bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quantitative analysis of two scale characters in snakes
Authors: Moore Kevin , Jackson Kate 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe quantified the effectiveness of two scale characters commonly used to identify snakes: smooth versus keeled dorsal scales and straight versus oblique dorsal scale rows. We examined 169 species of African snakes from close-up photographs of the dorsal scales. We calculated the prominence of keels (if present) along the dorsal scales and the degree of straightness or obliqueness of the dorsal scale rows. We compared our measurements to species descriptions from the literature and looked for overlap of the character states with each other. Our results show a distinct difference between keel prominence for species described as having keeled dorsal scales versus species described as having smooth dorsal scales. Our results also show considerable overlap of straightness or obliqueness between species described as having straight dorsal scale rows versus those described as having oblique dorsal scale rows. Revision of this character would be beneficial.
Caudal pseudoautotomy in the Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus
Authors: Todd Josie , Wassersug Richard 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFrequent tail loss has been reported in a variety of reptiles including sphenodonts, lizards, amphisbaenids, and snakes. We report evidence of non-specialized pseudoautotomy as an antipredator defense in the Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus. In field studies in Nova Scotia, Canada, T. sauritus were frequently found with partial tails, during three capture attempts T. sauritus tails became completely or partially detached, and one detached tail twitched repeatedly after separation. The breakage was intervertebral, suggesting pseudoautotomy (i.e., that the snake's tail anatomy was not specialized for easy tail loss). Although tail loss patterns in T. sauritus have been well documented, to our knowledge this is the first time pseudoautotomy has been reported in T. sauritus.
The role of water-borne chemical cues in mediating social interactions of the Texas blind salamander, Eurycea rathbuni
Authors: Gabor Caitlin Rathie , Gonzales Jr. Reynaldo , Epp Kristen Joy 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAssociation patterns and social interactions of salamanders vary given habitat heterogeneity and behavioural characteristics. Cave ecosystems are generally food limited and encountering mates may be rare. Little is known about the mode of social interactions and preferences in cave-adapted salamanders. We examined social interactions of the caveadapted, federally endangered, Texas blind salamander, Eurycea rathbuni, by examining sex-specific association patterns. We predicted that non-visual (chemical) cues would be an important mode of communication. We found no difference in association patterns between the sexes when presented with a single conspecific and no aggregative behaviours were detected. Interestingly, when given a simultaneous choice between a male or female, females preferred to associate with male conspecifics while males showed no clear preference. The results suggest that females of E. rathbuni use chemical cues to either seek males or avoid females and provide valuable insight into the little known social behaviour of this species and possibly other similar species.
Aspects of the breeding biology of the Omei mustache toad (Leptobrachium boringii): polygamy and paternal care
Authors: Zheng Yuchi , Li Shuqiang , Fu Jinzhong , Deng Duncan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe Omei mustache toad, Leptobrachium boringii, has a male biased sexual size dimorphism, which may be associated with either male-male combat behaviour or parental care. The breeding biology of this species was studied during the 2004, 2006, and 2007 breeding seasons in a population at Mount Omei in western China. The size and sex ratio of this breeding population fluctuated over the years. Males constructed nests under large rocks in mountain streams and a single “resident” male typically occupied one nest and remained in the same nest for the entire study periods with rare exceptions. Males with egg masses in their nests stayed in their nests for many days after oviposition, with few or no additional matings during this period, suggesting that males were possibly providing paternal care rather than waiting for more mating opportunities. Furthermore, males lost a significant amount (7.3%) of their body mass during the breeding season. In 2006 and 2007, we also found a positive correlation between the body size of the resident male and the number of egg masses in his nest. However, parentage analysis using microsatellite DNA loci indicated that resident males were not necessarily the fathers of all eggs in their nests. Both polygyny and polyandry occur in this species. Overall, evidence suggests that Omei mustache toads provide paternal care and larger males have higher mating success.
A hitherto overlooked type of colour change in frogs and its significance for the identification of species in the Australian genus Neobatrachus
Authors: Henle Klaus 
Published: April 2010

AbstractColour change is a well-known phenomenon in many amphibians. Most of these changes involve transient darkening, lightening, or attainment of breeding colours. Nuptial calosities may become lighter outside the main breeding season. Depigmentation as an extreme form of lightening has been documented also for keratinized structures of tadpole mouths. Here I report a hitherto overlooked type of colour change: darkening of metatarsal tubercles from white to almost black. At Kinchega National Park in New South Wales, individuals of the Australian borrowing frog Neobatrachus pictus emerging from their aestivation burrows after rains had white outer metatarsal tubercles. Within a few hours to two days the metatarsal tubercles had turned completely black. This indicates that the extent of black colouration of the outer metatarsal tubercle hitherto used to discriminate the species N. centralis from N. pictus and N. sudelli is unreliable.
Summer microhabitat use of the Greater Siren (Siren lacertina) and Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) in an isolated wetland
Authors: Luhring Thomas , Crawford Brian , Schalk Christopher 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAlthough the habitats of the Greater Siren (Siren lacertina) and Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) have been described on a coarse scale; the microhabitat(s) of these species has not been examined. We trapped from 12 June 2008 to 1 July 2008 in an isolated wetland on the Savannah River Site in South Carolina where these two salamander species occur in sympatry. Traps were set in three different microhabitats; the water's surface and benthic zone in deep water, and in a littoral zone. Siren lacertina captures were highest in the benthic zone, while A. means were captured more in the littoral zone. This differentiation in microhabitat usage may reflect a difference in prey availability or habitat structure; alternatively, it may be a response to interspecific interactions between species.
Karen Brodkin and the Study of Social Movements
Authors: Stephen Lynn 
Published: April 2010

■ This article highlights the intellectual contributions of Karen Brodkin in the analysis of gender and social movements through drawing on some of her key concepts and ideas, joining them with others, and applying them to the specific analysis of the pluralistic social movement in Oaxaca which emerged in 2006 and continues to this day. The article’s theoretical inquiry centers on two primary questions that are followed by specific concepts explored in the analysis of the Oaxaca social movement. 1. How does collective action operate in daily life through interlinked networks? What are the leadership styles and models that may be unique to women? (center women, interlinked activist networks, meshworks, and the values and ties of daily life) 2. How do individual and collective political identities develop, shape the politics of particular social movements, and participate in performing ideological work that shifts public political discourses and perceptions? (individual and collective identity development, public political ideologies, and political presence).
Central nervous system dysregulation extends beyond the pain-matrix network in cluster headache
Authors: Rocca Maria A , Valsasina Paola , Absinta Martina , Colombo Bruno , Barcella Valeria , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo 
Published: April 2010

Introduction: In this study, we investigated whether abnormalities of the brain resting-state networks (RSNs) occur in patients with episodic cluster headache (CH), outside the attacks of the disease. Patients and methods: RS fMRI scans were acquired from 13 CH patients and 15 healthy controls. RS fMRI data were analyzed using both independent component analysis (ICA) and a seed correlation analysis, starting from the hypothalamus and the thalamus. Results: The seed correlation analysis revealed increased functional connectivity within the networks identified starting from the hypothalami and thalami in CH patients versus controls. ICA analysis detected 11 RSNs with potential functional relevance. Among these networks, CH patients had decreased fluctuations within the sensorimotor and the primary visual network compared to controls ( P-values 0.03–0.007). RSN abnormalities were significantly correlated with disease duration. Conclusions: In CH patients a diffuse abnormality of brain functional connectivity is present, which extends beyond the antinoceptive system.
Efficacy and tolerability of a new powdered formulation of diclofenac potassium for oral solution for the acute treatment of migraine: Results from the International Migraine Pain Assessment Clinical Trial (IMPACT)
Authors: Lipton Richard B , Grosberg Brian , Singer Richard P , Pearlman Starr H , Sorrentino James V , Quiring John N , Saper Joel R 
Published: April 2010

Objective: This study assessed the efficacy of diclofenac potassium for oral solution, a novel water-soluble buffered powder formulation, versus placebo for the acute treatment of migraine. Diclofenac potassium for oral solution has a time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of 15 minutes, suggesting the potential for a rapid onset of therapeutic effects. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study conducted in 23 US centers. Adult sufferers with an established migraine diagnosis according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition (ICHD-II), treated one moderate or severe attack with 50 mg diclofenac potassium for oral solution (dissolved in approximately 2 ounces of water; N = 343) or matching placebo ( N = 347). Four co-primary endpoints included the percentage of subjects who at two hours post-treatment reported no headache pain, no nausea, no photophobia and/or no phonophobia. Results: Significantly more subjects treated with diclofenac potassium for oral solution ( N = 343) achieved a two-hour pain-free response (25% vs. 10%, p < .001), no nausea (65% vs. 53%; p = .002), no photophobia (41% vs. 27%; p < .001) and no phonophobia (44% vs. 27%; p < .001) compared to placebo. Pain intensity differences between treatments were significantly lower in the diclofenac potassium oral solution group, starting at 30 minutes post-treatment ( p = .013) with significant differences at all time points thereafter ( p < .001). Twenty-four-hour sustained pain-free response favored diclofenac potassium oral solution treatment versus placebo (19% vs. 7%, p < .0001). The most common adverse event considered to be treatment related was nausea (diclofenac potassium for oral solution [4.6%]; placebo [4.3%]). Conclusions: This study shows that this formulation of diclofenac potassium for oral solution is effective in reducing pain intensity within 30 minutes, which may be related to the 15-minute Tmax associated with this formulation. The rapid-onset benefits were sustained through 24 hours post-treatment.
Chondral Resurfacing and High Tibial Osteotomy in the Varus Knee
Authors: Sterett William I. , Steadman J. Richard , Huang Michael J. , Matheny Lauren M. , Briggs Karen K. 
Published: April 2010

Background: Active patients with arthritic malalignment of the knee are difficult to manage. Arthroplasty, unicompartmental or total knee replacement, may not be appropriate in patients who desire to remain highly active. High tibial osteotomy has been recommended for the treatment of varus osteoarthritis to decrease pressure on the damaged medial compartment. Purpose: To determine the length of time patients with varus gonarthrosis can avoid knee arthroplasty with chondral resurfacing (microfracture) and medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: From 1995 to 2001, the senior authors performed a medial opening wedge HTO/microfracture in 106 knees (mean age, 52 years; range, 30-71 years). Survivorship was defined as not requiring knee arthroplasty after microfracture and HTO. Results: At 5 years, survivorship was 97%. At 7 years, survivorship was 91%. Twelve patients proceeded to arthroplasty at a mean of 81 months (range, 19-116 months). Follow-up was obtained for 90% of patients. At most recent follow-up, the mean Lysholm score was 71 (range, 5-100). At 3 years, the mean Lysholm score was 73, Tegner score was 2.8, and patient satisfaction was 7.9. At 5 years, the mean Lysholm score was 73, Tegner score was 3.8, and patient satisfaction was 7.5. At 9 years, the mean Lysholm score was 67, Tegner score was 3.1, and patient satisfaction was 7.5. Patients with medial meniscus injury at surgery were 9.2 times more likely to undergo arthroplasty than patients without (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-13.5; P = .015). Conclusion: With 91% survivorship at 7 years, microfracture/HTO seems to contribute to a delay of knee replacement in active patients with varus gonarthrosis. Patients who proceeded to knee arthroplasty after combined HTO/microfracture had a mean delay of 81.3 months.
Critical Conversations
Authors: Hackner Dani , Cox Christopher , Hassenpflug Meg Stearn , Balfe David , Zapata Arthur , Killu Claude , Carson Shannon S. 
Published: April 2010

Case: Mrs. Smith is an 85-year-old woman with longstanding chronic kidney disease (NKF Stage 5, <15 mL per 1.73 m2) who has been on hemodialysis for the past year. She is admitted to the intensive care unit from the community with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Her comorbidities include diabetes and hypertension (JNC7 Hypertension, Stage 2). The patient receives empiric treatment for health-care-associated pneumonia but remains ventilator dependent and on a high FIO2 after 2 weeks. The patient is off vasopressors.
Loss of juxtaposition of RAG-induced immunoglobulin DNA ends is implicated in the precursor B-cell differentiation defect in NBS patients
Authors: van der Burg Mirjam , Pac Malgorzata , Berkowska Magdalena A. , Goryluk-Kozakiewicz Bozenna , Wakulinska Anna , Dembowska-Baginska Bozenna , Gregorek Hanna , Barendregt Barbara H. , Krajewska-Walasek Malgorzata , Bernatowska Ewa , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Chrzanowska Krystyna H. , Langerak Anton W. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is a rare inherited condition, characterized by microcephaly, radiation hypersensitivity, chromosomal instability, an increased incidence of (mostly) lymphoid malignancies, and immunodeficiency. NBS is caused by hypomorphic mutations in the NBN gene (8q21). The NBN protein is a subunit of the MRN (Mre11-Rad50-NBN) nuclear protein complex, which associates with double-strand breaks. The immunodeficiency in NBS patients can partly be explained by strongly reduced absolute numbers of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. We show that NBS patients have a disturbed precursor B-cell differentiation pattern and significant disturbances in the resolution of recombination activating gene-induced IGH breaks. However, the composition of the junctional regions as well as the gene segment usage of the reduced number of successful immunoglobulin gene rearrangements were highly similar to healthy controls. This indicates that the NBN defect leads to a quantitative defect in V(D)J recombination through loss of juxtaposition of recombination activating gene-induced DNA ends. The resulting reduction in bone marrow B-cell efflux appeared to be partly compensated by significantly increased proliferation of mature B cells. Based on these observations, we conclude that the quantitative defect will affect the B-cell receptor repertoire, thus contributing to the observed immunodeficiency in NBS patients.
Increased angiogenic sprouting in poor prognosis FL is associated with elevated numbers of CD163+ macrophages within the immediate sprouting microenvironment
Authors: Clear Andrew J. , Lee Abigail M. , Calaminici Maria , Ramsay Alan G. , Morris Kelly J. , Hallam Simon , Kelly Gavin , MacDougall Finlay , Lister T. Andrew , Gribben John G. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFollicular lymphoma has considerable clinical heterogeneity, and there is a need for easily quantifiable prognostic biomarkers. Microvessel density has been shown to be a useful prognostic factor based on numerical assessment of vessel numbers within histologic sections in some studies, but assessment of tumor neovascularization through angiogenic sprouting may be more relevant. We therefore examined the smallest vessels, single-staining structures measuring less than 30 μm2 in area, seen within histologic sections, and confirmed that they were neovascular angiogenic sprouts using extended focal imaging. Tissue microarrays composing diagnostic biopsies from patients at the extremes of survival of follicular lymphoma were analyzed with respect to numbers of these sprouts. This analysis revealed higher angiogenic activity in the poor prognostic group and demonstrated an association between increased sprouting and elevated numbers of infiltrating CD163+ macrophages within the immediate microenvironment surrounding the neovascular sprout.
Thrombotic complications in adult patients with lymphoma: a meta-analysis of 29 independent cohorts including 18 018 patients and 1149 events
Authors: Caruso Vanesa , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Meschengieser Susana , Lazzari Maria A. , de Gaetano Giovanni , Storti Sergio , Iacoviello Licia , Donati Maria Benedetta 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThrombotic complications in hematologic malignancies have important clinical implications. In this meta-analysis we sought to obtain accurate estimates of the thrombotic risk in lymphoma patients. Articles were searched in electronic databases and references. Eighteen articles were identified (29 cohorts, 18 018 patients and 1149 events). Pooled incidence rates (IRs) were calculated by the use of a method based on the exact maximum likelihood binomial distribution. The global IR of thrombosis was 6.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0%-6.8%). The global IRs of venous or arterial events were 5.3% (95% CI, 5.0%-5.7%) and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.9%-1.2%), respectively. The IR of thrombosis observed in subjects with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was 6.5% (95% CI, 6.1%-6.9%), significantly greater than that observed for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (4.7%; 95% CI, 3.9%-5.6%). Within NHL, patients with high-grade disease had a greater risk of events (IR 8.3%; 95% CI, 7.0%-9.9%) than low-grade disease (IR 6.3%; 95% CI, 4.5%-8.9%). This meta-analysis shows that the IR of thrombosis in lymphoma patients is quite high, especially in those with NHL at an advanced stage of the disease. These results may help better defining lymphoma populations at high thrombotic risk, to whom prophylactic approaches could be preferentially applied.
Clinical and immunologic outcome of patients with cartilage hair hypoplasia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bordon Victoria , Gennery Andrew R. , Slatter Mary A. , Vandecruys Els , Laureys Genevieve , Veys Paul , Qasim Waseem , Friedrich Wilhelm , Wulfraat Nico M. , Scherer Franziska , Cant Andrew J. , Fischer Alain , Cavazzana-Calvo Marina , Bredius Robbert G. M. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Mazzolari Evelina , Neven Benedicte , Güngör Tayfun 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the RMRP gene. Beside dwarfism, CHH has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including variable grades of combined immunodeficiency, autoimmune complications, and malignancies. Previous reports in single CHH patients with significant immunodeficiencies have demonstrated that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment for the severe immunodeficiency, while growth failure remains unaffected. Because long-term experience in larger cohorts of CHH patients after HSCT is currently unreported, we performed a European collaborative survey reporting on 16 patients with CHH and immunodeficiency who underwent HSCT. Immune dysregulation, lymphoid malignancy, and autoimmunity were important features in this cohort. Thirteen patients were transplanted in early childhood (∼ 2.5 years). The other 3 patients were transplanted at adolescent age. Of 16 patients, 10 (62.5%) were long-term survivors, with a median follow-up of 7 years. T-lymphocyte numbers and function have normalized, and autoimmunity has resolved in all survivors. HSCT should be considered in CHH patients with severe immunodeficiency/autoimmunity, before the development of severe infections, major organ damage, or malignancy might jeopardize the outcome of HSCT and the quality of life in these patients.