bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental selection on transcriptome‐derived SNPs in a high gene flow marine fish, the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
Authors: LIMBORG MORTEN T. , HELYAR SARAH J. , De BRUYN MARK , TAYLOR MARTIN I. , NIELSEN EINAR E. , OGDEN ROB , CARVALHO GARY R. ,   FPT Consortium, BEKKEVOLD DORTE 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHigh gene flow is considered the norm for most marine organisms and is expected to limit their ability to adapt to local environments. Few studies have directly compared the patterns of differentiation at neutral and selected gene loci in marine organisms. We analysed a transcriptome‐derived panel of 281 SNPs in Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), a highly migratory small pelagic fish, for elucidating neutral and selected genetic variation among populations and to identify candidate genes for environmental adaptation. We analysed 607 individuals from 18 spawning locations in the northeast Atlantic, including two temperature clines (5–12 °C) and two salinity clines (5–35‰). By combining genome scan and landscape genetic analyses, four genetically distinct groups of herring were identified: Baltic Sea, Baltic–North Sea transition area, North Sea/British Isles and North Atlantic; notably, samples exhibited divergent clustering patterns for neutral and selected loci. We found statistically strong evidence for divergent selection at 16 outlier loci on a global scale, and significant correlations with temperature and salinity at nine loci. On regional scales, we identified two outlier loci with parallel patterns across temperature clines and five loci associated with temperature in the North Sea/North Atlantic. Likewise, we found seven replicated outliers, of which five were significantly associated with low salinity across both salinity clines. Our results reveal a complex pattern of varying spatial genetic variation among outlier loci, likely reflecting adaptations to local environments. In addition to disclosing the fine scale of local adaptation in a highly vagile species, our data emphasize the need to preserve functionally important biodiversity.
Broad‐scale adaptive genetic variation in alpine plants is driven by temperature and precipitation
Authors: MANEL STÉPHANIE , GUGERLI FELIX , THUILLER WILFRIED , ALVAREZ NADIR , LEGENDRE PIERRE , HOLDEREGGER ROLF , GIELLY LUDOVIC , TABERLET PIERRE ,   IntraBioDiv Consortium
Published: June 2012

AbstractIdentifying adaptive genetic variation is a challenging task, in particular in non‐model species for which genomic information is still limited or absent. Here, we studied distribution patterns of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) in response to environmental variation, in 13 alpine plant species consistently sampled across the entire European Alps. Multiple linear regressions were performed between AFLP allele frequencies per site as dependent variables and two categories of independent variables, namely Moran’s eigenvector map MEM variables (to account for spatial and unaccounted environmental variation, and historical demographic processes) and environmental variables. These associations allowed the identification of 153 loci of ecological relevance. Univariate regressions between allele frequency and each environmental factor further showed that loci of ecological relevance were mainly correlated with MEM variables. We found that precipitation and temperature were the best environmental predictors, whereas topographic factors were rarely involved in environmental associations. Climatic factors, subject to rapid variation as a result of the current global warming, are known to strongly influence the fate of alpine plants. Our study shows, for the first time for a large number of species, that the same environmental variables are drivers of plant adaptation at the scale of a whole biome, here the European Alps.
Admixture mapping of male nuptial colour and body shape in a recently formed hybrid population of threespine stickleback
Authors: MALEK TIFFANY B. , BOUGHMAN JANETTE W. , DWORKIN IAN , PEICHEL CATHERINE L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDespite recent progress, we still know relatively little about the genetic architecture that underlies adaptation to divergent environments. Determining whether the genetic architecture of phenotypic adaptation follows any predictable patterns requires data from a wide variety of species. However, in many organisms, genetic studies are hindered by the inability to perform genetic crosses in the laboratory or by long generation times. Admixture mapping is an approach that circumvents these issues by taking advantage of hybridization that occurs between populations or species in the wild. Here, we demonstrate the utility of admixture mapping in a naturally occurring hybrid population of threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from Enos Lake, British Columbia. Until recently, this lake contained two species of sticklebacks adapted to divergent habitats within the lake. This benthic–limnetic species pair diverged in a number of phenotypes, including male nuptial coloration and body shape, which were previously shown to contribute to reproductive isolation between them. However, recent ecological disturbance has contributed to extensive hybridization between the species, and there is now a single, admixed population within Enos Lake. We collected over 500 males from Enos Lake and found that most had intermediate nuptial colour and body shape. By genotyping males with nuptial colour at the two extremes of the phenotypic distribution, we identified seven genomic regions on three chromosomes associated with divergence in male nuptial colour. These genomic regions are also associated with variation in body shape, suggesting that tight linkage and/or pleiotropy facilitated adaptation to divergent environments in benthic–limnetic species pairs.
Reservoir sedimentation and mitigation measures
Authors: Stefanidis Panagiotis , Stefanidis Stefanos 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe biggest threat to reservoirs after their construction, which can reduce their capacity, life cycle and water quality, is sediments carried inflowing streams. The sediment volumes in four reservoirs in Central Macedonia, Greece, were measured in this study. These measurements indicated the study reservoirs are under serious threat from sedimentation. Appropriate measures to protect these newly formed reservoirs from sedimentation also are proposed.
Intrauterine insulin resistance in fetuses of overweight mothers
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Yun , Liang Jian‐ming , Voss Courtney , Xiao Huan‐yu , Sheng Wei‐yang , Sun Yan‐hong , Wang Zi‐lian 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  To investigate the relationship between maternal overweight and fetal insulin resistance.Material and Methods:  Nineteen overweight and 30 lean pregnant women were recruited in the present study. Maternal and fetal insulin resistance were determined by measuring sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations in maternal venous or umbilical cord serum, respectively. Maternal age, gestational age, height, pre‐gravidity weight, pre‐partum weight, as well as fetal gender, birth weight, birth height, and head circumference were collected as clinical data.Results:  Fetuses of overweight mothers had larger birth weight (3.58 ± 0.55 kg vs 3.32 ± 0.42, adjusted P = 0.006) and lower SHBG concentrations (26.64 ± 3.65 vs 34.36 ± 7.84, adjusted P = 0.007) than those of lean mothers after values were adjusted for potential cofactors. Fetal SHBG level was negatively correlated with pre‐gravidity body mass index (R = −0.392, adjusted P = 0.025) and weight gain during pregnancy (R = −0.332, adjusted P = 0.026) even with adjustment for potential cofactors. Among the 29 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, the overweight mothers had higher H1AC levels than their lean counterparts (6.47 ± 0.44 vs 5.74 ± 0.52, adjusted P = 0.004).Conclusion:  Intrauterine insulin resistance is more prominent in fetuses of overweight mothers, an effect that is decreased by weight gain control during pregnancy.
Acute Hospital Use, Nursing Home Placement, and Mortality in a Frail Community‐Dwelling Cohort Managed with Primary Integrated Interdisciplinary Elder Care at Home
Authors: Rosenberg Ted 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of medical Primary Integrated Interdisciplinary Elder Care at Home (PIECH) on acute hospital use and mortality in a frail elderly population.DesignComparison of acute hospital care use for the year before entering the practice (pre‐entry) with the most‐recent 12‐month period (May 1, 2010–April 30, 2011, postentry) for active and discharged patients.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsAll 248 frail elderly adults enrolled in the practice for at least 12 months who were living in the community and not in nursing homes in Victoria, British Columbia.InterventionPrimary geriatric care provided by a physician, nurse, and physiotherapist in participants' homes.MeasurementsAcute hospital admissions, emergency department (ED) contacts that did not lead to admission, reason for leaving practice, and site of death.ResultsThere was a 39.7% (116 vs 70; P = .004) reduction in hospital admissions, 37.6% (1,700 vs 1,061; P = .04) reduction in hospital days, and 20% (120 vs 95; P = .20) reduction in ED contacts after entering the practice. Fifty participants were discharged from the practice, 64% (n = 32) of whom died, 20% (n = 10) moved, and 16% (n = 8) were admitted to nursing homes. Fifteen (46.9%) deaths occurred at home.Conclusion
Primary Integrated Interdisciplinary Elder Care at Home may reduce acute hospital admissions and facilitate home deaths.
Atrial Fibrillation: An Independent Risk Factor for Nonaccidental Falls in Older Patients
Authors: SANDERS NATALIE A. , GANGULY JOYA A. , JETTER TAWNI L. , DACCARETT MARCOS , WASMUND STEPHEN L. , BRIGNOLE MICHELINO , HAMDAN MOHAMED H. 
Published: June 2012

Background: Nonaccidental falls are often the result of a combination of factors including cardiovascular disorders such as orthostatic hypotension and unspecified cardiac arrhythmias. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and nonaccidental falls.
Methods: We reviewed the records of 442 consecutive patients >65 years old who presented to the Emergency Department at the University of Utah Medical Center with a complaint of fall.
Results: Two‐hundred eleven patients presented with nonaccidental fall, 231 patients with accidental fall. Patients with nonaccidental fall were more likely to be older, have a history of hypertension and neurological disorders, and taking five or more medications when compared to patients with accidental fall. Despite a similar prevalence of sinus rhythm at presentation, the prevalence of a history of AF was significantly higher in patients with nonaccidental fall compared to patients with accidental fall (26% vs 15%; P = 0.003). After adjusting for clinically and statistically significant predictors with a multivariate logistic regression analysis, AF, neurological disorders, and age ≤81 years were independent predictors of nonaccidental fall. In patients ≤81 years old (median age), the risk of nonaccidental falls was 2.5 times greater in patients with a history of AF when compared to those without a history of AF (odds ratio = 2.53 [confidence interval 95% 1.3–5], P = 0.007).
Conclusion: AF is an independent risk factor for nonaccidental falls. Our results emphasize the need to screen for AF in patients presenting with nonaccidental fall.(PACE 2012; 35:973–979)
The first recombinant human coagulation factor VIII of human origin: human cell line and manufacturing characteristics
Authors: Casademunt Elisabeth , Martinelle Kristina , Jernberg Mats , Winge Stefan , Tiemeyer Maya , Biesert Lothar , Knaub Sigurd , Walter Olaf , Schröder Carola 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIntroductionSince the early 1990s, recombinant human clotting factor VIII (rhFVIII) produced in hamster cells has been available for haemophilia A treatment. However, the post‐translational modifications of these proteins are not identical to those of native human FVIII, which may lead to immunogenic reactions and the development of inhibitors against rhFVIII. For the first time, rhFVIII produced in a human host cell line is available.AimWe describe here the establishment of the first human production cell line for rhFVIII and the manufacturing process of this novel product.Methods and resultsA human cell line expressing rhFVIII was derived from human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 F cells transfected with an FVIII expression plasmid. No virus or virus‐like particles could be detected following extensive testing. The stringently controlled production process is completely free from added materials of animal or human origin. Multistep purification employing a combination of filtration and chromatography steps ensures the efficient removal of impurities. Solvent/detergent treatment and a 20 nm pore size nanofiltration step, used for the first time in rhFVIII manufacturing, efficiently eliminate any hypothetically present viruses. In contrast to hamster cell‐derived products, this rhFVIII product does not contain hamster‐like epitopes, which might be expected to be immunogenic.ConclusionsHEK 293 F cells, whose parental cell line HEK 293 has been used by researchers for decades, are a suitable production cell line for rhFVIII and will help avoid immunogenic epitopes. A modern manufacturing process has been developed to ensure the highest level of purity and pathogen safety.
Adélie penguins and temperature changes in Antarctica: a long‐term view
Authors: MILLAR Craig D. , SUBRAMANIAN Sankar , HEUPINK Tim H. , SWAMINATHAN Siva , BARONI Carlo , LAMBERT David M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDuring the summer months, Adélie penguins represent the dominant biomass of terrestrial Antarctica. Literally millions of individuals nest in ice‐free areas around the coast of the continent. Hence, these modern populations of Adélie penguins have often been championed as an ideal biological indicator of ecological and environmental changes that we currently face. In addition, Adélie penguins show an extraordinary record of sub‐fossil remains, dating back to the late Pleistocene. At this time, temperatures were much lower than now. Hence, this species offers unique long‐term information, at both the genomic and ecological levels, about how a species has responded to climate change over more than 40 000 years.
Effect of halogen light irradiation on hydrogen peroxide bleaching: an in vitro study
Authors: Liang S , Sa Y , Sun L , Ma X , Wang Z , Xing W , Jiang T , Wang Y 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of halogen light irradiation on hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching by assessing HP concentrations, tooth whitening efficacy, and temperature variations in bleaching agents and pulp chambers.Methods:  Sixteen premolars were randomly divided into two groups: Group BL (bleaching agent with halogen light irradiation for 3 × 10 minutes) and Group B (bleaching agent alone). HP concentrations were tested before and after treatment. CIE L*a*b* values of specimens were obtained using a spectrophotometer. Temperatures of bleaching gels and pulpal chambers were recorded by a digital multimeter with K‐type thermocouple. Data were analysed using ANOVA and paired t‐test.Results:  After treatment, HP concentration in group BL was slightly higher than that in group B. Paired t‐tests revealed significant differences of ΔE between groups BL and B in all time intervals except at day 35. The temperature rise of bleaching gels and pulpal chambers in group BL was significantly higher than that in group B.Conclusions:  In‐office bleaching was effective for tooth whitening. The involvement of halogen light was beneficial for the immediate whitening effect but had little impact on the long‐term whitening effect.
Development of a Model
for the Prediction of Wheel and Rail Wear in the Railway
Field
Authors: Ignesti M. , Marini L. , Meli E. , Rindi A. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The wear prediction at the wheel-rail interface is a fundamental problem in the railway field, mainly correlated to the planning of maintenance interventions, vehicle stability, and the possibility of researching strategies for the design of optimal wheel and rail profiles from the wear point of view. The authors in this work present a model specifically developed for the evaluation of the wheel and rail wear and of the wheel and rail profiles evolution. The model layout is made up of two mutually interactive parts: a vehicle model for the dynamical analysis and a model for the wear estimation. The first one is a 3D multibody model of a railway vehicle where the wheel-rail interaction is implemented in a C/C++ user routine. Particularly, the research of the contact points between wheel and rail is based on an innovative algorithm developed by authors in previous works, while normal and tangential forces in the contact patches are calculated according to the Hertz and Kalker’s global theory, respectively. The wear model is mainly based on experimental relationships found in literature between the removed material by wear and the energy dissipated by friction at the contact. It starts from the outputs of the dynamical simulations (position of contact points, contact forces, and global creepages) and calculates the pressures inside the contact patches through a local contact model; then, the material removed by wear is evaluated and the worn profiles of wheel and rail are obtained. In order to reproduce the wear evolution, the overall mileage traveled by the vehicle is divided into discrete steps, within which the wheel and rail profiles are constant; after carrying out the dynamical simulations relative to one step, the profiles are updated by means of the wear model. Therefore, the two models work alternately until completing the whole mileage. Moreover, the different time scales characterizing the wheel and rail wear evolutions require the development of a suitable strategy for the profile update; the strategy proposed by the authors is based both on the total distance traveled by the vehicle and on the total tonnage burden on the track. The entire model has been developed and validated in collaboration with Trenitalia S.p.A. and Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), which have provided the technical documentation and the experimental results relating to some tests performed with the vehicle DMU Aln 501 Minuetto on the Aosta-Pre Saint Didier line.
The effect of a healthy lifestyle programme on 8–9 year olds from social disadvantage
Authors: Breslin Gavin , Brennan Deirdre , Rafferty Ruth , Gallagher Alison M , Hanna Donncha 
Published: June 2012

AimsThis study assessed the efficacy of a school-based healthy lifestyle intervention (Sport for LIFE) for increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behaviour, reducing screen time behaviour, encouraging healthy attitudes and behaviour to nutrition, and reducing body mass index (BMI) in 8–9-year-old primary school children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Northern Ireland.MethodsA non-randomised controlled trial of 416 children from 24 schools took part. Schools were randomly assigned to one of two groups, an intervention or control group with 12 schools in each group. The intervention group received a 12-week school-based programme based on social cognitive theory. At baseline and follow-up, groups completed questionnaires assessing physical activity, screen time behaviour and dietary patterns. On each occasion anthropometric assessments of height and weight were taken. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured by accelerometry.ResultsSignificant effects were observed for vigorous, moderate and light activity for the intervention group at follow-up. Sedentary behaviour was significantly reduced for the intervention group but not for the control group. No significant effects of the intervention on BMI, screen time behaviour or attitudes to nutrition, with the exception of non-core foods, were shown.ConclusionsThe programme was effective in increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour, however no significant changes in screen time behaviour and attitude to nutrition, with the exception of non-core foods, were observed. Future research ideas are offered for tackling low levels of physical activity in children.
The oral corticosteroid-sparing effect of omalizumab in children with severe asthma
Authors: Brodlie Malcolm , McKean Michael C , Moss Samantha , Spencer David A 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo report the oral corticosteroid-sparing effect of omalizumab in children with severe asthma.Design16-week therapeutic trial.SettingTertiary paediatric asthma clinic.Patients34 children with severe asthma maintained on oral prednisolone (median age 12 years; 15 children <12 years and 19 children ≥12 years).InterventionsFortnightly or monthly subcutaneous injections of omalizumab; the dose was calculated as per manufacturer's instructions based on body weight and serum immunoglobulin E concentration.Main outcome measuresReduction in prednisolone dose; mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ); Childhood Asthma Control Test (ACT); forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1).ResultsMedian daily prednisolone dose reduced from 20 mg to 5 mg (n=34, p<0.0001), including seven children who stopped prednisolone completely. Mini-AQLQ score increased from 3.5 to 5.9 (n=24, p<0.0001). Childhood ACT score increased from 12 to 20 (n=23, p=0.0001). FEV1increased from 2.10 to 2.25 litres (n=31, non-significant). The reduction in prednisolone dose and improvements in mini-AQLQ and childhood ACT were significant in children both under and over 12 years of age, with no differences in outcome detected between these two groups.ConclusionsA 16-week therapeutic trial of omalizumab allowed a significant reduction in daily prednisolone dose and was associated with improvements in asthma control and quality of life in 34 children with severe asthma. Similar benefits were seen in children both above and below 12 years of age. These uncontrolled data are very encouraging. There is an urgent requirement for a multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial of omalizumab in children with severe asthma, with reduction in oral corticosteroid dose as the primary outcome measure.