bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat use of cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) in a highly productive, hypoxic continental shelf ecosystem
Authors: CRAIG J. K. , GILLIKIN P. C. , MAGELNICKI M. A. , MAY L. N. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractHighly productive surface waters and hypoxic (dissolved oxygen, DO ≤ 2.0 mg L−1) bottom waters develop seasonally on the northwestern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf due to nutrient and freshwater inputs from the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya River system. We investigated the spatial distribution of the cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus), a highly mobile, bentho‐pelagic species that is a seasonal resident of the shelf, in relation to surface chlorophyll, bottom‐water hypoxia, and other environmental variables (salinity, temperature, depth). We used synoptic trawl and aerial surveys to investigate ray distributions at both shelfwide (100–1000s km) and local (5–50 km) spatial scales. Shelfwide sampling indicated that rays were associated with regions of high surface chlorophyll and low bottom salinity and DO, conditions characterizing the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya plume region. Local sampling in and around the hypoxic zone indicated that rays preferred habitats where bottom waters were hypoxic but they primarily occupied normoxic (DO > 2.0 mg L−1) waters above the bottom hypoxic layer. Stomach fullness and diet composition were similar between rays sampled in habitats with hypoxic versus normoxic bottom waters. These results indicate that cownose rays are strongly associated with riverine‐influenced regions of the shelf and preferentially use habitats with hypoxic bottom waters, perhaps for benthic foraging. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of considering the responses of mobile species to enhanced productivity and to hypoxia‐induced habitat degradation, which are both the products of coastal eutrophication.
Application of the 3D magnetotelluric inversion code in a geologically complex area
Authors: Xiao Qibin , Cai Xinping , Xu Xingwang , Liang Guanghe , Zhang Baolin 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTThe WSINV3DMT code makes the implementation of 3D inversion of magnetotelluric data feasible using a single PC. Audio‐magnetotelluric data were collected along two profiles in a Cu‐Ni mining area in Xinjiang, China, where the apparent resistivity and phase curves, the phase tensors and the magnetic induction vectors indicate a complex 3D conductivity structure. 3D inversions were carried out to reveal the electrical structure of the area. The final 3D model is selected from the inversion results using different initial Lagrange values and steps. The relatively low root‐mean‐square (rms) misfit and model norm indicate a reliable electrical model. The final model includes four types of low resistivity areas, the first ones coincide with the known location of an orebody and further forward modelling indicates that they are not in full connectivity to form a low resistivity zone. The second ones are not controlled by magnetotelluric sites and embody little information of the observed data, they are considered as tedious structures. The third one is near to the regional Kangguer fault and should be treated carefully considering the effect of the fault. The last ones are isolated and existing at a limited level as the first ones, they should be paid more attention to.
Bioclimate envelope model predictions for natural resource management: dealing with uncertainty
Authors: Mbogga Michael S. , Wang Xianli , Hamann Andreas 
Published: June 2010

Summary 1. Bioclimate envelope models are widely used to predict the potential distribution of species under climate change, but they are conceptually also suitable to match policies and practices to anticipated or observed climate change, for example through species choice in reforestation. Projections of bioclimate envelope models, however, come with large uncertainties due to different climate change scenarios, modelling methods and other factors. 2  In this paper we present a novel approach to evaluate uncertainty in model‐based recommendations for natural resource management. Rather than evaluating variability in modelling results as a whole, we extract a particular statistic of interest from multiple model runs, e.g. species suitability for a particular reforestation site. Then, this statistic is subjected to analysis of variance, aiming to narrow the range of projections that practitioners need to consider. 3. In four case studies for western Canada we evaluate five sources of uncertainty with two to five treatment levels, including modelling methods, interpolation type for climate data, inclusion of topo‐edaphic variables, choice of general circulation models, and choice of emission scenarios. As dependent variables, we evaluate changes to tree species habitat and ecosystem distributions under 144 treatment combinations. 4. For these case studies, we find that the inclusion of topo‐edaphic variables as predictors reduces projected habitat shifts by a quarter, and general circulation models had major main effects. Our contrasting modelling approaches primarily contributed to uncertainty through interaction terms with climate change predictions, i.e. the methods behaved differently for particular climate change scenarios (e.g. warm & moist scenarios) but similar for others. 5. Synthesis and applications. Partitioning of variance components helps with the interpretation of modelling results and reveals how models can most efficiently be improved. Quantifying variance components for main effects and interactions among sources of uncertainty also offers researchers the opportunity to filter out biologically and statistically unreasonable modelling results, providing practitioners with an improved range of predictions for climate‐informed natural resource management.
Insights into the function of the WhiB‐like protein of mycobacteriophage TM4 – a transcriptional inhibitor of WhiB2
Authors: Rybniker Jan , Nowag Angela , Van Gumpel Edeltraud , Nissen Nicole , Robinson Nirmal , Plum Georg , Hartmann Pia 
Published: June 2010

SummaryWhiB‐like proteins of actinomycetes are known to co‐ordinate iron‐sulfur (Fe‐S) clusters and are believed to have regulatory functions in many essential bacterial processes. The systematic determination of the genome sequences of mycobacteriophages has revealed the presence of several whiB‐like genes in these viruses. Here we focussed on the WhiB‐like protein of mycobacteriophage TM4, WhiBTM4. We provide evidence that this viral protein is capable of co‐ordinating a Fe‐S cluster. The UV‐visible absorption spectra obtained from freshly purified and reconstituted WhiBTM4 were consistent with the presence of an oxygen sensitive [2Fe‐2S] cluster. Expression of WhiBTM4 in the mycobacterial host led to hindered septation resembling a WhiB2 knockout phenotype whereas basal expression of WhiBTM4 led to superinfection exclusion. The quantification of mRNA‐levels during phage infection showed that whiBTM4 is a highly transcribed early phage gene and a dominant negative regulator of WhiB2. Strikingly, both apo‐WhiB2 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and apo‐WhiBTM4 were capable of binding to the conserved promoter region upstream of the whiB2 gene indicating that WhiB2 regulates its own synthesis which is inhibited in the presence of WhiBTM4. Thus, we provide substantial evidence supporting the hypothesis of viral and bacterial WhiB proteins being important Fe‐S containing transcriptional regulators with DNA‐binding capability.
Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure and gene flow in a small, fragmented population of Sinojackia rehderiana (Styracaceae), an endangered tree species endemic to China
Authors: Yao X. , Zhang J. , Ye Q. , Huang H. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPopulations of Sinojackia rehderiana are highly threatened and have small and scattered distribution due to habitat fragmentation and human activities. Understanding changes in genetic diversity, the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) at different life stages and gene flow of S. rehderiana is critical for developing successful conservation strategies for fragmented populations of this endangered species. In this study, 208 adults, 114 juveniles and 136 seedlings in a 50 × 100‐m transect within an old‐growth forest were mapped and genotyped using eight microsatellite makers to investigate the genetic diversity and SGS of this species. No significant differences in genetic diversity among different life‐history stages were found. However, a significant heterozygote deficiency in adults and seedlings may result from substantial biparental inbreeding. Significant fine‐scale spatial structure was found in different life‐history stages within 19 m, suggesting that seed dispersal mainly occurred near a mother tree. Both historical and contemporary estimates of gene flow (13.06 and 16.77 m) indicated short‐distance gene dispersal in isolated populations of S. rehderiana. The consistent spatial structure revealed in different life stages is most likely the result of limited gene flow. Our results have important implications for conservation of extant populations of S. rehderiana. Measures for promoting pollen flow should be taken for in situ conservation. The presence of a SGS in fragmented populations implies that seeds for ex situ conservation should be collected from trees at least 19‐m apart to reduce genetic similarity between neighbouring individuals.
Effects of Chemical Activation Treatment on Development of Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes Matured In Vitro and Fertilized by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Liang YY , Ye DN , Laowtammathron C , Phermthai T , Nagai T , Somfai T , Parnpai R 
Published: June 2010

ContentsThe objective of this study was to optimize the activation protocol for buffalo oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The release of the second polar body (PB) at 3, 6 and 9 h after ICSI of in‐vitro matured oocytes activated either with 5 μm ionomycin (Io) or with 7% ethanol (EtOH) was preliminary examined. The highest rate of second PB extrusion occurred at 3 h of activation, and the second PB extrusion in EtOH group was significantly higher than that in Io group. Oocytes that extruded the second PB were selected and cultured either with 1.9 mm 6‐dimethylaminopurine (6‐DMAP) for 3 h or with 10 μg/ml cycloheximide (CHX) for 5 h. Significantly higher rate of oocytes formed 2 pronuclei in EtOH combined with CHX (EtOH + CHX) (62%) group compared to those of Io + CHX (42%) and EtOH + 6‐DMAP (48%) groups (p < 0.01) whereas Io + 6‐DMAP group showed intermediate value (58%). Significantly higher blastocyst formation rates were obtained in Io + 6‐DMAP (29%) and EtOH + CHX (24%) groups than in Io + CHX (6%) and EtOH + 6‐DMAP (17%) groups. Our results indicate that buffalo ICSI oocytes are effectively activated by combination treatment of Io with 6‐DMAP and EtOH with CHX resulting in the highest cleavage and blastocyst formation rates.
Percutaneous maintenance and salvage of dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae and grafts by nephrologists in Australia
Authors: MANTHA MURTY , KILLEN JOHN P , BAER RICHARD , MOFFAT JANICE 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Percutaneous endovascular procedures can maintain and salvage dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae and grafts used in haemodialysis. The aim of this study is to report the experience of nephrologists from a single centre in Australia with these procedures.Methods:  A total of 187 consecutive percutaneous vascular procedures (angioplasty, angioplasty ± thrombolysis, stent placement and accessory vein ligation) were performed in 100 haemodialysis patients with dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae and grafts between January 2006 and July 2009 in a single centre. All relevant clinical and radiological data collected during this period were reviewed retrospectively. Post patency rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.Results:  The clinical and anatomic success rates were 93% (172 of 184 interventions) and 91% (169 of 184 interventions), respectively. The overall complication rate was 5.9%. A major complication leading to access loss occurred in one patient (0.5%). The primary patency rates at 6, 12 and 18 months were 72%, 55% and 47%, respectively. The secondary patency rates at 6, 12 and 18 months were 96%, 93% and 90%, respectively. The mean cumulative patency was 36.8 months ± SE 1.27 (95%CI 36.8–39.3). The mean fluoroscopy screening time was 11.5 ± 8.5 min.Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that high anatomic success and excellent patency rates can be obtained with percutaneous endovascular procedures and that appropriately trained interventional nephrologists can perform these procedures safely and effectively.
Progression of graft fibrosis under mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor‐based regimen
Authors: YILMAZ MUMTAZ , NART AHMET , SEN SAIT , TASLI FUNDA , USLU ADAM , HUR ENDER , OZKAHYA MEHMET , HOSCOSKUN CUNEYT , TOZ HUSEYIN 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Nephrotoxic potential of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) is different from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). The aim of this study is to investigate the interstitial fibrosis (ci) and tubular atrophy (ct) progression from the baseline to first year under a mTORi‐based, CNI‐free regimen.Methods:  Thirty‐five kidney transplant recipients who had to have adequate baseline and first year protocol biopsy were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: the replacement of CNI at any time; acute deterioration in allograft functions; and serum creatinine level above 3 mg/dL at 12 months. Banff criteria were used for histopathological classification. Progression was defined as delta ci + ct ≥ 2 (difference between 12th month and baseline).Results:  Mean age of patients and donors were 34 ± 11 and 49 ± 10 years. Twelve patients had delayed graft function (DGF). The maintenance regimen consisted of sirolimus (n = 24) and everolimus (n = 11) with mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. Incidence of acute rejection was 25.7%. At baseline, the incidence of nil and mild fibrosis were 80% and 20%, respectively. At 12 months, 17.1% of patients had moderate, 40% had mild and 42.9% had nil fibrosis. Histological progression from baseline to first year was present in 34% of patients. In multivariate analysis the presence of DGF (P = 0.018) and deceased donor type (P = 0.011) were the most important predictors for fibrosis progression.Conclusion:  Progression of graft fibrosis may be seen in one‐third of patients under a mTORi‐based regimen particularly manifested in deceased donor recipients with subsequent DGF.
High incidence and recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma in Taiwanese patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: WANG TSUNG‐YANG , HU CHIA‐JUNG , KUO CHIN‐WEI , CHEN YU , LIN JA‐LIANG , YANG CHIH‐WEI , YEN TZUNG‐HAI 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  This study examines the epidemiology of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population from Taiwan, the area with the highest incidence and prevalence of ESRD.Methods:  A total of 98 out of 10 890 ESRD patients were referred for management of TCC between 2000 and 2008. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and patient mortality and tumour recurrence rates were analyzed.Results:  TCC patients were aged 61.4 ± 10.2 years and 66.3% were female. The average time from initiation of dialysis to tumour detection was 51.2 ± 36.4 months. Hypertensive nephrosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic glomerulonephritis and unknown aetiology accounted for 25.5%, 20.4%, 22.4% and 31.6% of the causes of renal failure, respectively. The aetiology of renal failure for the 31.6% of patients was unclear, but chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis following long‐term consumption of Chinese herbs (19.4%) or analgesic compounds (3.1%) was considered in some patients. Almost all (98.0%) patients presented with gross haematuria. Most TCC were in early stage (stage 0, 3.1%; stage I, 56.1%) during diagnosis. At the end of this study, 17 of 98 (17.3%) patients died. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that age (odds ratio = 1.140, 95% confidence interval = 1.049–1.239, P = 0.002) and tumour pain (odds ratio = 0.234, 95% confidence interval = 0.057–0.961, P = 0.044) were significant risk factors for all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, 35.7% of TCC recurred during follow up. The 5 year patient and tumour‐free survival rates were 72.4% and 14.4%, respectively.Conclusion:  The data shows that Taiwanese patients with ESRD had high incidence (0.9%) and recurrence (35.7%) of TCC.
Glossopharyngeal insufflation causes lung injury in trained breath‐hold divers
Authors: CHUNG Steven C.S. , SECCOMBE Leigh M. , JENKINS Christine R. , FRATER Clayton J. , RIDLEY Lloyd J. , PETERS Matthew J. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) is a technique practised by competitive breath‐hold divers to enhance their performance. Using the oropharyngeal musculature, air is pumped into the lungs to increase the lung volume above physiological TLC. Experienced breath‐hold divers can increase their lung volumes by up to 3 L. Although the potential for lung injury is evident, there is limited information available. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is any evidence of lung injury following GI, independent of diving.Methods:  Six male, competitive breath‐hold divers were studied. CT of the thorax was performed during breath‐holding at supramaximal lung volumes following GI (CTGI), and subsequently at baseline TLC (CTTLC). CT scans were performed a minimum of 3 days apart. Images were analysed for evidence of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax by investigators who were blinded to the procedure.Results:  None of the subjects showed symptoms or signs of pneumomediastinum. However, in five of six subjects a pneumomediastinum was detected during the CTGI. In three subjects a pneumomediastinum was detected on the CTGI, but had resolved by the time of the CTTLC. In two subjects a pneumomediastinum was seen on both the CTGI and the CTTLC, and these were larger on the day that a maximal GI manoeuvre had been performed. The single subject, in whom a pneumomediastinum was not detected, was demonstrated separately to not be proficient at GI.Conclusions:  Barotrauma was observed in breath‐hold divers who increased their lung volumes by GI. The long‐term effects of this barotrauma are uncertain and longitudinal studies are required to assess cumulative lung damage.
Radical prostatectomy in obese patients: Improved surgical outcomes in recent years
Authors: Lindner Uri , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Abouassaly Robert , Fleshner Neil E , Trachtenberg John 
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  Obesity has been proposed as a risk factor for reduced disease‐specific survival, increased positive surgical margin (PSM) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between obesity and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing RP.Methods:  Medical records of 491 patients who underwent RP from 2004 to 2007 were retrieved from our institutional database. Patients were divided into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): <25, 25–30 (overweight) and >30 kg/m (obese). Outcomes after RP were compared between the groups in terms of length of stay, perioperative complications, BCR, PSM and Gleason scores.Results:  Age, stage and preoperative prostate‐specific antigen were similar between BMI categories. Operating time was prolonged in obese patients (146 vs 135 min, P = 0.01) and blood loss was greater (mean estimated blood loss 640 vs 504 mL, P = 0.02), but did not translate into higher transfusion rates. Early complication rates, PSM rates and Gleason scores were not statistically different between the groups. Significant differences in late outcomes, such as the need for adjunct procedures or BCR (hazard ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.18–1.09), were not shown.Conclusion:  As surgical experience with high BMI patients has developed, RP appears to be a well tolerated procedure in contemporary series, irrespective of BMI. In particular, early outcome parameters, such as PSM and BCR rates, are similar.
Students' perceptions of Blackboard and Moodle in a Portuguese university
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Areal Nelson , Silva Joaquim 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe use of learning management systems (LMS) has grown considerably in universities around the world. The University of Minho (UM) has pioneered in this area in Portugal, adopting Blackboard as its official LMS. Moodle is also used in UM in scattered initiatives, allowing for interesting comparisons.Previous studies comparing Blackboard and Moodle have been confined to limited samples and focused on students' perceptions only. In this paper, we also try to relate those perceptions to the impact of the LMSs on student level of engagement.We assess the extent and depth of use of the two LMSs, presenting the results of a study of students' perceptions and experience with both Blackboard and Moodle. Unlike previous studies, more students (46.5%) stated a preference for Blackboard over Moodle, while 34.7% preferred Moodle, and nearly 20% had no preference. Factors that might explain these results are explored in some detail.By and large, a basic utilisation is made of both platforms, as little more than electronic document repositories, in what Francis and Raftery, in 2005, designate as a Mode 1 level of engagement. We could, however, detect some instances of a more sophisticated Mode 2 utilisation, particularly with Moodle, underlining the role of faculty in integrating a sophisticated use of LMSs when designing their courses.
A 30‐year survey of paediatric tinea capitis in southern Spain
Authors: del Boz J , Crespo V , Rivas‐Ruiz F , de Troya M 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common mycological infection in childhood. The epidemiology of TC varies depending on the geographical area and the time of study, and although it is an important public health problem in our area, only a few long‐term studies have focused on children.Objectives  The aim of this study was to analyse the main epidemiological, clinical and microbiological features of TC in children over 30 years and compare these features with those of other tineas.Methods  We undertook a retrospective study of 818 tineas in children at a referral hospital in southern Spain diagnosed between 1977 and 2006, concentrating on TC.Results  Of the 444 TC diagnosed, 61.5% were in boys. Most children (66.9%) were aged 4–9 years. Twelve patients were immigrants. Inflammatory clinical forms were present in 18.2% of cases. At the time of diagnosis, 10.4% of the cases had been treated with antifungal agents. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Microsporum canis (63.5%).Conclusions  We report the largest study of TC in Spain. Our results were very similar to those in other national studies, noting a predominance of non‐inflammatory cases of TC caused by zoophilic dermatophytes. Although the species of the causal dermatophytes have not varied substantially in this period, the increasing number of immigrants may lead to a change in the aetiology of TC in the future. The number of cases referred to the dermatology department who have already been treated shows a lack of communication between primary care and dermatology.