bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural selection in the water: freshwater invasion and adaptation by water colour in the Amazonian pufferfish
Authors: COOKE G. M. , CHAO N. L. , BEHEREGARAY L. B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractNatural selection and ecological adaptation are ultimately responsible for much of the origin of biodiversity. Yet, the identification of divergent natural selection has been hindered by the spatial complexity of natural systems, the difficulty in identifying genes under selection and their relationship to environment, and the confounding genomic effects of time. Here, we employed genome scans, population genetics and sequence‐based phylogeographic methods to identify divergent natural selection on population boundaries in a freshwater invader, the Amazonian pufferfish,Colomesus asellus. We sampled extensively across markedly different hydrochemical settings in the Amazon Basin and use ‘water colour’ to test for ecological isolation. We distinguish the relative contribution of natural selection across hydrochemical gradients from biogeographic history in the origin and maintenance of population boundaries within a single species and across a complex ecosystem. We show that spatially distinct population structure generated by multiple forces (i.e. water colour and vicariant biogeographic history) can be identified if the confounding effects of genetic drift have not accumulated between selective populations. Our findings have repercussions for studies aimed at identifying engines of biodiversity and assessing their temporal progression in understudied and ecologically complex tropical ecosystems.
A simulation study on the performance of differentiation‐based methods to detect selected loci using linked neutral markers
Authors: VILAS A. , PÉREZ‐FIGUEROA A. , CABALLERO A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe investigated the performance of two of the most popular differentiation‐based methods to detect loci under selection (dfdist/fdist and bayescan) in order to ascertain the average chromosome map distance between the detected outlier markers and the nearest loci under selection. We used a model of neutral markers genetically linked to selected loci (QTL) controlling a quantitative trait subject to divergent selection in two subpopulations connected by migration. The results are not particularly encouraging because for chromosome lengths above 0.5 morgan, at least 30% of outliers detected were positioned in chromosomes where QTL were absent, clearly denoting false positives. Outliers linked to QTL were on average closer to the nearest QTL than randomly chosen markers, but the methods showed a substantial uncertainty about the genetic association between markers and selected loci, as this association could be shown significantly only in a moderate number of replicates for most scenarios. At equal conditions, bayescan seemed to perform somewhat more efficiently than dfdist/fdist, with little difference between results for dominant and codominant markers.
‘Smoker's paradox’ in young patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Kang‐Yin , Rha Seung‐Woon , Li Yong‐Jian , Jin Zhe , Minami Yoshiyasu , Park Ji Young , Poddar Kanhaiya L , Ramasamy Sureshkumar , Wang Lin , Li Guang‐Ping , Choi Cheol‐Ung , Oh Dong Joo , Jeong Myung Ho ,   for the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Investigators
Published: May 2012

Summary

Of the patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI), smokers are younger than non‐smokers, which may be a major confounding factor causing ‘smoker's paradox’. Therefore, in the present study we evaluated the ‘smoker's paradox’ in young patients with AMI.
In all, 1218 young AMI patients (≤ 45 years of age), comprising 990 smokers and 228 non‐smokers, were enrolled in the present study. In‐hospital and 8 months clinical outcomes were compared between the smokers and non‐smokers.
Baseline clinical characteristics showed that smokers were more likely to be male (97.9% vs 72.4%; P < 0.001) and had a higher rate of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (71.3% vs 59.5%; P = 0.001) than non‐smokers. Clinical outcomes showed that smokers had lower rates of in‐hospital cardiac death (0.8% vs 3.5%; P = 0.004), total death (0.8% vs 3.5%; P = 0.004) and 8 months cardiac death (1.1% vs 3.9%; P = 0.006) and total death (1.3% vs 4.4%; P = 0.005) than non‐smokers. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that current smoking was an independent protective predictor of 8 months cardiac death (odds ratio (OR) 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.92; P = 0.037) and total death (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.09–0.82; P = 0.021). Subgroup analysis in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention after AMI showed that current smoking was an independent protective predictor of 8 months total major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23–0.97; P = 0.041).
Current smoking seems to be associated with better clinical outcomes in young patients with AMI, suggesting the existence of the ‘smoker's paradox’ in this particular subset of patients.
Exercise and diet modification in non‐obese non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Analysis of biopsies of living liver donors
Authors: Jin Young‐Joo , Kim Kang Mo , Hwang Shin , Lee Sung Gyu , Ha Tae‐Yong , Song Gi‐Won , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Kim Ki‐Hun , Yu Eunsil , Shim Ju Hyun , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu , Chung Young‐Hwa , Lee YungSang , Suh Dong‐Jin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground and Aims:  We evaluated efficacy of exercise and diet modification for steatosis improvement of non‐obese non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.Methods:  We analyzed retrospectively the clinical and histological parameters of consecutive living liver donors, who experienced repeated liver biopsies due to steatosis and were treated using exercise and diet modification.Results:  From 1995 to 2009, among a total of 1365 potential living liver donors with NAFLD seen on the initial liver biopsy, 120 consecutive donors with steatosis ≥ 30% or an estimated donor‐recipient weight ratio < 0.8, underwent exercise and diet modification and received follow‐up liver biopsy at our institution. Median age was 33 years, and median interval between the two consecutive biopsies was 10 weeks (range, 1–39). At the time of initial biopsy, the number of normal body mass index, overweight, and obese donors was 49 (40.8%), 65 (54.2%), and 6 (5.0%), respectively. After lifestyle modification, weight reduction and steatosis improvement were observed in 92 (76.7%) and 103 (85.8%) donors, respectively, at the time of follow‐up biopsy. On multivariate analysis, initially higher steatosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, P = 0.02), total cholesterol reduction ≥ 10% (HR 5.59, P = 0.02), and weight reduction ≥ 5% (HR 6.63, P = 0.03) were significantly associated with ≥ 20% steatosis improvement in 120 donors with NAFLD, after exercise and diet modification.Conclusions:  Exercise and diet modification were effective in reducing steatosis in potential living liver donors with non‐obese NAFLD. Total cholesterol reduction ≥ 10% could be used as a non‐invasive predictor for steatosis improvement in liver donors with NAFLD, after exercise and diet modification.
Hepatic hemodynamics in 24 patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia and symptomatic portal hypertension
Authors: Bissonnette Julien , Généreux Alexandre , Côté Jean , Nguyen Bich , Perreault Pierre , Bouchard Louis , Pomier‐Layrargues Gilles 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To evaluate hepatic hemodynamics in patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRH) with portal hypertension (PHT).Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 24 patients referred for PHT related to biopsy‐proven NRH. Hemodynamic measurements included wedged hepatic vein (WHVP) and inferior vena cava (IVCP), and, in 12 patients, portal vein pressure (PVP). Hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG: WHVP–IVCP) and portal vein pressure gradient (PVPG: PVP–IVCP) were calculated.Results:  Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was associated in 24 patients with various diseases (oxaliplatin chemotherapy, treatment with purine antagonists, post liver transplantation, hematologic and rheumatologic conditions and HIV infection). Liver function parameters were either completely normal or slightly impaired. Patients were referred for gastroesophageal varices (n = 18), and/or ascites (n = 11), and/or splenomegaly (n = 20). In patients with varices or ascites, HVPG was lower than 10 mmHg (a cut‐off point for the presence of varices and/or ascites) in 15/21, suggesting a pre‐sinusoidal component to their PHT confirmed by a PVP higher than 12 mmHg in 12/12 patients.The mean difference between HVPG and PVPG was 8.7 mmHg in these patients. Ten patients were treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. None of them re‐bled, and one presented transient hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusions:  Presinusoidal PHT associated with NRH is probably related to compression of portal venules by the regenerative nodules. In patients with HTP and a HVPG < 10 mmHg, the diagnosis of NRH must be suspected and PVP measured, which is important in the management of these patients.
Increase in platelet count based on inosine triphosphatase genotype during interferon beta plus ribavirin combination therapy
Authors: Nomura Hideyuki , Miyagi Yugo , Tanimoto Hironori , Yamashita Nobuyuki , Ito Kiyoaki , Masaki Naohiko , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) genotype is associated with ribavirin‐induced anemia and pegylated interferon α (PEG IFN‐α)‐induced platelet reduction during PEG IFN‐α plus ribavirin combination therapy. Natural IFN‐β plus ribavirin therapy is associated with increases in platelet counts during treatment. We investigated decreases in platelet counts according to ITPA genotype during natural IFN‐β/ribavirin therapy to determine if patients with low platelet counts were eligible for this combination therapy.Methods:  A total of 187 patients with chronic hepatitis C received PEG IFN‐α/ribavirin or natural IFN‐β/ribavirin therapy. Decreases in platelet counts based on ITPA genotype were investigated during treatment through 24 weeks.Results:  Platelet counts decreased during week 1 of PEG IFN‐α/ribavirin therapy, but increased during week 2, after which platelet counts decreased gradually. Platelet counts decreased until week 4 of natural IFN‐β/ribavirin therapy, after which platelet counts increased. Platelet counts after week 8 were higher relative to pretreatment platelet counts. Patients with the ITPA‐CC genotype showed a smaller decrease in platelet counts during natural IFN‐β/ribavirin therapy than those with the ITPA‐CA/AA genotype; platelet counts after week 8 of this therapy were higher than pretreatment platelet counts, regardless of pretreatment platelet counts. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that natural INF‐β/ribavirin therapy was the only significant independent predictor for an increase in platelets through week 8.Conclusion:  Natural IFN‐β/ribavirin therapy is safe for patients with the ITPA‐CC genotype, even if their pretreatment platelet counts are low.
Des‐γ‐carboxyl prothrombin is associated with tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Matsubara Minoru , Shiraha Hidenori , Kataoka Jyunro , Iwamuro Masaya , Horiguchi Shigeru , Nishina Shin‐ichi , Takaoka Nobuyuki , Uemura Masayuki , Takaki Akinobu , Nakamura Shinichiro , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular tumor, and angiogenesis plays an important role in its development. Previously, we demonstrated that des‐γ‐carboxyl prothrombin (DCP) promotes both cell proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by inducing the autophosphorylation of kinase insert domain receptor (KDR). In the present study, DCP‐associated tumor angiogenesis was assessed by comparing hypovascular and common hypervascular HCC.Methods:  The solitary HCCs of 827 patients were classified into two groups according to the tumor density at the arterial phase of a dynamic computed tomography scan; the initial clinical data of patients with the hyper‐ and hypovascular types were compared. The HCC tissues from 95 tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining for DCP and phosphorylated KDR, and intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) was analyzed to evaluate microvessel angiogenesis.Results:  The serum DCP levels (320 ± 3532 mAU/mL) and tumor size (18.4 ± 9.0 mm) of patients with hypervascular HCC were significantly greater than those with hypovascular HCC (38.7 ± 80 mAU/mL and 14.6 ± 5.2 mm, P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expressions of DCP and phospho‐KDR were significantly greater in hypervascular HCC (71.4% and 31.0%, respectively) than in hypovascular HCC (7.6% and 5.7%, respectively). Intratumoral MVD was significantly correlated with DCP (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  des‐γ‐carboxyl prothrombin production is associated with tumor angiogenesis in HCC.
Sub‐National Institutional Contingencies, Network Positions, and IJV Partner Selection
Authors: Shi Weilei (Stone) , Sun Sunny Li , Peng Mike W. 
Published: May 2012

abstractThe differences in sub‐national institutions within large and complex emerging economies have been increasingly noted. Drawing on social network theory and the institution‐based view, we argue that two network structural attributes of domestic firms – centrality and structural holes – have distinctive values in different sub‐national regions where institutional contexts differ widely. In addition, these sub‐national institutional contingencies influence the attractiveness of different network attributes to foreign entrants seeking international joint venture (IJV) partners. Specifically, in regions where the degree of marketization is high, centrally positioned domestic firms are more likely to be selected by foreign entrants as IJV partners. In regions where the degree of marketization is low, domestic broker firms are more attractive IJV partners. Results from the electrical and information technology industries in 18 provinces in China largely support our hypotheses.
The overexpression ofOsNAC9alters the root architecture of rice plants enhancing drought resistance and grain yield under field conditions
Authors: Redillas Mark C.F.R. , Jeong Jin S. , Kim Youn S. , Jung Harin , Bang Seung W. , Choi Yang D. , Ha Sun‐Hwa , Reuzeau Christophe , Kim Ju‐Kon 
Published: May 2012

SummaryDrought conditions limit agricultural production by preventing crops from reaching their genetically predetermined maximum yields. Here, we present the results of field evaluations of rice overexpressingOsNAC9,a member of the rice NAC domain family. Root‐specific (RCc3) and constitutive (GOS2) promoters were used to overexpressOsNAC9and produced the transgenicRCc3:OsNAC9andGOS2:OsNAC9plants. Field evaluations over two cultivating seasons showed that grain yields of theRCc3:OsNAC9and theGOS2:OsNAC9plants were increased by 13%–18% and 13%–32% under normal conditions, respectively. Under drought conditions,RCc3:OsNAC9plants showed an increased grain yield of 28%–72%, whilst theGOS2:OsNAC9plants remained unchanged. Both transgenic lines exhibited altered root architecture involving an enlarged stele and aerenchyma. The aerenchyma ofRCc3:OsNAC9roots was enlarged to a greater extent than those ofGOS2:OsNAC9and non‐transgenic (NT) roots, suggesting the importance of this phenotype for enhanced drought resistance. Microarray experiments identified 40 up‐regulated genes by more than threefold (P < 0.01) in the roots of both transgenic lines. These included9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, an ABA biosynthesis gene,calcium‐transporting ATPase, a component of the Ca2+signalling pathway involved in cortical cell death and aerenchyma formation,cinnamoyl CoA reductase 1, a gene involved in lignin biosynthesis, andwall‐associated kinases¸genes involved in cell elongation and morphogenesis. Interestingly,O‐methyltransferase, a gene necessary for barrier formation, was specifically up‐regulated only in theRCc3:OsNAC9roots. Such up‐regulated genes that are commonly and specifically up‐regulated inOsNAC9transgenic roots may account for the altered root architecture conferring increased drought resistance phenotype.
Contextual influences on eating behaviours: heuristic processing and dietary choices
Authors: Cohen D. A. , Babey S. H. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis paper reviews some of the evidence that dietary behaviours are, in large part, the consequence of automatic responses to contextual food cues, many of which lead to increased caloric consumption and poor dietary choices. We describe studies that illustrate how these automatic mechanisms underlie eating behaviours, as well as evidence that individuals are subject to inherent cognitive limitations, and mostly lack the capacity to consistently recognize, ignore or resist contextual cues that encourage eating.Restaurants and grocery stores are the primary settings from which people obtain food. These settings are often designed to maximize sales of food by strategically placing and promoting items to encourage impulse purchases. Although a great deal of marketing research is proprietary, this paper describes some of the published studies that indicate that changes in superficial characteristics of food products, including packaging and portion sizes, design, salience, health claims and labelling, strongly influence food choices and consumption in ways for which people generally lack insight. We discuss whether contextual influences might be considered environmental risk factors from which individuals may need the kinds of protections that fall under the mission of public health.
Neurobiological narratives: experiences of mood disorder through the lens of neuroimaging
Authors: Buchman Daniel Z. , Borgelt Emily L. , Whiteley Louise , Illes Judy 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMany scientists, healthcare providers, policymakers and patients are awaiting in anticipation the application of biomedical technologies such as functional neuroimaging for the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The potential efficacy of such applications is controversial, and functional neuroimaging is not yet routinely used in psychiatric clinics. However, commercial ventures and enthusiastic reporting indicate a pressing need to engage with the social and ethical issues raised by clinical translation. There has been little investigation of how individuals living with mental illness view functional neuroimaging, or of the potential psychological impacts of its clinical use. We conducted 12 semi‐structured interviews with adults diagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder, probing their experiences with mental health care and their perspectives on the prospect of receiving neuroimaging for prediction, diagnosis and planning treatment. The participants discussed the potential role of neuroimages in (i) mitigating stigma; (ii) supporting morally loaded explanations of mental illness due to an imbalance of brain chemistry; (iii) legitimising psychiatric symptoms, which may have previously been de‐legitimised since they lacked objective representation, through objective representations of disorder; and (iv) reifying DSM‐IV‐TR disorder categories and links to identity. We discuss these anticipated outcomes in the context of participant lived experience and attitudes to biologisation of mental illness, and argue for bringing these voices into upstream ethics discussion.
Making sense of nonsense: experiences of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Beard Renée L. , Neary Tara M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a stigmatised condition popularly assumed to be a death sentence for diagnosed individuals. Consequently, people with AD are often deemed incapable (and perhaps unworthy) of contributing to the social discourse surrounding their illness experience. Data from qualitative interviews with 18 people diagnosed with the potential precursor of AD known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are examined. Using grounded theory methods, analysis revealed overarching themes of uncertainty concerning definitions of memory loss, MCI, and AD as well as distinctions between normal ageing and dementia. While this confusion over the terminology and prognosis mirrors the lack of scientific consensus about nosology and appropriate treatment regimens, such ambiguity creates social and psychological tensions for diagnosed individuals. Arguably, participants’ unequivocal fear of and subsequent desire to differentiate their experiences from Alzheimer’s, however, stems from the exclusively negative social constructions of AD. Drawing from Goffman, these findings demonstrate the psychosocial impact of ‘framing contests’ and how ‘courtesy stigma’ can apply not only to associated persons but also associated conditions, such as MCI to AD. Given the underlying nosological creep – or medicalisation – of the recent diagnostic guidelines proposing two new pre‐dementia stages, understanding the illness narratives of MCI is critical.
Getting Creative with the ‘Creative City’? Towards New Perspectives on Creativity in Urban Policy
Authors: Borén Thomas , Young Craig 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article explores new avenues for academic research on the ‘creative city’. Creativity offers opportunities for urban development and the personal development of urban inhabitants, but its adoption in urban policy is frequently criticized for being welded to economic imperatives and a neoliberal agenda. Urban policymakers worldwide continue to adopt narrow conceptualizations of ‘creativity’ while largely ignoring extensive academic criticism of the concept, suggesting that academic concerns with creativity in urban policy need to be reoriented more effectively. This article develops four key theoretical points on the ‘creative city’ and creative urban policy. It argues that the focus of enquiry should shift towards a more in‐depth understanding of how ‘creativity’ is constructed, contested and performed in specific urban contexts, understanding the ‘creative policy gap’ between policymakers and those engaged in all kinds of creative practice, and developing forms of artistic intervention to attempt to make creative policymaking more inclusive and ‘creative’. These points are developed through a critique of the literature and some illustrative examples of people in creative occupations interacting with urban planners and policymakers in creative interventions.RésuméDe nouveaux axes de recherches s’ouvrent à la ‘ville créative’. La créativité offre des possibilités d’aménagement urbain et d’épanouissement personnel des citadins, mais son intégration aux politiques urbaines est souvent critiquée pour être indissociable d’impératifs économiques et d’objectifs néolibéraux. À travers le monde, les décideurs des politiques urbaines adoptent encore des notions étriquées de la ‘créativité’, négligeant les fréquentes remises en question du concept dans les études académiques, et prétextant que l’intérêt des chercheurs pour la créativité dans ce domaine devrait être réorienté plus efficacement. Quatre points théoriques sur ‘la ville créative’ et sur une politique urbaine créative sont présentés: les études devraient tenter de mieux comprendre les manières d’élaborer, de contester et de concrétiser la ‘créativité’ dans des contextes urbains particuliers, appréhender le ‘déficit de politique créative’ entre les décideurs politiques et les personnes qui exercent toutes sortes de pratiques créatives, et développer des formes d’intervention artistique afin de susciter des approches des politiques urbaines plus inclusives et plus ‘créatives’. Ces points sont examinés en analysant les publications existantes, ainsi que plusieurs exemples de personnes exerçant des professions créatives en interaction avec les urbanistes et les décideurs politiques dans le cadre d’interventions créatives.