bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Both bottom‐up and top‐down processes contribute to plant diversity maintenance in an edaphically heterogeneous ecosystem
Authors: Denyer Joanne L. , Hartley Susan E. , John Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2010

Summary 1. Both top‐down and bottom‐up influences, such as grazing herbivores and edaphic factors, may maintain species‐rich vegetation by preventing dominant plants from reducing diversity. However, the interaction between grazing and other processes maintaining diversity, particularly in ecosystems with multiple herbivores, is poorly understood. We manipulated access by small and large vertebrate herbivores on an edaphically heterogeneous site. We investigated whether: (i) grazing and soil properties interacted in their impact on vegetation, (ii) the effects of herbivores on different plant functional groups depended on soil properties, and (iii) small and large herbivores were functionally equivalent. 2. Treatments allowed mixed rabbit and livestock grazing, rabbit grazing only or no grazing and were replicated within three areas differing in vegetation, soil nutrient availability and pH. Soil properties, plant species composition, vegetation height and above‐ and below‐ground biomass were measured after 6 years. 3. Bottom‐up and top‐down impacts were both important, with soil properties and grazing explaining 42.1% and 9.2% of the variability in species composition between plots, respectively. Grazing enhanced the impact of soil properties on the plant community by preventing dominance by Ulex europaeus and maintaining differences in species composition between the areas. 4. Grazing consistently increased species richness across vegetation types, but the responses of different plant functional groups depended on area. For instance, grazing removal caused graminoid abundance to increase in the area where grasses were the dominant functional group, but to decrease in other areas. 5. Small herbivores (rabbits) were only partially functionally equivalent to larger grazing herbivores (livestock), as rabbit grazing pressure did not increase in plots ungrazed by large herbivores. The results suggested a facilitative relationship between large and small herbivores, with large herbivores improving forage quality and increasing access to plots by rabbits. 6. Synthesis. (i) Grazing and soil properties interacted in their impact on the composition and diversity of vegetation, (ii) the effects of herbivores on particular plant functional groups depended on the characteristics of the area, and (iii) small and large herbivores were not functionally equivalent, with small vertebrate herbivores unable to replace the impact of larger herbivores when these were removed.
Empirical tests of life‐history evolution theory using phylogenetic analysis of plant demography
Authors: Burns Jean H. , Blomberg Simon P. , Crone Elizabeth E. , Ehrlén Johan , Knight Tiffany M. , Pichancourt Jean‐Baptiste , Ramula Satu , Wardle Glenda M. , Buckley Yvonne M. 
Published: January 2010

Summary 1. A primary goal of evolutionary ecology is to understand factors selecting for the diversity of life histories. Life‐history components, such as time‐to‐reproduction, adult survivorship and fecundity, might differ among species because of variation in direct and indirect benefits of these life histories in different environments or might have lower‐than‐expected variability because of phylogenetic constraints. Here, we present a phylogenetic examination of demography and life histories using a data base of 204 terrestrial plant species. 2. Overall, statistical models without phylogeny were preferred to models with phylogeny for vital rates and elasticities, suggesting that they lacked phylogenetic signal and are evolutionarily labile. However, the effect of phylogeny was significant in models including sensitivities, suggesting that sensitivities exhibit greater phylogenetic signal than vital rates or elasticities. 3. Species with a greater age at first reproduction had lower fecundity, consistent with a cost of delayed reproduction, but only in some habitats (e.g. grassland). We found no evidence for an indirect benefit of delayed reproduction via a decrease in variation in fecundity with age to first reproduction. 4. The greater sensitivity and lower variation in survival than in fecundity was consistent with buffering of more important vital rates, as others have also found. This suggests that studies of life‐history evolution should include survival, rather than only fecundity, for the majority of species. 5.
Synthesis. Demographic matrix models can provide informative tests of life‐history theory because of their shared construction and outputs and their widespread use among plant ecologists. Our comparative analysis suggested that there is a cost of delayed reproduction and that more important vital rates exhibit lower variability. The absolute importance of vital rates to population growth rates (sensitivities) exhibited phylogenetic signal, suggesting that a thorough understanding of life‐history evolution might require an understanding of the importance of vital rates, not just their means, and the role of phylogenetic history.
Use of lupin, Lupinus perennis, mango, Mangifera indica, and stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, as feed additives to prevent Aeromonas hydrophila infection in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Awad E , Austin B 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFeeding rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), with 1% lupin, Lupinus perennis, mango, Mangifera indica, or stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, for 14 days led to reductions in mortality after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. In addition, there was significant enhancement in serum bactericidal activity, respiratory burst and lysozyme activity in the treatment groups compared to the controls. Use of lupin and mango led to the highest number of red blood and white blood cells in recipient fish, with use of stinging nettle leading to the highest haematocrit and haemoglobin values; the highest value of mean corpuscular volume and haemoglobin was in the control groups and those fed with stinging nettle.
The trade-off between rate and yield in the design of microbial metabolism
Authors: Frank S. A. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Extra energy devoted to resource acquisition speeds metabolic rate, but reduces the net yield of energy. In direct competition, microbial strains with high rates of resource acquisition often outcompete strains with slower resource acquisition but higher yield, reducing the net output of the group. Here, I use mathematical models to analyse the genetic and demographic factors that tip the balance toward either rate or yield. My models clarify the widely discussed roles of kin selection and the spatial structure of populations. I also emphasize the strong effect of two previously ignored factors: demographic aspects of colony survival and reproduction strongly shape the design of metabolic rate and efficiency, and competitive mutants within long-lived colonies favour rate over yield, degrading the efficiency of the population.
Signal convergence in fruits: a result of selection by frugivores?
Authors: Lomáscolo S. B. , Schaefer H. M. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The Dispersal Syndrome hypothesis remains contentious, stating that apparently nonrandom associations of fruit characteristics result from selection by seed dispersers. We examine a key assumption under this hypothesis, i.e. that fruit traits can be used as reliable signals by frugivores. We first test this assumption by looking at whether fruit colour allows birds and primates to distinguish between fruits commonly dispersed by birds or primates. Second, we test whether the colours of fruits dispersed by primates are more contrasting to primates than the colours of bird-dispersed fruits, expected if fruit colour is an adaptation to facilitate the detection by seed dispersers. Third, we test whether fruit colour has converged in unrelated plant species dispersed by similar frugivores. We use vision models based on peak sensitivities of birds’ and primates’ cone cells. We base our analyses on the visual systems of two types of birds (violet and ultraviolet based) and three types of primates (trichromatic primates from the Old and the New Worlds, and a dichromatic New World monkey). Using a Discriminant Function Analysis, we find that all frugivore groups can reliably discriminate between bird- and primate-dispersed fruits. Fruit colour can be a reliable signal to different seed dispersers. However, the colours of primate-dispersed fruits are less contrasting to primates than those of bird-dispersed fruits. Fruit colour convergence in unrelated plants is independent of phylogeny and can be better explained by disperser type, which supports the hypothesis that frugivores are important in fruit evolution. We discuss adaptive and nonadaptive hypotheses that can potentially explain the pattern we found.
Eavesdropping and Risk Assessment Between Lions, Spotted Hyenas and African Wild Dogs
Authors: Webster Hugh , McNutt John W. , McComb Karen 
Published: January 2010

AbstractVocalizing allows rapid transmission of detailed information beyond line of sight. However, the risk of eavesdropping by unintended receivers means there is also a potential cost to any vocalization. For fugitive species such as African wild dogs the potential cost of attracting dangerous competitors as eavesdroppers is especially significant. Experiments presented here demonstrate that eavesdropping lions Panthera leo were highly motivated to approach playbacks of wild dog Lycaon pictus vocalizations. As lions will kill any wild dogs they can catch, wild dogs risk paying high costs should their calls be detected. Lions were less likely to approach playbacks of spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta whoops, with responses split according to gender: male lions remained quick to approach hyena whoops, but females without accompanying males typically did not approach. Although hyenas seemed at least as capable as lions of detecting playbacks of wild dog calls, they were significantly less likely to subsequently approach them. Analogous to female lions faced with hyenas, the reluctance of hyenas to approach wild dogs may well derive from an assessment of the potential risks involved. We consider the hypothesis that wild dog twitters display counter‐adaptations against eavesdropping, but suggest that this species may best limit the risk of detection by avoiding areas where they are most likely to be overheard by lions.
Peripheral nerve field stimulation for pruritus relief in a patient with notalgia paraesthetica
Authors: Ricciardo Bernadette , Kumar Sandeep , O'Callaghan James , Boyce Zachary 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThis case study is presented to exemplify the application of peripheral nerve field stimulation in the treatment of recalcitrant notalgia paraesthetica. The patient was a 60‐year‐old woman with severe and disabling notalgia paraesthetica. The itch persisted despite the use of several medications – topical and oral. Following a successful trial of peripheral nerve field stimulation with a temporary electrode, two subcutaneous electrodes were inserted into the affected area with a battery implanted subcutaneously in her right buttock. The patient was reviewed at 5 months post implantation. She reported a greater than 85% improvement in her itch. She also reported a major improvement in her quality of life, with particular improvement in her ability to sleep through the night. This case illustrates the possible utilization of peripheral nerve field stimulation in the treatment of notalgia paraesthetica, which is a common yet poorly understood and treated condition. Replication and controlled studies are required to determine the general applicability of this approach.
Hyaluronic acid filler injections with a 31‐gauge insulin syringe
Authors: Lim Adrian C 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTHyaluronic acid gel is a commonly used skin/soft tissue filler in cosmetic dermatology. Hyaluronic acid fillers are packaged in proprietary luer‐lock syringes that can be injected via a 30‐gauge, 27‐gauge or larger diameter needle depending on the consistency of the gel. A method of decanting proprietary hyaluronic acid fillers into multiple 31‐gauge insulin syringes for injection is described. The use of a 31‐gauge insulin syringe for filler injections can potentially enhance the injection process through more accurate product delivery and placement. This has the potential to produce a more balanced and symmetrical outcome for patients. Additional benefits include less injection pain, less bleeding/bruising and higher levels of patient satisfaction.
Clinical characteristics and mid‐term outcomes of acute myocardial infarction patients with prior cerebrovascular disease in an Asian population: Lessons from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Li Yong‐Jian , Rha Seung‐Woon , Chen Kang‐Yin , Jin Zhe , Minami Yoshiyasu , Wang Lin , Dang Qun , Poddar Kanhaiya L. , Ramasamy Sureshkumar , Park Ji‐Young , Oh Dong Joo , Jeong Myung Ho ,   the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Investigators
Published: January 2010

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to evaluated the impact of prior cerebrovascular disease (CVD) on the clinical characteristics and mid‐term clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the era of drug‐eluting stents.2. Data from 12 914 patients with acute myocardial infarction who were enrolled in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry were analysed retrospectively from November 2005 to December 2007. Prior CVD was defined as having had one or more events of ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke or a transient ischaemic attack.3. Of the 12 914 patients reviewed, 906 (7.0%) were found to have had prior CVD. Patients with CVD were older, were more likely to be women and were more likely to have hypertension and diabetes than those without CVD. Patients with prior CVD presented more often with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction and higher Killip class than those without CVD. Furthermore, patients with CVD received less percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis compared with those without CVD. Although intensive medical therapy was equal in both groups, clinical outcomes at 8 months showed that patients with CVD had a higher incidence of cardiac death (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.76; P = 0.002) and total death (adjusted OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.25–1.81; P < 0.001) than those without CVD.4. In conclusion, patients with prior CVD presented with worse clinical characteristics on admission and were less likely to receive PCI or thrombolysis than those without CVD. Given the poorer mid‐term clinical outcomes, more intensive and aggressive management shouldis recommended for patients with prior CVD to improve their long‐term clinical outcome.
Hypo‐osmotic swelling test and unexplained repeat early pregnancy loss
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudhindra M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  To study the relationship of various sperm characteristics and hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOS test) with repeat unexplained early pregnancy loss.Methods:  Semen samples from husbands of 74 couples with a history of repeat early pregnancy loss (group A) were analyzed according to World Health Organization criteria, and a HOS test was performed in each case. Semen samples from 65 husbands with proven fertility (group B) were also studied for comparison.Results:  No statistically significant differences were noted in the age of the husbands, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and percent motile sperm between groups A and B. The mean HOS test scores of the two groups were significantly different (group A: 60.4%; group B: 76.9%; P = 0.01 [normal value: >60%]). In group A, 33.8% of cases (25/74) and in group B, 12.3% of cases (8/65) showed low HOS test scores.Conclusion:  The sperm HOS test may be helpful to screen for any paternal factor associated with repeat embryonic or early fetal loss and in a resource‐poor setting, and may be utilized in any clinical laboratory.
Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time in thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing cesarean section
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Usui Rie , Ohkuchi Akihide , Okuno Satsuki , Izumi Akio , Watanabe Takashi , Seo Norimasa , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  Hemorrhage is an important complication of heparin‐thromboprophylaxis after surgery. We attempted to clarify the incidence rate of prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), representative of hemorrhagic tendency, in Japanese women who received thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated subcutaneous heparin administration after cesarean section (CS). We also determined factors which affected postoperative APTT.Methods:  We studied 280 women who were administered thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated subcutaneous heparin 5000 IU two times per day after CS. Postoperative APTT under heparin was measured and the incidence of its prolongation was determined. Preoperative APTT, blood loss during surgery, postoperative hematocrit, postoperative serum total protein level, and postpartum body weight were measured, and their correlation with postoperative APTT was determined.Results:  Preoperative and postoperative APTT values were 28.3 (26.7–30.3) and 33.8 (31.0–37.5) seconds for median (interquartile range), respectively. Overall, 7.1% of patients showed ≥45 s postoperative APTT. Two patients (0.7%) showed ≥60 s APTT, one of whom suffered subcutaneous hemorrhage around the abdominal incision with complete healing. There were no other hemorrhagic complications. Preoperative APTT positively, and postpartum body weight inversely, correlated with postoperative APTT. The amount of blood loss, postoperative hematocrit, and postoperative serum total protein level did not correlate with postoperative APTT. No discernible deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred.Conclusion:  Although 7.1% of women under heparin‐thromboprophylaxis showed a prolonged APTT that was 150% of the preoperative APTT, serious side effects were not observed. Subcutaneous administration of unfractionated heparin, if checking APTT prolongation 1 day after surgery, may be safe method of thromboprophylaxis after CS.
Influence of obstetric factors on the yield of mononuclear cells, CD34+ cell count and volume of placental/umbilical cord blood
Authors: Omori Atsuko , Manabe Mami , Kudo Kaori , Tanaka Kanako , Takahashi Kenji , Kashiwakura Ikuo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  Placental/umbilical cord blood (CB) has been used increasingly not only for transplantations, but also in the field of life science research. However, little information is available on the biological characteristics of CB units collected in rural areas because no medical facilities are affiliated with CB banks. Little attention has been paid to the collection of CB units in rural areas compared to CB collected in metropolitan areas. CB is a precious source for life science research due to the recent low birth rate in Japan. Therefore, to efficiently utilize CB units, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the optimum obstetric factors associated with a higher yield of mononuclear/CD34+ cells per CB unit.Methods:  CB units were collected at a single hospital (Hirosaki National Hospital). A total of 126 CB units from 105 vaginal deliveries and 21 cesarean section deliveries were available for cell separation within 24 h. Mononuclear low‐density (LD) cells were separated using Ficoll‐Paque and then processed for CD34+ cell enrichment using magnetic cell sorting. Associations between the maternal/neonatal factors and the yield of LD/CD34+ cells were analyzed.Results:  Despite the larger net weight of CB collected from cesarean section deliveries, the total number of LD cells collected from vaginal deliveries was significantly higher than that collected from cesarean section deliveries. The total number of LD cells per CB unit from primigravidae was significantly higher compared with that collected from from multigravidae.Conclusion:  CB units from vaginal deliveries of primigravidae may be more favorable because they contain a higher yield of mononuclear cells.
Evaluation of the efficacy of constitutional array‐based comparative genomic hybridization in the diagnosis of aneuploidy using genomic and amplified DNA
Authors: Tan Niap H. , Palmer Rodger , Wang Rubin 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) is a new molecular technique that has the potential to revolutionize cytogenetics. However, use of high resolution array CGH in the clinical setting is plagued by the problem of widespread copy number variations (CNV) in the human genome. Constitutional microarray, containing only clones that interrogate regions of known constitutional syndromes, may circumvent the dilemma of detecting CNV of unknown clinical significance.Methods:  The present study investigated the efficacy of constitutional microarray in the diagnosis of trisomy. Test samples included genomic DNA from trisomic cell lines, amplification products of 50 ng of genomic DNA and whole genome amplification products of single cells. DNA amplification was achieved by means of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) over 16 h.Results:  The trisomic and sex chromosomes copy number imbalances in the genomic DNA were correctly identified by the constitutional microarrays. However, there was a failure to detect the trisomy in the amplification products of 50 ng of genomic DNA and whole genome amplification products of single cells.Conclusion:  Using carefully selected clones, Spectral Genomics constitutional microarray was able to detect the chromosomal copy number imbalances in genomic DNA without the confounding effects of CNV. The diagnostic failure in amplified DNA samples could be attributed to the amplification process. The MDA duration of 16 h generated excessive amount of biases and shortening the duration might minimize the problem.
Do women's perceptions of care at the time of unexplained stillbirth influence their wishes for management in subsequent pregnancy? An Internet‐based empirical study
Authors: Robson Stephen J. , Leader Leo R. , Bennett Michael J. , Dear Keith B. G. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to examine women's perceptions of their care at the time of unexplained stillbirth, and whether these appear to affect wishes for management in subsequent pregnancy.Methods:  An Internet‐based survey was conducted of women after unexplained stillbirth, seeking information about their perceptions of management, and their wishes for care in a subsequent pregnancy.Results:  One hundred and five completed surveys were included in the study group. Only 18 respondents (17%) reported that the diagnosis was broken in an uncaring way. Twenty respondents (19%) felt ‘rushed into making decisions’. Almost all respondents (95%) felt that they were given adequate time with the baby after delivery. Fifty‐seven respondents (54%) consented to perinatal autopsy. Most women (93%) wanted additional testing in their next pregnancy, 81% wanted delivery before the due date, but only 26% wanted cesarean delivery next time.Conclusion:  Women's perceptions of care at the time of an unexplained stillbirth did not appear to influence their wishes for management in the next pregnancy.