bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and physiological sexual selection targets in a territorial damselfly
Authors: SWILLEN INE , DE BLOCK MARJAN , STOKS ROBBY 
Published: September 2009

Abstract.

Several morphological and physiological traits may shape fitness through the same performance measure. In such cases, differentiating between a scenario of many‐to‐one mapping, where phenotypic traits independently shape fitness leading to functional redundancy, and a scenario where traits strongly covary among each other and fitness, is needed.
A multivariate approach was used, including morphological and physiological traits related to flight ability, a crucial performance measure in flying insects, to identify independent correlates of short‐term mating success (mated versus unmated males) in the territorial damselfly Lestes viridis.
Males with higher flight muscle mass, higher relative thorax mass, and more symmetrical hindwings, all traits presumably linked to manoeuvrability, were more likely to be mated. Unexpectedly, although relative thorax mass is often used as a proxy for flight muscle mass, both traits were selected for independently. Mated males had a higher thorax fat content than unmated males, possibly because of enhanced flight endurance.
The finding of several independent targets of sexual selection linked to flight ability is consistent with a scenario of many‐to‐one mapping between phenotype and performance. Identifying such a scenario is important, because it may clarify situations where animals may show suboptimal values for some phenotypic traits shaping a performance measure, while still having high performance and fitness. We argue in the discussion that the functional approach of sexual selection provides a potent tool for examining unresolved issues in both sexual selection theory, as well as life‐history theory.
Electron tomography of III‐V quantum dots using dark field 002 imaging conditions
Authors: BEANLAND R. , SÁNCHEZ A.M. , HERNANDEZ‐GARRIDO J.C. , WOLF D. , MIDGLEY P.A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryWe present an evaluation of electron tomography of buried InAs quantum dots using dark field 002 imaging conditions. The compositional sensitivity of this imaging condition gives strong contrast among III‐V materials of differing compositions and, in principle, should allow an accurate 3D model of the buried structures to be produced. The large extinction distance allows specimens several hundred nanometres in thickness to be examined and reduces the effect of strain contrast in the images, with the advantage that it can be performed using conventional transmission electron microscopy techniques. A two‐beam condition must be maintained for all images, and the presence of other strong diffraction effects at certain specimen orientation results reduces the number of orientations available for tomography by approximately 10%. The data presented here are limited due to a lack of angular range in the data set but we find that an acceptable 3D model of a buried quantum dot may be produced by imposing cylindrical symmetry on the data set.
Taxonomic revision of the Mecyclothorax beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of Oahu: epithets as epitaphs for an endangered fauna?
Authors: LIEBHERR JAMES K. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract.The Mecyclothorax Sharp beetle fauna of Oahu, Hawaii is revised, including the description of 13 new species—M. acherontius, M. uncinus, M. lobatus, M. dentatus, M. calceus, M. euryoides, M. invictus, M. ovatulus, M. lemur, M. satyrus, M. ramsdalei, M. pelops and M. niobespp.n.—to complement the six previously described species. Several cryptic species complexes characterized by similar external anatomy and highly divergent male genitalia are present in the fauna, including the M. brevis (Blackburn) species complex—four species sympatrically distributed on Tantalus, a mountain on the northern margin of Honolulu—and the sympatric sister species M. carteri (Perkins) and M. invictus from Mt. Kaala in the western Waianae Range. This repeated pattern of closely related species characterized by divergent male genitalia and relatively static external anatomy is also observed in the Mecyclothorax fauna of Molokai, an island of moderate geologic age within the Hawaiian archipelago, but not in the Mecyclothorax fauna of the most recently emergent Hawaii Island. Species distributions are generally also much more restricted on the older islands. These results are consistent with the occurrence of rampant, unfixed infraspecific genitalic variation early in an island radiation, with subsequent fixation of divergent genitalic characters occurring as speciation proceeds. Three distinct areas of endemism are defined by distributions of Oahu Mecyclothorax: the Waianae Range, the north Koolau Range and the south Koolau Range. Species distributions in two other carabid beetle genera in Hawaii containing native species—Blackburnia Sharp and Bembidion Latreille—congruently define these areas. The historical range of sampling dates is compared for Mecyclothorax species across the three areas, with the greatest diminution of recently collected species‐level diversity characterizing the south Koolau Range, where several Mecyclothorax species are characterized both by restricted geographic distributions within the developmental footprint of Honolulu, and by a lack of recent field collections, suggesting that they may qualify for endangered species status.
Physicochemical characteristics of Lake IRAD, an artificial lake in Wakwa region, Cameroon
Authors: Fezeu W.M.L. , Ngassoum M.B. , Montarges‐Pelletier E. , Echevarria G. , Mbofung C.M.F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWakwa is a region in north Cameroon characterized by intensive cattle production. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of the waters in Lake IRAD, located near Wakwa, which is the main water source for cattle grazing in this area. Water samples were collected at four sampling sites during the rainy and dry seasons (April, July, October and February). The chemical composition of the water samples was analysed for various constituents, including nitrate (NO3–), chloride (Cl−), phosphate (PO43−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), ammonia–nitrogen (NH4–N) and organic matter (OM). The mineral composition varied significantly (P < 0.05) with the sampling period. High concentrations of zinc (0.96 mg L−1) and dissolved iron (1.23 mg L−l) were observed during the dry season. Total iron (3.25 mg L−1), OM (15.4 mg of O2 L−1), nitrate (28.82 mg L−1) and NH4–N (1.05 mg L−1) concentrations were highest during the rainy season. The iron, OM and NH4–N concentrations were higher than the USEPA‐recommended values (0.2 mg L−1, 4 mg of O2 L−1 and 0.5 mg L−1, respectively). The phosphate, copper, nickel and cadmium concentrations, considered as the polluting substances, were present in negligible concentrations, being below the detection limits of the analytical techniques used to measure them. The high iron, OM and nitrogen concentrations were attributed to water‐leached soil run‐off, as well as the activity of animals in the lake. Sampling sites 1 and 2, which were used mostly by cattle, were observed to have the highest concentrations of NH4–N, compared with sites 3 and S (exit point). It will be necessary to delimit cattle access points to the lake to reduce this type of contamination of drinking water.
Detailed analysis of the microdiversity of Prochlorococcus populations along a North‐South Atlantic Ocean transect
Authors: Jameson Eleanor , Joint Ian , Mann Nicholas H. , Mühling Martin 
Published: September 2009

SummaryIn order to understand how environmental factors shape the diversity of Prochlorococcus in the Atlantic Ocean, we have elucidated the microdiversity along a north–south transect. The polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the genetic diversity of rpoC1 gene fragments of Prochlorococcus at 12 sampling sites revealed a latitudinal pattern in Prochlorococcus RFLP‐type diversity in the samples collected from two depths. At the depth to which 14% of surface irradiance penetrated, HLII clones dominated the stations closest to the equator. The percentage of HLI clones increased with distance from the equator and LL clones were found only at the most northern and southern stations. In contrast, deeper (1% light depth) water samples did not show any overall trend in Prochlorococcus diversity or clade dominance. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated that Prochlorococcus diversity was linked to water temperature (partially an effect of latitude) and depth (which was linked to light penetration and turbidity). Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained from the 423 different environmental RFLP‐types detected in this study indicated that the HLII and HLI populations were composed of a wide range of genetically different clones, while the LL Prochlorococcus clade was less diverse, although half of the samples screened in this study derived from the 1% light depth.
Sexual function in women receiving maintenance dialysis
Authors: SEETHALA Srikanth , HESS Rachel , BOSSOLA Maurizio , UNRUH Mark L. , WEISBORD Steven D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWhile substantial attention has been paid to the issue of sexual dysfunction in men on chronic dialysis, less is known about this problem in women with end‐stage renal disease. We sought to assess sexual dysfunction in women on chronic dialysis and determine whether patients discuss this problem with their providers and receive treatment. We prospectively enrolled women receiving chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in Pittsburgh, PA. We asked patients to complete the 19‐item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function and a 5‐item survey that assessed whether patients had discussed sexual dysfunction with their providers and/or received treatment for this problem in the past. We enrolled 66 patients; 59 (89%) on hemodialysis and 7 (11%) on peritoneal dialysis. All patients completed the FSFI, of whom 53 (80%) had FSFI scores <26.55, consistent with the presence of sexual dysfunction. Of 37 patients who were married or residing with a significant other, 27 (73%) had sexual dysfunction. Among 24 participants who reported having been sexually active over the previous 4 weeks, 11 (46%) had sexual dysfunction. Only 21% of patients with sexual dysfunction had discussed this problem with their gynecologist, renal or primary provider, and 3 (6%) reported having received treatment. Sexual dysfunction is common in women on dialysis, even among patients who are married or residing with a significant other and those who are sexually active. However, few women discuss this issue with their providers or receive treatment.
In vivo and in vitro evidence for epidermal H2O2‐mediated oxidative stress in piebaldism
Authors: Vafaee Tayyebeh , Rokos Hartmut , Salem Mohamed M. A. E. L. , Schallreuter Karin U. 
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as:
In vivo and in vitro evidence for epidermal H2O2‐mediated oxidative stress in piebaldism. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 883–887.Abstract:  Piebaldism is characterised by the absence of pigment in patches on the skin, usually present at birth. Mutations in the kit gene are documented. Clinically this disorder can mimic vitiligo. Here, we show for the first time the presence of oxidised pteridine‐induced fluorescence in association with H2O2‐mediated stress in piebald patches employing Wood’s light and in vivo FT‐Raman spectroscopy. In situ immunofluorescence data revealed low catalase and methionine sulphoxide reductase A (MSRA) levels whereas thioredoxin reductase and methionine sulphoxide reductase B (MSRB) are not affected. We also show low superoxide dismutase levels in these patients. The presence of thioredoxin reductase provides capacity to reduce H2O2, a mechanism which is absent in vitiligo. Importantly, this enzyme reduces biopterin back to the functioning cofactor 6‐tetrahydrobiopterin. The absence of MSRA indicates deficient methionine sulphoxide repair in the cytosol, meanwhile the presence of MSRB is helpful to protect the nucleus. Taken together, we have identified H2O2‐mediated stress in piebald skin with distinct differences to vitiligo.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: oral/periodontal involvement in adult patients
Authors: Annibali S , Cristalli MP , Solidani M , Ciavarella D , La Monaca G , Suriano MM , Lo Muzio L , Lo Russo L 
Published: September 2009

Objective:  Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal proliferative multisystem disease. Although bone and mucosae have been classified as non‐risk organs, their involvement may increase the risk of disease progression. Oral and periodontal lesions are burdened with a significant impairment of quality of life for associated signs, symptoms and loss of function. Most of information regards paediatric disease; the disease in adults has received limited attention.Subjects and Methods:  A total of 31 adult patients affected by immuno‐histopathology confirmed LCH have been prospectively examined; attention was paid to the occurrence and characterization of oral lesions.Results:  Twelve patients developed oral lesions. Posterior regions of jawbones were always affected; the involvement of anterior regions was not constant. Unifocal oral involvement was significantly associated with multisystemic disease while multifocal lesions were associated with unisystemic disease. Oral disease presented with soft tissue ulcers (50% of cases), gingival bleeding (66.7%), pain (83.4%), periodontal damage (50%), tooth mobility (16.7%), non‐healing extraction socket (8.3%); 41.6% of patients complained of negative outcomes on quality of life. Oral lesions were easily handled with local measures.Conclusions:  Posterior regions require attention; single oral lesions may be part of multisystemic disease; oral and periodontal lesions may be early signs of disease reactivation.
Making Opportunities: Contemporary Evolution of Galician Nationalism in Spain (1982–2001)
Authors: Máiz Ramón 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis article shows that the fact that the Bloque Nacionalista Galego went from being a marginal force to the second largest regional party in the Galician autonomous parliament was due both to the favourable political opportunity structure of the new institutional setting of the Spanish state of autonomies and also to its outstanding capacity for a multilevel organization, charismatic leadership and effective mobilisation repertories, together with the moderation of its initially radical nationalist discourse. Particularly, a successful strategy of frame realignment allowed it to connect with the overlapping and dual Galician‐Spanish identity of most Galician voters.
Building the Spanish Nation: The Centre‐Periphery Dialectic
Authors: Muro Diego , Quiroga Alejandro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper provides an historical overview of Spain's nation‐building process from the nineteenth century to the present time. Using Stein Rokkan's centre‐periphery paradigm, the paper argues that a pervasive feature in contemporary Spanish history is the dialectical relationship between the Spanish nation and the peripheral nations of Catalonia and the Basque Country. From this perspective, the Spanish nation‐building process is understood as one of the main triggering events for the emergence of peripheral nationalisms at the end of the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, tensions between the core and the periphery help to explain why Spain has a quasi‐federal institutional structure. Recent interest in ‘constitutional patriotism’ for example, can only be understood in relation to Catalan and Basque initiatives to reform their autonomy status.
‘Don't Throw Yourself Away to the Dark Continent’: Shi'i Migration to West Africa and the Hierarchies of Exclusion in Lebanese Culture
Authors: Weiss Max 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe Shi'i Lebanese diaspora in West Africa has played a key role in the construction of Lebanese Shi'i sectarian identity in the Twentieth century. This article provides some perspective and insight on the relationships among race, sect and colonialism in Africa and the Middle East through the lens of transnational Shi'i networks. Travel narratives written by Lebanese Shi'is who visited French West Africa during the 1930s indicate certain cultural hierarchies and racial modes of thinking. Moreover, some Lebanese internalised elements of colonial discourse while others, in a kind of inversion, re‐deployed them towards black Africans. These Lebanese travel diaries, therefore, constitute a unique primary source for the history of the Lebanese Shi'i mahjar (diaspora) in West Africa and its relationship with the watan (homeland); they also illuminate cultural hierarchies embedded in Shi'i consciousness. Such stereotypes about Africa have persisted well into the late 20th‐ and early 21st‐century in Lebanon.
Fixed Point Results for Generalized Contractive Multimaps in Metric Spaces
Authors: Latif Abdul , Abdou Afrah A. N. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe concept of generalized contractive multimaps in the setting of metric spaces is introduced, and the existence of fixed points for such maps is guaranteed under certain conditions. Consequently, our results either generalize or improve a number of fixed point results including the corresponding recent fixed point results of Ciric (2008), Latif-Albar (2008), Klim-Wardowski (2007), and Feng-Liu (2006). Examples are also given.
Generation of Epstein-Barr virus–specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes resistant to the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus (FK506)
Authors: De Angelis Biagio , Dotti Gianpietro , Quintarelli Concetta , Huye Leslie E. , Zhang Lan , Zhang Ming , Pane Fabrizio , Heslop Helen E. , Brenner Malcolm K. , Rooney Cliona M. , Savoldo Barbara 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Adoptive transfer of autologous Epstein-Barr virus–specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTLs) to solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has been shown safe and effective for the treatment of EBV-associated posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs). SOT recipients, however, require the continuous administration of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent graft rejection, and these agents may significantly limit the long-term persistence of transferred EBV-CTLs, precluding their use as prophylaxis. Tacrolimus (FK506) is one of the most widely used immunosuppressive agents in SOT recipients, and its immunosuppressive effects are largely dependent on its interaction with the 12-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP12). We have knocked down the expression of FKBP12 in EBV-CTLs using a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) stably expressed from a retroviral vector and found that FKBP12-silenced EBV-CTLs are FK506 resistant. These cells continue to expand in the presence of the drug without measurable impairment of their antigen specificity or cytotoxic activity. We confirmed their FK506 resistance and anti-PTLD activity in vivo using a xenogenic mouse model, suggesting that the proposed strategy may be of value to enhance EBV-specific immune surveillance in patients at high risk of PTLD after transplantation.
Planning for translational research in genomics
Authors: Hawkins Naomi , de Vries Jantina , Boddington Paula , Kaye Jane , Heeney Catherine 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTranslation of research findings into clinical practice is an important aspect of medical progress. Even for the early stages of genomics, research aiming to deepen understandings of underlying mechanisms of disease, questions about the ways in which such research ultimately can be useful in medical treatment and public health are of key importance. Whilst some research data may not apparently lend themselves to immediate clinical benefit, being aware of the issues surrounding translation at an early stage can enhance the delivery of the research to the clinic if a medical application is later found. When simple steps are taken during initial project planning, the pathways towards the translation of genomic research findings can be managed to optimize long-term benefits to health. This piece discusses the key areas of collaboration agreements, distribution of revenues and recruitment and sample collection that are increasingly important to successful translational research in genomics.
Effects of Hydrogen Pickup and Second-Phase Particle Dissolution on the In-Reactor Corrosion Performance of BWR Claddings
Authors: Tägtstrom P , Limbäck M , Dahlbäck M , Andersson T , Pettersson H 
Published: September 2009

It is well established that the second-phase particle (SPP) size distribution and the cladding chemical composition affects the in-reactor corrosion rate of boiling water reactor (BWR) cladding, although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. To further study these effects, the corrosion and hydriding performance was studied on four different Zircaloy-2 materials. Three of the materials were fabricated having the same chemical composition, but different SPP distributions. The fourth material served as a reference and was manufactured to have small SPPs.
All four materials were irradiated in Forsmark 3 for five cycles to a burnup of &gt;43 MWd/kgU, and poolside inspections were carried out after three, four, and five cycles of irradiation. Three cladding materials were studied by hot-cell investigations after three and four cycles of irradiation.
The study shows that the dissolution of the SPPs results in a shift toward smaller particles during irradiation and that the hydrogen concentration as well as the corrosion rate decrease with increasing initial SPP size. Moreover, the hydrogen content differed significantly between the examined claddings after three cycles of operation (25 MWd/kgU), whereas the oxide thickness at this burnup level was similar for all studied materials. However, the oxidation rate for the studied clad materials diverged during the fourth irradiation cycle and, consequently, the oxide layer thickness differed between the material types after four cycles of irradiation (40 MWd/kgU).
It is concluded that the initial hydrogen pickup fraction depends on the SPP size distribution of the as-fabricated material. The acceleration in corrosion rate is proposed to be a combined effect of the actual hydrogen concentration and the dissolution of the SPPs. The impact of SPP dissolution on corrosion performance and possible mechanisms behind the earlier hydrogen uptake are further discussed in the paper.