bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Milder clinical hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome phenotype is associated with partial interleukin-17 deficiency
Authors: Van De Veerdonk F L , Marijnissen R , Joosten L A B , Kullberg B J , Drenth J P H , Netea M G , van Der Meer J W M 
Published: October 2009

Summary
Mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were reported to cause hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES). The present study investigates T helper type 17 (Th17) responses triggered by the relevant stimuli Staphylococcus aureus and Candidia albicans in five ‘classical’ HIES patients, and a family with three patients who all had a milder HIES phenotype. We demonstrate that patients with various forms of HIES have different defects in their Th17 response to S. aureus and C. albicans, and this is in line with the clinical features of the disease. Interestingly, a partial deficiency of interleukin (IL)-17 production, even when associated with STAT3 mutations, leads to a milder clinical phenotype. We also observed defective Th17 responses in patients with the ‘classical’ presentation of the disease but without STAT3 mutations. These data demonstrate that defective IL-17 production in response to specific pathogens can differ between patients with HIES and that the extent of the defective Th17 response determines their clinical phenotype.
Vibroseis productivity: shake and go
Authors: Krohn Christine , Johnson Marvin , Ho Rachel , Norris Michael 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTWe use both model and field data to compare three methods for increasing vibroseis productivity and decreasing acquisition costs. The first method, HFVS (high‐fidelity vibratory seismic), allows us to separate the responses from individual vibrators when multiple vibrators are operating simultaneously. The data quality of the separated records is superior to that of conventional correlated data because they are processed with measured ground‐force signals, but the number of sweeps must be greater than or equal to the number of vibrators. The second method, cascaded sweep, eliminates the listening time between multiple sweeps and partially mitigates harmonic noise observed at later times on near‐offset traces. Finally, a combined method, continuous‐HFVS (C‐HFVS), allows source separation with a single, long, segmented sweep. Separation is as good as with HFVS and interference noise is limited to times near the end of a sweep‐segment length. All three methods produce acceptable seismic images for post‐stack and prestack amplitude interpretation.The choice of which option to use depends upon the area being investigated. HFVS has numerous benefits, especially when fine sampling is required to mitigate static problems and elevation changes. Due to the ability to separate individual responses, fine sampling can be achieved without sacrificing productivity. For deeper targets, cascaded sweep can be more efficient but data quality suffers from harmonic noise. C‐HFVS, which combines features of HFVS and cascaded sweep, has the potential to result in the highest productivity, without sacrificing either fine sampling or data quality.
How do hydraulic vibrators work? A look inside the black box
Authors: Sallas John J. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTIn order to have realistic expectations of what output is achievable from a seismic vibrator, an understanding of the machine's limitations is essential. This tutorial is intended to provide some basics on how hydraulic vibrators function and the constraints that arise from their design. With these constraints in mind, informed choices can be made to match machine specifications to a particular application or sweeps can be designed to compensate for performance limits.
Nonlinear structure‐enhancing filtering using plane‐wave prediction*
Authors: Liu Yang , Fomel Sergey , Liu Guochang 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTAttenuation of random noise and enhancement of structural continuity can significantly improve the quality of seismic interpretation. We present a new technique, which aims at reducing random noise while protecting structural information. The technique is based on combining structure prediction with either similarity‐mean filtering or lower‐upper‐middle filtering. We use structure prediction to form a structural prediction of seismic traces from neighbouring traces. We apply a non‐linear similarity‐mean filter or an lower‐upper‐middle filter to select best samples from different predictions. In comparison with other common filters, such as mean or median, the additional parameters of the non‐linear filters allow us to better control the balance between eliminating random noise and protecting structural information. Numerical tests using synthetic and field data show the effectiveness of the proposed structure‐enhancing filters.
Comparative proteomic analysis of Orobanche and Phelipanche species inferred from seed proteins
Authors: CASTILLEJO M A , FERNÁNDEZ‐APARICIO M , SATOVIC Z , RUBIALES D 
Published: October 2009

Summary Orobanche and Phelipanche species are root parasitic plants some of which infect important crops, causing extensive damage. In an attempt to unravel molecular systematic in these genera using protein markers, we established the protein profile of twelve species by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). Proteins were detected by Sypro Ruby staining and the gel images were digitalised and analysed. The 2‐DE maps contained from 30 to 140 protein spots for the analysed species. A virtual master gel was built with spots present in all species and revealing the presence of 260 protein spots. Only one protein was monomorphic, while 143 were unique to a single species. Proteins were scored for the presence or absence of homologous spots to create a binary matrix. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using maximum parsimony and distance method. The trees obtained were rooted using Cistanche phelypaea as an out‐group. Both analyses showed Orobanche as a monophyletic group. AMOVA analysis revealed phenotypic diversity between species within genera, as well as a considerable level of variation between genera. This is a first step to help in the phylogenetic classification of parasitic plants by means of proteomics.
Examining the social landscapes of alternative reproductive strategies
Authors: FORMICA V. A. , TUTTLE E. M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSocial environments are inherently dynamic, often changing depending on the frequency and outcomes of conspecific interactions – they can be simultaneously the targets and agents of selection. Understanding how organisms settle in heterogeneous social environments and the effects this has on reproductive success is vital to our understanding of the selective forces at work in wild populations. From an intensive behavioural and ecological study of territoriality in the polymorphic white‐throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), we demonstrate that males of the two morphs inhabit social niches that correspond to their respective alternative reproductive strategies. By integrating molecular ecology and Geographic Information Systems, we generated continuous, socio‐spatial models of local conspecific density and cuckoldry risk. Our results suggest that the morphs segregate their territories based on socio‐spatial variables, creating a heterogeneous social landscape that matches each behavioural phenotype with a favourable social environment. Specifically, the monogamous tan males tended to settle in low‐density areas that were also low for cuckoldry risk, while the opposite was true for the promiscuous white males. This pattern of socio‐spatial heterogeneity, combined with the social niche partitioning we observed, might act as asocialniche polymorphism, and play an important role in maintenance of the alternative reproductive strategies of the white‐throated sparrow. Socio‐spatial factors, similar to those observed in the white‐throated sparrow, may play important roles in the evolution of mating systems in other species, even those with more continuous or cryptic variation.
Single and multigenerational responses of body mass to atmospheric oxygen concentrations in Drosophila melanogaster : evidence for roles of plasticity and evolution
Authors: KLOK C. J. , HUBB A. J. , HARRISON J. F. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractGreater oxygen availability has been hypothesized to be important in allowing the evolution of larger invertebrates during the Earth’s history, and across aquatic environments. We tested for evolutionary and developmental responses of adult body size of Drosophila melanogaster to hypoxia and hyperoxia. Individually reared flies were smaller in hypoxia, but hyperoxia had no effect. In each of three oxygen treatments (hypoxia, normoxia or hyperoxia) we reared three replicate lines of flies for seven generations, followed by four generations in normoxia. In hypoxia, responses were due primarily to developmental plasticity, as average body size fell in one generation and returned to control values after one to two generations of normoxia. In hyperoxia, flies evolved larger body sizes. Maximal fly mass was reached during the first generation of return from hyperoxia to normoxia. Our results suggest that higher oxygen levels could cause invertebrate species to evolve larger average sizes, rather than simply permitting evolution of giant species.
Safety of blood donation from individuals with treated hypertension or non‐insulin dependent type 2 diabetes – a systematic review
Authors: Stainsby D. , Brunskill S. , Chapman C. E. , Dorée C. , Stanworth S. 
Published: October 2009

Background and Objectives  This systematic review was aimed at finding evidence for the safety of blood donation by individuals with treated hypertension or type 2 diabetes. It was undertaken as part of a wider project to re‐evaluate exclusion criteria for UK blood donors with a view to increasing eligibility.Materials and Methods  Searches were undertaken in the Cochrane Library to 2008, MEDLINE (1950 onwards), EMBASE (1974 onwards), CINAHL (1982 onwards), BNID (1994 onwards), the NHSBT SRI Handsearching Database and the Web of Science (all years) to February 2008. Planned analysis was largely descriptive.Results  We identified only 16 relevant papers. None of the identified studies directly addressed the review questions and methodological appraisal highlighted a number of deficiencies. However all included papers provided contributory data and the findings were consistent. No study found any evidence of increased risk to homologous (allogeneic) or autologous blood donors with treated hypertension or with raised baseline systolic blood pressure up to 200 mmHg. We found very few data relating to blood donation by diabetic subjects.Conclusions  No identified study indicated that raised baseline blood pressure level, treated hypertension or diabetes was predictive of increased adverse reactions in blood donors but the level of overall evidence was limited. This is the first attempt to systematically review a donor area as part of an approach to change longstanding practice recommendations, and may have implications for other recommendations for changes in donor acceptance criteria.
Impact of preoperative serum sodium concentration in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Fukuhara Takasuke , Ikegami Toru , Morita Kazutoyo , Umeda Kenji , Ueda Shigeru , Nagata Shigeyuki , Sugimachi Keishi , Gion Tomonobu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Soejima Yuji , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The importance of hyponatremia in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) has been recently discussed frequently. However, its impact on the outcomes in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has not yet been elucidated. The current study was designed to demonstrate the impact of pre‐transplant sodium concentration on postoperative clinical outcomes.Methods:  One hundred and thirty‐four patients who underwent LDLT for end‐stage liver diseases were examined to evaluate the significance of pre‐transplant hyponatremia (Na ≤ 130 mEq/L) on the short‐term clinical outcomes and the efficacy of the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease and serum sodium (MELD‐Na) score using the sodium concentration and original MELD score.Results:  The preoperative sodium and MELD score for all patients were 133.9 mEq/L (range: 109–142) and 16.2 (range: 6–38), respectively. According to a multivariate analysis, not only the MELD score (P = 0.030) but also the sodium concentration (P = 0.005) were found to be significant predictive factors for short‐term graft survival. Preoperative hyponatremia was a significant risk factor for the occurrence of sepsis (P < 0.001), renal dysfunction (P < 0.001) and encephalopathy (P = 0.026). The MELD‐Na score was 19.6 (range: 6–51) and the area under the receiver–operator curve of that (c‐statistics: 0.867) was higher than MELD score and sodium concentration (c‐statistics: 0.820 and 0.842, respectively).Conclusion:  Preoperative hyponatremia was a significant risk for postoperative complications and short‐term graft loss. The addition of sodium concentration to MELD score might therefore be an effective predictor for post‐transplant short‐term mortality in LDLT.
Toward elimination and eradication of hepatitis B
Authors: Chen Ding‐Shinn 
Published: October 2009

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) causes important human health problems. It has infected one‐third of the world's population and approximately 360 million people are chronic carriers. Worldwide, 0.5–1.2 million deaths are attributed to HBV infection annually. Therefore, global control of HBV infection is important. HBV infection can be intervened by interrupting routes of transmission, treating the chronically infected, and preventing the susceptibles with immunoprophylaxis. All these measures are effective. Nevertheless, although pegylated interferons or nucleos(t)ide analogs are effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, chronic carriage of HBV is not easy to eliminate, as revealed by the frequent persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen, despite satisfactory responses to these treatments. On the other hand, hepatitis B vaccination has been shown to preclude HBV infection effectively. This is particularly true for pre‐exposure prophylaxis. Worthy of note is the universal vaccination of newborn infants. This is the most effective means of preventing HBV infection, especially for those born to HBV carrier mothers. To eliminate and eradicate hepatitis B, first, HBV in the chronically infected should be eradicated or strongly and efficiently suppressed, so that the infection does not spread rampantly. Second, all the transmission routes should be interrupted. Lastly, but most effectively, is to immunize all susceptibles. The difficulties and possible solutions of each approach are discussed. In conclusion, the existing means to prevent and treat HBV infection render our goal toward eliminating and eradicating hepatitis B possible, although it will take much time and effort to achieve this objective.
Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia–Pacific region: Consensus statements
Authors:   Asia–Pacific Working Party on Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published: October 2009

AbstractAmong approximately 650 000 people who die from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) each year, at least two‐thirds live in Asia. Efforts to improve early diagnosis and treatment have not yet impacted mortality. An Asia–Pacific Working Party convened in Hong Kong in June 2008 to consider ways to prevent HCC in this region. Separate reviews have summarized epidemiology of HCC, preventive approaches related to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and non‐viral liver diseases, and the role of surveillance to detect HCC at a curative stage. We now present Consensus Statements from these deliberations and reviews. As chronic hepatitis B is the most common cause of HCC in Asia, effective hepatitis B vaccination programs are the most important strategy to reduce HCC incidence. Prevention of HCV by screening blood donors, universal precautions against blood contamination in health‐care settings and reducing HCV transmission from injection drug use are also vital. There is strong evidence that effective antiviral therapy to control HBV infection or eradicate HCV substantially reduces (but does not abolish) HCC risk. With hemochromatosis, family screening, early diagnosis and correcting iron overload to prevent liver fibrosis prevents HCC. There is currently insufficient evidence to give firm recommendations on alcohol, obesity/metabolic risk factors and other liver diseases. HCC surveillance for high‐risk groups is recommended in individual cases but cost‐effectiveness is not as high as infant hepatitis B vaccination and screening blood for HCV. Widespread application of HCC surveillance in Asia–Pacific countries depends on economic factors and health‐care priorities.
A Longitudinal Study of Conflict and Inner State Talk in Children's Conversations with Mothers and Younger Siblings
Authors: Hughes Claire , Marks Alex , Ensor Rosie , Lecce Serena 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis study examined developmental change and variation across social context in the quality of children's conversations, with a dual focus on (1) conflict and (2) inner state talk (IST). Each measure was coded as a proportion of total talk, using transcripts from 57 three‐ to six‐year‐olds, filmed at home at two time points (12 months apart) in two distinct contexts (dyadic play with younger siblings and unstructured routine interactions with mothers). Frequencies of conflict and IST did not change between time points. However, IST changed in function, such that the proportion of IST within explanations increased over time. At each time point: (1) children talked about inner states (especially others' inner states) more often with younger siblings than with mothers; and (2) conflict was more strongly associated with talk about children's own inner states within conversations with mothers (meanr =.46) than with younger siblings (meanr =.02). Together, these findings highlight the need to consider both conflict and IST as relationship‐specific constructs.
THE EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY AND LIFE HISTORY OF THE PSEUDOSCORPION NEO BISIUM MUSCORUM
Authors: GABBUTT PETER D. , VACHON MAX 
Published: October 2009

The external morphology of all stages of Neobisium muscorum (Leach) is described, particular attention being paid to the chaetotaxy. The morphogenesis of those, and other characters of taxonomic importance, has been followed through all the nymphal stages to the adults. On this basis we have endeavoured to estimate the possible value of certain features for future systematic work; these include the chaetotaxy of the cephalothorax and tergites, the trichobothria, the blades of the flagellae and the chaetae of the chelicerae, the teeth of the chela and the measurements and ratios of various structures. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a precise study of all stages, not only to distinguish each of them, but also to discover those specific and generic characters of real taxonomic value.The life history, based on a quantitative sampling technique, is described from data from four sites. The seasonal variations in the densities of nymphs and adults suggest that one or two generations may be produced each year. A comparison is made with continental work and the ecological and geographical implications are discussed.La morphologie externe des quatre stades (nymphes et adulte) est décrite avec un soin particulier. La comparaison des nymphes et des adultes permet au taxonomiste de suivre la morphogenèse des caractères qu'il utilise; dans une certaine mesure, il est plus facile d' apprécier la valeur taxonomique d'un caractère si la genèse en a été suivie stade par stade et si l'on connaît les limites de sa variabilité ou de sa stabilité. C'est dans ce sens que sont formulées des remarques sur la chaetotaxie du céphalothorax et des tergites, sur les trichobothries des pinces, les soies du flagelle des chélicères, les soies des chélicères, les rapports morphométriques des articles appendiculaires, la denture des pinces des pattes‐mâchoires. Ces remarques soulignent la grande importance d'une étude précise de tous les stades du développement, non seulement afin de les reconnaître entre eux, mais encore afin de découvrir la valeur taxonomique de certains caractères spécifiques, mais aussi génériques.Les variations de la densité des populations des nymphes et des adultes, leur succession au cours de l'année, l'existence d'une ou deux geanérations par an, sont exposées et commentées à l'aide de graphiques et de tableaux. Les différences écologiques relevées dans les quatre stations, permettent d'expliquer les variations de densité, les chevauchements de générations de nymphes et la disparition possible d'une des générations annuelles.
ON THE ROLE OF ALLOPREENING INVITATION BEHAVIOUR IN REDUCING AGGRESSION AMONG RED AVADAVATS, WITH COMMENTS ON ITS EVOLUTION IN THE SPERMESTIDAE
Authors: SPARKS JOHN H. 
Published: October 2009

This paper discusses the occurence of allopreening and allopreening invitation behaviour in red avadavats, and analyses tho factors which cause these birds to groom partners. It was found that allopreening tended to be temporally linked with aggression and autopreening beaviour in the actor, but that on many occasions, no signs of aggression preceded the act of allopreening. Allopreening invitation behaviour with the head feathers fully raised occurred in situations when the inviting individual was attacked and in response to being pecked or allopreened.Alloprcening bouts which are tomporally correlated with autopreening behaviour may be a response by the groomer to the feathers of the clumping partner whon the preening tendency of the former bird is alroady activated.From tho evidence submitted, it seems as though the allopreening invitation posture elicits non‐aggressive preening in a bird which is likely to attack. It thus appears to act as an appeasement gesture; head ruffling changes the motivation of a bird tending to be aggressive. It was also found, however, that allopreening invitation behaviour may occur independently of appeasement.The evolution of the Spermestid allopreening invitation posture from a “fluffed” body posture is also discussed.
SOME NEW OR LITTLE KNOWN SOLIFUGAE FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA
Authors: LAWRENCE R. F. 
Published: October 2009

Two species and one subspecies of the family Solpugidae are described as new, viz. Zeriassa luxeni and Solpuga strepsiceros nocturnus from the Kruger National Park, E. Transvaal, Solpugema broadleyi from Southern Rhodesia.Three new species of the family Daesiidae are also described, two, Broomiella browni and Hemiblossia termitophila, from South West Africa, one, Blossiola singularis, from the Kruger National Park.A supplementary description is given of the two sexes of Solpuga celeripes Hirst, described in 1911 from Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia.