bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of dispersal–vicariance analysis in biogeography – a critique
Authors: Kodandaramaiah Ullasa 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim Analytical methods are commonly used to identify historical processes of vicariance and dispersal in the evolution of taxa. Currently, dispersal–vicariance analysis implemented in the softwaredivais the most widely used method. Despite some recognized shortcomings of the method, it has been treated as error‐free in many cases and used extensively as the sole method to reconstruct histories of taxa. In light of this, an evaluation of the limitations of the method is needed, especially in relation to several newer alternatives.Methods In an approach similar to simulation studies in phylogenetics, I use hypothetical taxa evolving in specific geological scenarios and test how welldivareconstructs their histories.Results divareconstructs histories accurately when evolution has been simple; that is, where speciation is driven mainly by vicariance. Ancestral areas are wrongly identified under several conditions, including complex patterns of dispersals and within‐area speciation events. Several potentially serious drawbacks in usingdivafor inferences in biogeography are discussed. These include the inability to distinguish between contiguous range expansions and across‐barrier dispersals, a low probability of invoking extinctions, incorrect constraints set on the maximum number of areas by the user, and analysing the ingroup taxa without sister groups.Main conclusions Most problems with inferences based ondivaare linked to the inflexibility and simplicity of the assumptions used in the method. These are frequently invalid, resulting in spurious reconstructions. I argue that it might be dangerous to rely solely ondivaoptimization to infer the history of a group. I also argue thatdivais not ideally suited to distinguishing between dispersal and vicariance because it cannota prioritake into account the age of divergences relative to the timing of barrier formation. I suggest that other alternative methods can be used to corroborate the findings indiva, increasing the robustness of biogeographic hypotheses. I compare some important alternatives and conclude that model‐based approaches are promising.
Testing the abundant‐centre hypothesis using intertidal porcelain crabs along the Chilean coast: linking abundance and life‐history variation
Authors: Rivadeneira Marcelo M. , Hernáez Patricio , Antonio Baeza J. , Boltaña Sebastian , Cifuentes Mauricio , Correa Cristian , Cuevas Alejandra , del Valle Erasmo , Hinojosa Iván , Ulrich Niklas , Valdivia Nelson , Vásquez Nelson , Zander Anke , Thiel Martin 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim  The abundant‐centre hypothesis (ACH) is based on the assumption that physiological constraints limit populations at the edges of their distributional range, yet the geographical variation of physiological performance or life‐history traits has rarely been examined. Here we examine the applicability of the ACH in a marine system by testing whether physiological predictions are reflected in large‐scale variations of life‐history traits.Location  The Chilean coast (18°–42° S), encompassing more than 2500 km along the Pacific coast of South America.Methods  Five porcelain crab species (Petrolisthes granulosus, Petrolisthes laevigatus, Petrolisthes tuberculatus, Petrolisthes violaceus and Allopetrolisthes angulosus) were sampled on intertidal boulder beaches at 13 sampling sites. For each species and site we evaluated: (1) relative abundance (density), (2) maximum size, (3) size at maturity, (4) sex ratio, (5) proportion of ovigerous females, and (6) presence of recruits. The shape of the spatial distribution of each trait was evaluated statistically against the prediction of four hypothetical models (normal, ramped‐south, ramped‐north and abundant‐edge).Results  The relative abundance and life‐history traits showed different spatial patterns among species. Relative abundance (across sites) was fitted by a normal model in only two species. No model fitted the spatial variation in body size and size at first maturity, which showed a slight but monotonic poleward increase in all species. Sex ratio showed a prominent hump‐shaped pattern, with females prevailing in the centre of the ranges and males dominating towards the range boundaries; this pattern was statistically significant in three of the five studied species. The proportion of ovigerous females showed no clear latitudinal trends, and mature individuals were observed across most of the geographical range of the species. However, recruits tended to be absent towards the southern (poleward) boundaries of the distribution.Main conclusions  The ACH does not apply to all species equally. The link between abundance and life‐history traits is complex and variable among the porcelain crab species studied. Overall, the observed patterns were consistent with the idea that equatorward boundaries might be controlled by physiological restrictions mainly affecting adult survival, whereas poleward boundaries might be shaped by limitations in reproductive output and larval survival. Our results underline the importance of incorporating ecological, physiological and life‐history studies in future tests of the ACH.
Local analysis of the edge dislocation core in BaTiO3 thin film by STEM‐EELS
Authors: KURATA H. , ISOJIMA S. , KAWAI M. , SHIMAKAWA Y. , ISODA S. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe a <100> edge dislocation core formed in an epitaxial BaTiO3 (BTO) thin film grown on a substrate was investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy‐loss spectroscopy. Elemental analysis using core‐loss spectrum indicates that the atomic ratios of O/Ti and Ba/Ti are decreased at the dislocation core. The near‐edge fine structure of the oxygen K‐edge recorded from the dislocation core differs slightly from that of relaxed BTO region, which suggests that Ba‐O bonding is decreased at the dislocation core. The structure of the dislocation core is discussed using a high‐angle annular dark‐field image and the electron energy‐loss spectroscopy results.
Two‐photon microscopy of deep intravital tissues and its merits in clinical research
Authors: WANG B.‐G. , KÖNIG K. , HALBHUBER K.‐J. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryMultiphoton excitation laser scanning microscopy, relying on the simultaneous absorption of two or more photons by a molecule, is one of the most exciting recent developments in biomedical imaging. Thanks to its superior imaging capability of deeper tissue penetration and efficient light detection, this system becomes more and more an inspiring tool for intravital bulk tissue imaging. Two‐photon excitation microscopy including 2‐photon fluorescence and second harmonic generated signal microscopy is the most common multiphoton microscopic application. In the present review we take diverse ocular tissues as intravital samples to demonstrate the advantages of this approach. Experiments with registration of intracellular 2‐photon fluorescence and extracellular collagen second harmonic generated signal microscopy in native ocular tissues are focused. Data show that the in‐tandem combination of 2‐photon fluorescence and second harmonic generated signal microscopy as two‐modality microscopy allows for in situ co‐localization imaging of various microstructural components in the whole‐mount deep intravital tissues. New applications and recent developments of this high technology in clinical studies such as 2‐photon‐controlled drug release, in vivo drug screening and administration in skin and kidney, as well as its uses in tumourous tissues such as melanoma and glioma, in diseased lung, brain and heart are additionally reviewed. Intrinsic emission two‐modal 2‐photon microscopy/tomography, acting as an efficient and sensitive non‐injurious imaging approach featured by high contrast and subcellular spatial resolution, has been proved to be a promising tool for intravital deep tissue imaging and clinical studies. Given the level of its performance, we believe that the non‐linear optical imaging technique has tremendous potentials to find more applications in biomedical fundamental and clinical research in the near future.
Reconstructing the evolutionary history of nitrotoluene detection in the transcriptional regulator NtdR
Authors: Ju Kou‐San , Parales Juanito V. , Parales Rebecca E. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryMany toxic man‐made compounds have been introduced into the environment, and bacterial strains that are able to grow on them are ideal model systems for studying the evolution of metabolic pathways and regulatory systems. Acidovorax sp. strain JS42 is unique in its ability to use 2‐nitrotoluene as a sole carbon, nitrogen, and energy source for growth. The LysR‐type transcriptional regulator NtdR activates expression of the 2‐nitrotoluene degradation genes not only when nitroaromatic compounds are present, but also in the presence of a wide range of aromatic acids and analogues. The molecular determinants of inducer specificity were identified through comparative analysis with NagR, the activator of the naphthalene degradation pathway genes in Ralstonia sp. strain U2. Although NagR is 98% identical to NtdR, it does not respond to nitrotoluenes. Exchange of residues that differ between NagR and NtdR revealed that residues at positions 227 and 232 were key for the recognition of nitroaromatic compounds, while the amino acid at position 169 determined the range of aromatic acids recognized. Structural modelling of NtdR suggests that these residues are near the predicted inducer binding pocket. Based on these results, an evolutionary model is presented that depicts the stepwise evolution of NtdR.
First evidence for large earthquakes on the Deshir Fault, Central Iran Plateau
Authors: Nazari H. , Fattahi M. , Meyer B. , Sébrier M. , Talebian M. , Foroutan M. , Le Dortz K. , Bateman M. D. , Ghorashi M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAlthough sliced by several strike slip faults, a large part of Central Iran remained aseismic during the period of time covered by the instrumental and historical seismic records. Stating the existence of earthquakes in the Holocene is therefore important for the assessment of the regional seismic hazard. A palaeoseismic study of the Deshir fault demonstrates that Central Iran hosted large earthquakes during latest Pleistocene and Holocene. The last event corresponds to 1 m‐deep fissures, which sandy infilling yielded an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) age of 2.8 ± 1.4 ka. At least two previous events, outlined by older fissures and/or colluvial wedges, have been recorded over the last 10–30 ka. The magnitudes are difficult to assess because the actual slips per event are unknown. The size of the fissures and the significant vertical displacement associated with a colluvial wedge are nevertheless compatible with M ≈ 7 events along a primary strike‐slip surface break.
Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis with or without asthma in the French Six Cities study
Authors: Randriamanantany Z. A. , Annesi‐Maesano I. , Moreau D. , Raherison C. , Charpin D. , Kopferschmitt C. , Lavaud F. , Taytard A. , De Blay F. , Caillaud D. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Randriamanantany ZA, Annesi‐Maesano I, Moreau D, Raherison C, Charpin D, Kopferschmitt C, Lavaud F, Taytard A, De Blay F, Caillaud D. Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis with or without asthma in the French Six Cities study. Allergy 2010; 65: 368–375.AbstractBackground:  Allergic sensitization to Alternaria has been related to asthma in various studies, but its association with allergic rhinitis is still controversial.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to assess at the population level the relationships in childhood between Alternaria sensitization and ‘past‐year rhinoconjunctivitis’ (PYRC), ‘ever hay fever’ (EHF) and ‘ever allergic rhinitis caused by allergens other than pollens’ (EAR) according to the presence or the absence of asthma.Methods:  This study is part of the Six Cities Study, the French contribution to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase II. Children underwent skin prick test (SPT) to Alternaria and parents filled a standardized medical questionnaire.Results:  Some 6726 children with a mean age of 10 years were examined. The overall prevalence of Alternaria sensitization was 2.8%, 0.8% for monosensitization. Prevalences of symptoms in sensitized children were 27.7% for PYRC, 27.0% for EHF and 30.4% for EAR. Adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) between Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis phenotypes were 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.51–3.63) for PYRC, 2.40 (1.65–3.50) for EHF and 2.95 (2.05–4.23) for EAR. The relationship still remained in the case of monosensitization to Alternaria for both PYRC and EAR when excluding the asthmatic children [OR = 3.87 (1.54–9.78) and 2.88 (1.10–7.55) respectively].Conclusion:  In our population‐based sample of children, we found a link between Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis, independently of asthma, which is compatible with the mechanisms of deposition of Alternaria in the upper airways.
Surveillance in von Hippel‐Lindau disease (vHL)
Authors: Poulsen MLM , Budtz‐Jørgensen E , Bisgaard ML 
Published: October 2009

Poulsen MLM, Budtz‐Jørgensen E, Bisgaard ML. Surveillance in von Hippel‐Lindau disease (vHL).von Hippel‐Lindau disease (vHL) is a hereditary multisystem cancer syndrome requiring lifelong prophylactic surveillance. Current surveillance recommendations rely on best medical judgement and no evidence of effect exists. We aimed to evaluate the capability of surveillance in manifestation detection, before these turn symptomatic, in order to prevent disabling or even fatal outcomes. We focus on surveillance of central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, retinal hemangiomas and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as these have the most severe consequences. On the basis of full medical records from 54 living vHL‐mutation carriers, risks of intercurrent manifestations in‐between surveillance examinations were determined and clinical consequences of surveillance findings evaluated. Current recommendations of annual ophthalmic and abdominal examinations corresponded to acceptably low intercurrent manifestation risks (1.7% and 1.2%, respectively), whereas recommendations of biennial CNS imaging corresponded to a risk of 7.2%. Annual CNS examinations, however, significantly reduces this risk to 2.7%. Furthermore, most CNS manifestations found due to surveillance (71%, 106 of 150) had clinical consequence for the patient. Also, pre‐symptomatic surveillance increased cumulative incidence of clinical vHL diagnosis from 46% to 72% and from 89% to 94% by age 30 and 50 years, respectively. The present results promote optimization of surveillance, expectantly improving clinical vHL outcomes.
Clinical and genetic analysis of Korean patients with Marfan syndrome: possible ethnic differences in clinical manifestation
Authors: Yoo E‐H , Woo H , Ki C‐S , Lee HJ , Kim D‐K , Kang I‐S , Park P , Sung K , Lee CS , Chung T‐Y , Moon JR , Han H , Lee S‐T , Kim J‐W 
Published: October 2009

Yoo E‐H, Woo H, Ki C‐S, Lee HJ, Kim D‐K, Kang I‐S, Park P, Sung K, Lee CS, Chung T‐Y, Moon JR, Han H, Lee S‐T, Kim J‐W. Clinical and genetic analysis of Korean patients with Marfan syndrome: possible ethnic differences in clinical manifestation.Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder of the fibrous connective tissue caused by mutations in the fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) gene. Although clinical and genetic analyses have been performed in various populations, there have been few studies in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic background of Korean patients with MFS. In 39 Korean patients with MFS who met the Ghent criteria, the most common clinical finding was aortic dilatation and/or dissection (94.9%), whereas only 35.9% of patients had ectopia lentis. The majority of MFS patients had fewer than four of the skeletal findings required to fulfill the major skeletal Ghent criterion for MFS. Only 21% of Korean patients had major skeletal abnormalities and most cases showed only minor skeletal involvement. FBN1 gene mutations were detected in 35 out of 39 patients (89.7%), which is similar to rates presented in the previous reports. These results suggest that some clinical features in Korean patients with MFS differed from those reported in Western MFS patients.
Sudden death: ethical and legal problems of post‐mortem forensic genetic testing for hereditary cardiac diseases
Authors: Elger BS , Michaud K , Fellmann F , Mangin P 
Published: October 2009

Elger BS, Michaud K, Fellmann F, Mangin P. Sudden death: ethical and legal problems of post‐mortem forensic genetic testing for hereditary cardiac diseases.Hereditary non‐structural diseases such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), long QT, and the Brugada syndrome as well as structural disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) cause a significant percentage of sudden cardiac deaths in the young. In these cases, genetic testing can be useful and does not require proxy consent if it is carried out at the request of judicial authorities as part of a forensic death investigation. Mutations in several genes are implicated in arrhythmic syndromes, including SCN5A, KCNQ1, KCNH2, RyR2, and genes causing HCM. If the victim's test is positive, this information is important for relatives who might be themselves at risk of carrying the disease‐causing mutation. There is no consensus about how professionals should proceed in this context. This article discusses the ethical and legal arguments in favour of and against three options: genetic testing of the deceased victim only; counselling of relatives before testing the victim; counselling restricted to relatives of victims who tested positive for mutations of serious and preventable diseases. Legal cases are mentioned that pertain to the duty of geneticists and other physicians to warn relatives. Although the claim for a legal duty is tenuous, recent publications and guidelines suggest that geneticists and others involved in the multidisciplinary approach of sudden death (SD) cases may, nevertheless, have an ethical duty to inform relatives of SD victims. Several practical problems remain pertaining to the costs of testing, the counselling and to the need to obtain permission of judicial authorities.
Incidence and management of biliary complications after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kyoden Yusuke , Tamura Sumihito , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Matsui Yuichi , Togashi Junichi , Kaneko Junichi , Kokudo Norihiro , Makuuchi Masatoshi 
Published: October 2009

Kyoden Y, Tamura S, Sugawara Y, Matsui Y, Togashi J, Kaneko J, Kokudo N, Makuuchi M. Incidence and management of biliary complications after adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 535–542. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  There are few detailed reports of biliary complications in a large adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) series.Patient and methods:  Biliary complications, treatment modalities, and outcomes in these patients were retrospectively analyzed in 310 adult LDLT.Results:  One patient underwent retransplantation. Duct‐to‐duct anastomosis was primarily performed in 223 patients (72%). During the observation period (median 43 months), biliary complications were observed in 111 patients (36%); 53 patients (17%) had bile leakage, 70 patients (23%) had bile duct stenosis, and 12 patients (4%) had bile leakage followed by stenosis. A biliary anastomotic stent tube was placed in 266 patients (86%) at the time of transplantation. Univariate analysis of various clinical factors revealed duct‐to‐duct anastomosis as the single significant risk factor (p = 0.009) for biliary complications. The three‐yr and five‐yr overall patient survival rates were 88% and 85% in those with biliary complications, and 85% and 83%, respectively, in those without biliary complications (p = 0.59).Conclusion:  Biliary complications are a major cause of morbidity following LDLT. Duct‐to‐duct anastomosis carried a higher risk for bile duct stenosis. With appropriate management, however, there was little influence on overall survival.
Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in an Asian population with moderate‐to‐severe persistent asthma
Authors: OHTA Ken , MIYAMOTO Terumasa , AMAGASAKI Taro , YAMAMOTO Manabu ,   on behalf of the 1304 Study Group
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The efficacy and safety of the anti‐IgE antibody, omalizumab, has been widely studied in patients with asthma. However to date, no large studies have been performed in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of omalizumab with placebo, as add‐on therapy in Asian patients with moderate‐to‐severe persistent asthma.Methods:  Japanese patients (20–75 years of age) with uncontrolled asthma, despite receiving high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids and other standard therapies, were randomized to receive add‐on treatment with omalizumab or placebo in a 16‐week, double‐blind, parallel‐group, multicentre study.Results:  Altogether, 315 treated patients were included in the efficacy and safety analyses. The change from baseline in morning PEF was 15.45 L/min (least squares mean) with omalizumab versus 2.25 L/min with placebo, a statistically significant difference of 13.19 L/min (P = 0.0004). Clinically significant asthma exacerbations occurred in six patients (4.0%) treated with omalizumab and in 18 patients (11.0%) treated with placebo. The odds ratio for the risk of experiencing an asthma exacerbation was 0.32 in favour of omalizumab (P = 0.0192). Changes in asthma symptom scores, daily life activity scores, sleep scores and rescue medication use were in favour of omalizumab, but group differences did not reach statistical significance. Adverse event rates were similar between omalizumab and placebo, except for injection site reactions, which were more frequently observed in the omalizumab group.Conclusions:  Add‐on treatment with omalizumab improved asthma control without significant adverse events in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe persistent asthma.
Botulism Questionnaire: A tactical tool for community use in a mass casualty incident
Authors: Burkholder‐Allen Kelly , Rega Paul , Bork Christopher , Budd Churton 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA botulism‐induced mass casualty incident has the potential to severely compromise a community's health‐care infrastructure, based upon its lethality, rare occurrence, and duration of symptoms, which require extensive support and care. Although early recognition and treatment with antitoxin or botulism immunoglobulin are essential to the effective management of this type of an incident, the two major challenges in recognition and treatment are the hundreds, if not thousands, of casualties or potential casualties requiring rapid screening and the fact that most clinicians remain ignorant of the management of botulism. The purpose of this article is to present the Botulism Questionnaire, which will assist with the screening of casualties, provide educational and diagnostic cues for clinicians and the lay public, and create a layer of protection for the health‐care infrastructure. The applications of this questionnaire in various formats, the numerous points of distribution, and the variety of platforms from which it can be launched will be explored.