bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental assessment of nutrient limitation along a 2‐million‐year dune chronosequence in the south‐western Australia biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Laliberté Etienne , Turner Benjamin L. , Costes Thomas , Pearse Stuart J. , Wyrwoll Karl‐Heinz , Zemunik Graham , Lambers Hans 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. The classical model of long‐term ecosystem development suggests that primary productivity is limited by nitrogen (N) on young substrates and phosphorus (P) on older substrates. Measurements of foliar and soil nutrients along soil chronosequences support this model, but direct tests through nutrient‐addition experiments are rare.2. We conducted a nutrient‐limitation bioassay using phytometer species grown in soils from five stages of a >2‐million‐year dune chronosequence in south‐western Australia. This long‐term chronosequence is located within a region of exceptionally high plant species diversity and has not been previously studied in the context of ecosystem development.3. Growth of unfertilized phytometers, a proxy for primary productivity, peaked on young soils (hundreds to a few thousand years) and then declined steadily on older soils. This decline was linked to P limitation, and its rapid appearance (<7000 years) compared to other sequences reflects the low P concentration in the parent material. As predicted, growth of canola was N‐limited on the youngest soil (stage 1), co‐limited by multiple nutrients in stage 2 and increasingly P‐limited thereafter.4. Growth of wheat was P‐limited from stage 2 onwards, yet on the youngest soil it was co‐limited by potassium (K) and micronutrients – most likely iron (Fe). Nitrogen addition also decreased the root:shoot ratio of wheat such that shoot growth was higher than in the control. We attribute these responses to a parent material that is very low in K and N and strongly alkaline (pH [H2O] > 9), being of a marine origin (i.e. carbonate dunes). Fe is poorly soluble at high pH and K likely plays a role in the secretion of Fe‐mobilizing exudates from wheat roots.5. Synthesis. Our results provide strong support for the long‐term ecosystem‐development model, particularly with regard to the appearance of P limitation and associated declines in productivity. However, our study also shows that N cannot be assumed to invariably be the most important limiting nutrient in young soils, and it is unlikely to be the only limiting nutrient in calcareous soils. This south‐western Australian long‐term chronosequence provides an excellent opportunity to explore edaphic controls over plant species diversity.
Experimental mycobacteriosis in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: Zerihun M A , Colquhoun D J , Poppe T T 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPiscine mycobacteriosis causes losses in a number of fish species both in the wild and in aquaculture worldwide. Mycobacterium salmoniphilum infections have on several occasions been reported in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. The present study tested and confirmed the susceptibility of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., an important yet relatively novel aquaculture species, to infection with M. salmoniphilum. Atlantic cod injected intraperitoneally with a suspension of this bacterium were maintained together with cohabitant (COH) fish in a flow‐through marine water system at 10–11 °C. The fish were supervised daily and samples taken at 2, 7, 14, 23, 34 and 53 weeks post‐infection and examined pathologically, bacteriologically and using molecular biology. Injected mycobacteria were re‐isolated in high concentrations from both injected and COH fish groups. Death attributable to mycobacterial infection was observed in both injected (47%) and COH (28%) fish groups. Extensive development of granuloma in visceral organs, mainly the mesenteries, spleen, kidney and liver (lesser extent) and at later stages of the infection in heart tissues and gills, was observed in both injected and COH fish. Granulomas underwent a temporal progression of distinct morphological stages, culminating in well‐circumscribed lesions surrounded by normal or healing tissue. Acid‐fast bacilli were detected in both granulomas and non‐granulomatous tissues. This study confirms that Atlantic cod is highly susceptible to M. salmoniphilum infection and that this bacterial species may be a threat to cod both in the wild and in the aquaculture.
Women with intellectual disabilities talk about their perceptions of sex
Authors: Bernert D. J. , Ogletree R. J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground Sexuality is learned through sexual socialisation that women with intellectual disabilities (IDs) understand and express. Rules of sexual engagement for these women can include barriers for their socialisation, intimate partner selection, and sexual expression. These rules can become more limiting when coupled with rules of femininity that encourage sexual restraint for women.Methods This ethnography explored how women with IDs perceived their sexuality and how sexuality functioned in their lives. Sources of data included 48 multiple and in‐depth interviews and observations with 14 women. This article specifically describes how the women constructed ‘sex’ and how they described experiencing sex as two of their multiple expressions of sexuality in this study.Results Most of the women had very limited and exclusively heterosexual sexual experiences, and the majority of women reported practicing abstinence. Criteria they identified for sex included having protected sex, marital and monogamous sex for the purpose of procreation or parenting, and having feelings for a sexual partner. Most held negative perceptions of sex they attributed to fear of the first act, fear of experiencing negative consequences, physiological concerns about the act, and perceived or actual lack of pleasure.Conclusions Although the women displayed some sense of self‐determinism in their sexual behaviour, negative perceptions of sex resulted in self‐imposed abstinence predicated by fear of intercourse, intimacy, or outcome. Central to their sexuality education then is increasing self‐efficacy perceptions and performance of safer sex practices to prevent negative sexual consequence. Sexuality education from a positive perspective that enhances their sexual self‐determinism and encourages sexual health is recommended.
Homosexuality among people with a mild intellectual disability: an explorative study on the lived experiences of homosexual people in the Netherlands with a mild intellectual disability
Authors: Stoffelen J. , Kok G. , Hospers H. , Curfs L. M. G. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground  Empirical research on homosexuality among people with an intellectual disability (ID) is limited and, to date, very little is known regarding the personal experiences of gay and lesbian people with an ID. This study set out to answer the question: What are the lived experiences of a specific cohort of homosexual people with an intellectual disability living in the Netherlands?Method  To answer this question, a qualitative study was performed in which 21 people with a mild ID were interviewed via semi‐structured interviews. In this study, 19 participants were men and two were women (average age = 40.5 years).Results  Participants reported positive and negative experiences, and talked about their gay or lesbian identity. Almost half of the participants (n = 10) reported that they had experienced sexual abuse including partner violence (n = 6). Additionally, they indicated that there was a lack of support for homosexual people with an ID.Conclusion  Specific problems impact the lives of homosexual people with ID, namely the high prevalence of negative sexual experiences, the lack of support, training and sex education, and their search for a suitable partner.
Decreased spontaneous arousability in preterm newborns with impaired neurological outcome
Authors: THIRIEZ GÉRARD , TOURNOUD MAUD , WERMENBOL VANESSA , VERMEYLEN DANIÈLE , ECOCHARD RENÉ , IWAZ JEAN , LIN JIAN SHENG , FRANCO PATRICIA 
Published: March 2012

SummaryPreterm newborns are at high risk of neurological injury. In this population, we investigated the link between neurological complications and sleep architecture. At term‐corrected gestational age, we studied retrospectively the polysomnography of 45 preterm infants born at < 28 weeks or weighting < 1 kg. These infants were followed‐up by a neuropaediatrician (median age at last follow‐up 50.4 months). Two groups of children were constituted: a group without neurological disorder and a second group with at least one of the following: cerebral palsy, language or mental retardation, visual or hearing disability or attention disorder. A Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes model assessed the relationship between the neurological outcome and two sleep components: spontaneous arousability [number of awakenings and movements per hour of quiet sleep (QS) and active sleep] and QS characteristics (median duration of QS cycles and percentage of QS over total sleep time). Twenty‐six infants had an impaired neurological outcome. There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding clinical characteristics. Compared to preterm neonates with normal neurological outcome, those with impaired outcomes had a lower spontaneous arousability; i.e. 0.7 (0.5–1) times less awakenings and movements per hour of QS and 0.9 (0.8–1) times less per hour of active sleep than infants with normal outcomes (P = 0.05). The differences in QS characteristics did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggested that, in preterm infants, perinatal neurological injuries could be associated with an abnormal sleep architecture characterized by altered spontaneous arousability.
Swell impact on reef sedimentary processes: A case study of the La Reunion fringing reef
Authors: CORDIER EMMANUEL , POIZOT EMMANUEL , MÉAR YANN 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTwo surface‐sediment sampling campaigns were carried out in November and December 2003, before and after a strong swell event, in the back‐reef area of a microtidal fringing reef on the western coast of La Reunion, Indian Ocean. The spatial distributions of the mean grain size, sorting and skewness parameters are determined, and grain‐size trend analysis is performed to estimate the main sediment transport pathways in the reef. The results of this analysis are compared with hydrodynamic records obtained in the same reef area during fair weather conditions and during swell events. Sediment dynamics inferred from the hydrodynamic records show that significant sediment erosion and transport occur only during swell events and under strongly agitated sea states. Under normal wave conditions, there is a potential for onshore sediment transport from the reef‐flat to the back‐reef, but this transport is episodic and occurs principally during high‐tide stages. Sediment transport trends revealed by the grain‐size trend analysis method show onshore and alongshore low‐energy transport processes that are in agreement with the hydrodynamic records. The grain‐size trend analysis method also provides evidence of an offshore high‐energy transport trend that could be interpreted as a real physical process associated with return flow from the shore to the reef. The impact of swell on the reef sediment dynamics is clearly demonstrated by onshore and alongshore transport. Considering different combinations of the vector transport trends computed through the grain‐size trend analysis approach, more realistic and pertinent results can be obtained by applying an exclusive OR operation (XOR case) on the vectors. The main results presented here highlight a trend towards the accumulation of carbonate sands in the back‐reef area of the fringing reef. These sediments can only be resuspended during extreme events such as storms or tropical cyclones.
Phytochrome‐imposed oscillations in PIF3 protein abundance regulate hypocotyl growth under diurnal light/dark conditions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Soy Judit , Leivar Pablo , González‐Schain Nahuel , Sentandreu Maria , Prat Salomé , Quail Peter H. , Monte Elena 
Published: March 2012

SummaryArabidopsis seedlings display rhythmic growth when grown under diurnal conditions, with maximal elongation rates occurring at the end of the night under short‐day photoperiods. Current evidence indicates that this behavior involves the action of the growth‐promoting bHLH factors PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) and PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR 5 (PIF5) at the end of the night, through a coincidence mechanism that combines their transcriptional regulation by the circadian clock with control of protein accumulation by light. To assess the possible role of PIF3 in this process, we have analyzed hypocotyl responses and marker gene expression in pif single‐ and higher‐order mutants. The data show that PIF3 plays a prominent role as a promoter of seedling growth under diurnal light/dark conditions, in conjunction with PIF4 and PIF5. In addition, we provide evidence that PIF3 functions in this process through its intrinsic transcriptional regulatory activity, at least in part by directly targeting growth‐related genes, and independently of its ability to regulate phytochrome B (phyB) levels. Furthermore, in sharp contrast to PIF4 and PIF5, our data show that the PIF3 gene is not subject to transcriptional regulation by the clock, but that PIF3 protein abundance oscillates under diurnal conditions as a result of a progressive decline in PIF3 protein degradation mediated by photoactivated phyB, and consequent accumulation of the bHLH factor during the dark period. Collectively, the data suggest that phyB‐mediated, post‐translational regulation allows PIF3 accumulation to peak just before dawn, at which time it accelerates hypocotyl growth, together with PIF4 and PIF5, by directly regulating the induction of growth‐related genes.
Alternatives to conventional antimicrobial drugs: a review of future prospects
Authors: Lloyd David H. 
Published: March 2012

Background – Growing antimicrobial resistance poses the threat that before long no suitable drugs will be available for treatment of common infections. This review examines promising new strategies for treatment and control of microbial diseases, with an emphasis on staphylococcal infection.New drugs and targets – Advances in microbial genomics have provided tools identifying many new targets for antimicrobial drugs. Of particular interest amongst these are inhibition of microbial efflux pump activity, interruption or diversion of riboswitches controlling bacterial metabolism, and metagenomics, which allows analysis of genes from unculturable organisms.Biological approaches – Advances are also being made in biological systems for disease control, with the exploitation of antimicrobial peptides to attack micro‐organisms and modulate immune responses, and the use of bacteriophages or their lysins to eliminate bacteria. There are new approaches in the development and targeting of vaccines and immunoglobulin preparations based on advanced knowledge of microbial physiology and immunoregulation.Working with the biome – With increasing recognition of the value of the normal microbiota in modulating immunity and the establishment of pathogens, there is growing interest in understanding the mammalian microbiome. Strategies are being developed to promote or maintain the normal microbiota, including the use of probiotics, and there is re‐evaluation of the potential of bacterial interference.Looking ahead – Whilst these approaches are likely to generate new methods of disease control, few will yield usable products within the near future. There will be a continuing need for careful use of existing drugs based on firm diagnosis, rigorous hygiene and prudent antimicrobial stewardship.
Infrequent detection of papillomaviral DNA within canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, haemangiosarcomas and healthy skin on the ventrum of dogs
Authors: Waropastrakul Sununta , Munday John S. , French Adrienne F. 
Published: March 2012

Background –  Canine squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) most frequently develop on the ventral abdomen and are thought to be caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Papillomaviruses (PVs) have been associated with cutaneous SCCs in multiple species, including dogs.Hypothesis –  That PVs act as cofactors in canine UV‐induced SCCs.Animals –  The study was performed on skin from the ventrum of 60 dogs. These samples included 20 SCCs, 20 haemangiosarcomas and 20 samples of clinically normal skin. Two canine viral plaques were included as positive controls for PV.Methods –  PCR was used to amplify PV DNA from all samples. Primers used included two sets of consensus primers and two sets of primers that were designed specifically to amplify PV DNA sequences detected in the viral plaques.Results –  The MY09/11 consensus primers amplified PV DNA from both viral plaques. One plaque contained a DNA sequence (CfPV‐JM) that had been previously reported from a dog with multiple cutaneous SCCs. The other plaque contained a previously unreported PV DNA sequence. No PV DNA was amplified by either consensus primer from any of the ventrum skin samples. Primers designed specifically to amplify the CfPV‐JM sequence amplified DNA from one SCC, but no other sample. No PV DNA was amplified using the other specific PCR primer set.Conclusions and clinical importance –  These results do not support a significant role for PVs in SCC development from the ventrum of dogs. However, they contribute another PV sequence to the list of PVs that have been associated with viral plaque development in dogs.
Associations of pre‐transplant anemia management with post‐transplant delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Molnar Miklos Z. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Rosivall Laszlo , Bunnapradist Suphamai , Hoshino Junichi , Streja Elani , Krishnan Mahesh , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundDelayed graft function (DGF) complicates kidney allograft outcomes in the immediate post‐transplantation period. We hypothesized that in hemodialysis patients more severe anemia, iron deficiency, the requirement for higher doses of erythropoietin‐stimulating agents (ESA), or blood transfusions prior to transplantation are associated with higher risk of DGF.MethodsLinking five‐yr hemodialysis patient data of a large dialysis organization to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 11 836 hemodialysis patients. Using logistic regression analyses we examined the association between pre‐transplant parameters and post‐transplant DGF.ResultsPatients were 49 ± 14 (mean ± SD) yr old and included 38% women, 27% blacks, and 26% diabetics. After adjusting for relevant covariates, pre‐transplant blood transfusion was associated with 33% higher DGF risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.48); and each 5000 U/wk increase of pre‐transplant ESA dose with 5% higher DGF (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09). Compared to pre‐transplant blood hemoglobin of 12–12.99 g/dL, there was 25% higher risk of DGF with blood hemoglobin 10–10.99 g/dL (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01–1.55), whereas blood hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL exhibited 15% higher risk of DGF (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.98–1.34).ConclusionsPre‐transplant blood transfusion, higher ESA dose, and either high or low blood hemoglobin but not iron markers are associated with higher risk of DGF.
Brain death induced by cerebral haemorrhage – a new porcine model evaluated by CT angiography
Authors: HVAS C. L. , NIELSEN T. K. , BARKLIN A. , SØRENSEN J. C. H. , PEDERSEN M. , ANDERSEN G. , TØNNESEN E. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundBrain death and complications to brain death affects the function of organs in the potential donor. Previous animal models of brain death have not been able to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind this organ dysfunction, and none of the available animal models mimic the most common insult prior to brain death: intracerebral haemorrhage. The objective of this study was to develop a large animal model of brain death based on a controlled intracerebral haemorrhage and verified by computerised tomographic angiography (CTA).MethodsTwenty pigs (range: 26.6–31.2 kg) were randomised to brain death or control. Brain death was induced by infusion of blood through a stereotaxically placed needle in the internal capsule. Brain death was confirmed by the measured intracranial pressure (ICP), lack of corneal and pupillary light reflexes, and atropine test. CTA was performed 120–180 min after brain death. The pigs were observed for 8 h after brain death.ResultsBrain death was declared when the ICP exceeded mean arterial pressure after a median of 36 min (range: 28–51 min). Significant increases in heart rate, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were followed by a steep decrease. With fluid therapy, the animals demonstrated haemodynamic stability. Reflexes disappeared, and atropine did not induce an increase in heart rate in the brain dead animals. CTA confirmed loss of cerebral circulation.ConclusionThis study offers a standardised, clinically relevant porcine model of brain death induced by a haemorrhagic attack. Brain death was verified by the disappearance of corneal and pupil reflex, atropine test, and CTA.
Integrating candidate gene and quantitative genetic approaches to understand variation in timing of breeding in wild tit populations
Authors: LIEDVOGEL MIRIAM , CORNWALLIS CHARLIE K. , SHELDON BEN C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTwo commonly used techniques for estimating the effect of genes on traits in wild populations are the candidate gene approach and quantitative genetic analyses. However, whether these two approaches measure the same underlying processes remains unresolved. Here, we use these two methods to test whether they are alternative or complementary approaches to understanding genetic variation in the timing of reproduction – a key trait involved in adaptation to climate change – in wild tit populations. Our analyses of the candidate gene Clock show weak correlates with timing variables in blue tits, but no association in great tits, confirming earlier results. Quantitative genetic analyses revealed very low levels of both direct (female) and indirect (male) additive genetic variation in timing traits for both species, in contrast to previous studies on these traits, and much lower than generally assumed. Hence, neither method suggests strong genetic effects on the timing of breeding in birds, and further work should seek to assess the generality of these conclusions. We discuss how differences in the genetic control of traits, species life‐history and confounding environmental variables may determine how useful integrating these two techniques is to understand the phenotypic variation in wild populations.
Phylogeography of the Cape velvet worm (Onychophora: Peripatopsis capensis) reveals the impact of Pliocene/Pleistocene climatic oscillations on Afromontane forest in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: McDONALD D. E. , DANIELS S. R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractHabitat specialists such as soft‐bodied invertebrates characterized by low dispersal capability and sensitivity to dehydration can be employed to examine biome histories. In this study, the Cape velvet worm (Peripatopsis capensis) was used to examine the impacts of climatic oscillations on historical Afromontane forest in the Western Cape, South Africa. Divergence time estimates suggest that the P. capensis species complex diverged during the Pliocene epoch. This period was characterized by dramatic climatic and topographical change. Subsequently, forest expansion and contraction cycles led to diversification within P. capensis. Increased levels of genetic differentiation were observed along a west‐to‐south‐easterly trajectory because the south‐eastern parts of the Cape Fold Mountain chain harbour larger, more stable fragments of forest patches, have more pronounced habitat heterogeneity and have historically received higher levels of rainfall. These results suggest the presence of three putative species within P. capensis, which are geographically discreet and genetically distinct.