method:  Medline was searched for relevant publications from inception to June 2010. Studies describing micronutrient levels in H. pylori‐infected and not‐infected adults and/or the effect of eradication treatment on micronutrient levels were included.Findings:  Fifty‐two publications were selected: 46 investigated the association between H. pylori infection and reduced micronutrient levels and 14 the effect of eradication treatment on micronutrient levels. Sixty‐four studies investigated vitamins (23 ascorbic acid, four ß‐carotene, 21 cobalamin, 11 folate, and five α‐tocopherol) and 10 addressed minerals (one calcium, one copper, one magnesium, one phosphorus, three selenium, and three zinc). Pooled standardized mean differences in micronutrient levels showed positive associations with H. pylori infection for ascorbic acid (gastric juice, −1.087) and cobalamin (−0.744), and a positive effect of eradication treatment, which increased ascorbic acid in the gastric juice (−1.408) and serum cobalamin (−1.910). No significant association between infection and low folate levels was observed. Meta‐analyses for other micronutrients were not performed owing to insufficient data.Conclusions:  Meta‐analyses indicate that H. pylori infection is associated with reduced levels of ascorbic acid and cobalamin, supported by the positive effect of eradication treatment. For other micronutrients, further studies are needed.
Arginine 66 Residue of Fur is Required for the Regulatory Function of this Protein in the Acid Adaptation Mechanism of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Toledo Héctor , Villafaena Carlos , Valenzuela Manuel , López‐Solís Remigio 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa and must survive the acid pH of that environment. Like other enteric bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella enterica, H. pylori develops an acid tolerance response that is dependent on the function of the transcriptional regulator protein Fur.Objective:  To explore by site‐directed mutagenesis whether two particular amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of the H. pylori Fur protein, arginine 66 and histidine 99, are involved in the acid response mechanism in this bacterium.Materials and Methods:  Complementation assays in Escherichia coli H1780 (fur null mutant) both with plasmids carrying the H. pylori fur gene bearing substitution mutations R66A or H99A or R66A/H99A and with the H. pylori Fur‐R66A mutant were conducted. Wild‐type and mutated Fur proteins from H. pylori were assayed by using the fiu::lacZ reporter gene in the E. coli H1780 heterologous system at various pH and iron concentrations.Results:  Both bacterial growth and repression of the reporter gene were impaired under acid conditions in E. coli H1780 complemented with pUC19‐fur‐R66A. Also, in the H. pylori Fur‐R66 strain bacterial growth and speA gene expression were impaired under acid conditions.Conclusions:  Arginine 66 but not histidine 99 in H. pylori Fur is required for the regulatory function of the Fur protein in the acid adaptation mechanism of the bacterium.
Mucoid Helicobacter pylori Isolates with Fast Growth under Microaerobic and Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Siavoshi Farideh , Saniee Parastoo , Atabakhsh Mojgan , Pedramnia Shahrzad , Tavakolian Atefeh , Mirzaei Masoumeh 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori is microaerobic and turns into coccoid under aerobic conditions. In this study, two mucoid strains, A and D, were isolated from gastric biopsies which grew well on blood agar after 24‐hour incubation under aerobic as well as microaerobic conditions. The aim of this study was to identify these strains and compare their growth under aerobic and microaerobic conditions with that of control H. pylori.Materials and Methods:  The two isolates A and D were identified as H. pylori according to microscopic morphology, urease, catalase and oxidase tests. Their growth under humidified aerobic and microaerobic conditions was compared with that of control H. pylori which grew only under microaerobic conditions. They were further identified by amplification of 16S rRNA, vacA alleles, cagA and ureAB genes by PCR. Their susceptibility to current antimicrobials was also examined.Results:  The strains A and D produced mucoid colonies under aerobic and microaerobic conditions after 24‐hour, exhibiting the typical spiral morphology of H. pylori. The results of urease, catalase and oxidase tests were positive. Sequencing of amplified products showed 99–100% homology with those of the reference H. pylori strains in GenBank. Both strains exhibited resistance to the high concentrations of antimicrobials.Conclusions:  This study reports the isolation of two mucoid strains of H. pylori with confluent growth under aerobic and microaerobic conditions. It appears that production of exopolysaccharide (EXP) could serve as a physical barrier to reduce oxygen diffusion into the bacterial cell and uptake of antibiotics. EXP protected the mucoid H. pylori isolates against stressful conditions, the result of which could be persistence of bacterial infection in the stomach.