bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological characterization of pecteneal hyalocytes in the developing quail retina
Authors: Llombart Cristina , Nacher Víctor , Ramos David , Luppo Mariana , Carretero Ana , Navarro Marc , Melgarejo Verònica , Armengol Clara , Rodríguez‐Baeza Alfonso , Mendes‐Jorge Luisa , Ruberte Jesús 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe periphery of the vitreous body contains a population of cells termed hyalocytes. Despite the existence for more than one century of publications devoted to the pecten oculi, a convoluted coil of blood vessels that seems to be the primary source of nutrients for the avian avascular retina, little information can be found concerning the pecteneal hyalocytes. These cells are situated on the inner limiting membrane in close relationship with the convolute blood vessels. To characterize the origin and macrophagic activity of pecteneal hyalocytes, we have analysed two different stages of quail eye development using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Pecteneal hyalocytes express the QH1 epitope and cKit, confirming that these cells belong to the haematopoietic system. They also express vimentin, an intermediate filament protein present in cells of mesenchymal origin and very important for differentiation of fully active macrophages. However, similarly as described in porcine hyalocytes, pecteneal hyalocytes express the glial fibrillary acidic protein, a recognized neuroglial marker. Pecteneal hyalocytes did not express other neuroglial markers, such as glutamine synthetase or S100. Acidic phosphatase was activated and Lep100 was found in secondary lysosomes, confirming phagocytic activity of pecteneal hyalocytes during ocular development. Pecteneal hyalocytes strongly react with RCA‐I, WFA, WGA, PNA, SNA, LEA and SBA lectins, whereas other avian macrophages from thymus and the bursa of Fabricius did not bind PNA, SNA and LEA lectins. Interestingly, WGA lectin reacts with all kinds of avian macrophages, including pecteneal hyalocytes, probably reflecting the specific binding of WGA to components of the phagocytic and endocytic pathways. In conclusion, pecteneal hyalocytes are a special subtype of blood‐borne macrophages that express markers not specifically associated with the haematopoietic system.
Deconstructing the PDD clinical phenotype: internal validity of the DSM‐IV
Authors: Lecavalier Luc , Gadow Kenneth D. , DeVincent Carla J. , Houts Carrie , Edwards Michael C. 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Empirical studies of the structure of autism symptoms have challenged the three‐domain model of impairment currently characterizing pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). The objective of this study was to assess the internal validity of the DSM as a conceptual model for describing PDD, while paying particular attention to certain subject characteristics.Methods:  Parents and teachers completed a DSM‐IV‐referenced rating scale for 3‐ to 12‐year‐old clinic referrals with a PDD (n = 730). Ratings were submitted to confirmatory factor analysis and different models were assessed for fit.Results:  Measures of fit indicated that the three‐factor solution based on the DSM was superior to other models. Most indices of fit were acceptable, but showed room for improvement. Fit indices varied according to the rater (parent or teacher), child’s age (preschool versus school aged), PDD subtype (autism, Asperger’s, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS)), and IQ.Conclusions:  More research needs to be done before discarding current classification systems. Subject characteristics, modality of assessment, and procedural variations in statistical analyses impact conclusions about the structure of PDD symptoms.
One factor or two parallel processes? Comorbidity and development of adolescent anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms
Authors: Hale III William W. , Raaijmakers Quinten A.W. , Muris Peter , Van Hoof Anne , Meeus Wim H.J. 
Published: June 2009

Background:  This study investigates whether anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms of adolescents from the general community are best described by a model that assumes they are indicative of one general factor or by a model that assumes they are two distinct disorders with parallel growth processes. Additional analyses were conducted to explore the comorbidity of adolescent anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms and the effects that adolescent anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms have on each other’s symptom severity growth.Methods:  Two cohorts of early (N = 923; Age range 10–15 years; Mean age = 12.4, SD = .59; Girls = 49%) and middle adolescent (N = 390; Age range 16–20 years; Mean age = 16.7, SD = .80; Girls = 57%) boys and girls from the general community were prospectively studied annually for five years. These two adolescent cohorts were divided into five groups: one group at‐risk for developing a specific anxiety disorder and four additional groups of healthy adolescents that differed in age and sex. Self‐reported anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms were analyzed with latent growth modeling.Results:  Comparison of the fit statistics of the two models clearly demonstrates the superiority of the distinct disorders with parallel growth processes model above the one factor model. It was also demonstrated that the initial symptom severity of either anxiety or depression is predictive of the development of the other, though in different ways for the at‐risk and healthy adolescent groups.Conclusions:  The results of this study established that the development of anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms of adolescents from the general community occurs as two distinct disorders with parallel growth processes, each with their own unique growth characteristics.
Polyglutamine expansion in huntingtin alters its interaction with phospholipids
Authors: Kegel Kimberly B. , Sapp Ellen , Alexander Jonathan , Valencia Antonio , Reeves Patrick , Li Xueyi , Masso Nicholas , Sobin Lindsay , Aronin Neil , DiFiglia Marian 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHuntingtin has an expanded polyglutamine tract in patients with Huntington’s disease. Huntingtin localizes to intracellular and plasma membranes but the function of huntingtin at membranes is unknown. Previously we reported that exogenously expressed huntingtin bound pure phospholipids using protein‐lipid overlays. Here we show that endogenous huntingtin from normal (Hdh7Q/7Q) mouse brain and mutant huntingtin from Huntington’s disease (Hdh140Q/140Q) mouse brain bound to large unilamellar vesicles containing phosphoinositol (PI) PI 3,4‐bisphosphate, PI 3,5‐bisphosphate, and PI 3,4,5‐triphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3]. Huntingtin interactions with multivalent phospholipids were similar to those of dynamin. Mutant huntingtin associated more with phosphatidylethanolamine and PI(3,4,5)P3 than did wild‐type huntingtin, and associated with other phospholipids not recognized by wild‐type huntingtin. Wild‐type and mutant huntingtin also bound to large unilamellar vesicles containing cardiolipin, a phospholipid specific to mitochondrial membranes. Maximal huntingtin‐phospholipid association required inclusion of huntingtin amino acids 171–287. Endogenous huntingtin recruited to the plasma membrane in cells that incorporated exogenous PI 3,4‐bisphosphate and PI(3,4,5)P3 or were stimulated by platelet‐derived growth factor or insulin growth factor 1, which both activate PI 3‐kinase. These data suggest that huntingtin interacts with membranes through specific phospholipid associations and that mutant huntingtin may disrupt membrane trafficking and signaling at membranes.
Effects of slope and riparian habitat connectivity on gene flow in an endangered Panamanian frog, Atelopus varius
Authors: Richards‐Zawacki Corinne L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim  Understanding how heterogeneous landscapes shape genetic structure not only sheds light on processes involved in population divergence and speciation, but can also guide management strategies to promote and maintain genetic connectivity of populations of endangered species. This study aimed to (1) identify barriers and corridors for gene flow among populations of the endangered frog, Atelopus varius and (2) assess the relative contributions of alternative landscape factors to patterns of genetic variation among these populations in a hypothesis testing framework.Location  This study took place in western Panama and included all nine of the remaining known populations of A. varius at the time of study.Methods  The influence of landscape variables on gene flow among populations was examined by testing for correlations between alternative landscape‐resistance scenarios and genetic distance. Fifteen alternative hypotheses about the influence of (1) riparian habitat corridors, (2) steep slopes, and (3) climatic suitability on patterns of genetic structure were tested in a causal modelling framework, using Mantel and partial‐Mantel tests, along with an analysis of molecular variation.Results  Only the hypothesis attributing resistance to dispersal across steep slopes (genetic isolation by slope distance) was fully supported by the causal modelling approach. However, the analysis of molecular variance and the paths of least‐slope among populations suggest that riparian habitat connectivity may influence genetic structure as well.Main conclusions  These results suggest that patterns of genetic variation among A. varius populations are affected by the slope of the landscape such that areas with steep slopes act as barriers to gene flow. In contrast, areas of low slope, such as streams and mountain ridges, appear to be important corridors for gene flow, especially among high elevation populations. These results engender important considerations for the management of this critically endangered species.
Predicting introduction, establishment and potential impacts of smallmouth bass
Authors: Sharma Sapna , Herborg Leif‐Matthias , Therriault Thomas W. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim  The introduction of non‐indigenous species has resulted in wide‐ranging ecological and economic impacts. Predictive modelling of the introduction and establishment of non‐indigenous species is imperative to identify areas at high risk of invasion to effectively manage non‐indigenous species and conserve native populations. Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), a warm water fish species native to central North America has negatively impacted native fish communities, including cyprinids and salmonid populations, as a result of intentional introductions. We predicted the introduction risk; species establishment based on habitat suitability; identified lakes at high risk of invasion; and finally assessed the consequential impacts on native salmon, trout and cyprinid populations.Location  Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.Methods  Classification tree and logistic regression models were developed and validated to predict the introduction and establishment of smallmouth bass for thousands of lakes.Results  Densely human populated areas and larger lake surface areas successfully identify lakes associated with the introduction of smallmouth bass (introduction model) in British Columbia. Climate, lake morphology and water chemistry variables were the driving environmental parameters to define suitable smallmouth bass habitat (establishment model). A combination of the introduction and establishment model identified 138 lakes that are currently at risk in British Columbia to the introduction and establishment of smallmouth bass. Of these 138 high‐risk lakes, 95% of them contain at least one species of salmon, trout or cyprinid, thereby increasing the potential impact of an invasion by smallmouth bass.Main conclusions  Our framework can be applied to other terrestrial and aquatic species to obtain a better understanding of the potential risk posed by a non‐indigenous species to an ecosystem. Furthermore, our methodology can be used to focus management efforts on areas at higher risk (e.g. number of potential releases, more favourable habitats) to control future introductions of non‐indigenous species, thereby conserving native populations.
Links between estuarine condition and spatial distributions of marine invaders
Authors: Dafforn Katherine A. , Glasby Tim M. , Johnston Emma L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim  Non‐indigenous species pose a significant threat to the environment and to global economies. Predictive and preventative measures are widely considered more effective in curtailing invasions than are eradication or control measures. Of key importance in the prediction of regional invasion risk are the environmental conditions that enable successful establishment.Location  We surveyed native and non‐indigenous sessile invertebrate diversity in each of two commercial (600–1500 vessels per year) and two recreational estuaries (seven to nine marinas) in New South Wales, Australia.Methods  A nested hierarchical design was employed to investigate variation in sessile invertebrate diversity at the scales of site (1–3 km apart) and estuary (40–180 km apart). Settlement plates (15 × 15 cm) were used to sample invertebrates and background heavy metal loads were assessed using bioaccumulation in experimentally deployed oysters. Other physico‐chemical variables were monitored monthly. Manipulative experiments were used to test the direct effects of exposure to copper and tributyltin (TBT) antifouling paints on sessile invertebrates.Results  Native and non‐indigenous species richness differed at various spatial scales, but showed no consistent difference between commercial and recreational estuaries. Instead, individual species distributions were strongly related to metal contamination, temperature, turbidity and pH. In experimental studies, several species (mostly invaders) were more abundant on plates exposed to copper and/or TBT antifouling paints. We found higher levels of copper (and in some instances TBT) in recreational marinas than in commercial harbours.Main conclusions  Our results demonstrate the importance of metal pollution and physico‐chemical variables in the establishment of invaders in new regions. We have identified several native Australian species that have been exported overseas and suggested mechanisms contributing to their transport and establishment. Combining physico‐chemical information about donor and recipient regions with species tolerances could go some way to predicting where future invasions may occur.
Global conservation strategies for two clades of snakes: combining taxon‐specific goals with general prioritization schemes
Authors: Terribile Levi Carina , De Oliveira Guilherme , Albuquerque Fábio , Rodríguez Miguel Ángel , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim We present the first attempt of mapping global conservation priorities for two snake clades, Viperidae and Elapidae. We compared the global conservation priorities of each clade with the nine global conservation schemes defined by Brookset al.to evaluate how effective these schemes are in ensuring the preservation of viperid and elapid biodiversity.Location Global.Methods Based on range maps of 228 species of Viperidae and 224 species of Elapidae, we used systematic conservation planning methods of complementarity and irreplaceability to generate a set of conservation networks under two cost scenarios: (1) minimizing conservation‐human development conflicts and (2) maximizing environmental suitability for high snake richness. Analysis of variance was used to investigate whether the mean irreplaceability of cells matching the areas covered by each of the nine global prioritization schemes in Brookset al.was higher than the mean irreplaceability of cells located outside these areas.Results Overall, few areas showed irreplaceability higher than 0.5 based on a goal of representing 25% of the species’ ranges. The conservation networks generated in expectation of low conflicts between human development and conservation were quite different from the networks of high environmental suitability. Areas with higher irreplaceability coincided with the regions covered by global schemes of Endemic Bird Areas (for Viperidae and Elapidae) and High‐Biodiversity Wilderness (for Elapidae).Main conclusions Our findings indicated the existence of viable conservation opportunities for these two snake groups. This study can be viewed as a way to overcome, at least in part, the recent criticism concerning the independent development of several global conservation priorities by evaluating which groups of organisms are better represented in each of them. More than simply determining priorities for snakes’ conservation, our analyses showed that the development of parallel priority‐setting initiatives can be reconciled with those strategies for which financial resources are already being designed.
From Circle of Poison to Circle of Virtue: Pesticides, Export Standards and Kenya’s Green Bean Farmers
Authors: Okello Julius J. , Swinton Scott M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn response to growing consumer concerns, developed‐country governments have reduced permissible pesticide residue levels in food. Many food retailers have developed even more stringent private food safety protocols relating to pesticide use, storage and disposal and passed them on to their suppliers. Exporters in developing countries enforce these developed‐country pesticide standards (DC‐PS) by subjecting farmers to close monitoring. This study explores the effects of enforcing compliance with DC‐PS on smallholder farmers’ pesticide‐related health costs. Results suggest that enforcing DC‐PS encourages farmers to use protection that lowers pesticide‐induced morbidity, hence reducing farmers’ health costs from pesticide exposure. The study concludes that there are health benefits to family farmers from complying with DC‐PS beyond the acknowledged income generation from selling fresh produce in premium export markets.
Effective Bilirubin Reduction by Single‐Pass Albumin Dialysis in Liver Failure
Authors: Boonsrirat Ussanee , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Srisawat Nattachai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Komolmit Piyawat , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam‐Ong Somchai 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAlbumin dialysis is widely accepted as a liver‐support technique for patients with liver failure. The Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System, the widely accepted albumin dialysis technique, has limited use in developing countries because of its technical difficulties and high cost. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of the more practical modality, the single‐pass albumin dialysis (SPAD), in terms of bilirubin reduction, as a marker of albumin‐bound toxins removal, as well as the patient outcomes. Twelve acute or acute‐on‐chronic patients with liver failure who had hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin > 20 mg/dL) were treated with SPAD by using 2% human serum albumin dialysate for 6 h. SPAD treatment significantly improved the levels of total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, urea, and creatinine (P < 0.001 for all parameters). The reduction ratios of these four parameters were 22.9 ± 3.8%, 20.9 ± 5%, 19.0 ± 4.1%, and 27.7 ±  3.2%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between serum ammonia before and after treatment. No significant changes in mean arterial pressures were noted during the maneuver, representing cardiovascular tolerability. No treatment‐related complications were found. The 15‐day in‐hospital survival was 16.7%. However, a subgroup of the patients who had moderate severity showed 100% 15‐day‐survival rate (2 of 2 patients). In conclusion, SPAD is salutarily effective in reducing bilirubin in patients with liver failure. The procedure is safe and simply set up.
Reduction of Early Postoperative Morbidity in Cardiac Surgery Patients Treated With Continuous Veno–Venous Hemofiltration During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Luciani Remo , Goracci Massimo , Simon Caterina , Principe Francesco , Fazzari Loredana , Punzo Giorgio , Menè Paolo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The major clinical features of this include a reduction of pulmonary compliance and increased extracellular fluids, with increased pulmonary shunt fraction similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome, thus resulting in prolonged mechanical ventilation time (VAM) and intensive care unit length of stay (ICU STAY). We evaluated the feasibility of an intraoperatory cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit connected with a monitor for continuous veno–venous hemofiltration (CVVH) to ameliorate pulmonary function after open heart surgery reducing VAM and ICU STAY. Forty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized at the time of surgery into a control group (20 patients who received standard cardiopulmonary bypass) and a study group (20 patients who received CVVH during cardiopulmonary bypass). The analysis of postoperative variables showed a significative reduction of VAM in treated group (CVVH group mean 3.55 h ± 0.85, control group 5.8 h ±  0.94, P < 0.001) and ICU STAY (CVVH group mean 29.5 h ± 6.7, control group 40.5 h ± 6.67, P < 0.001). In our experience, the use of intraoperatory CVVH during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with lower early postoperative morbidity.
Complexity Analysis Based on Image‐Processing Method and Pixelized Recognition of Chinese Characters Using Simulated Prosthetic Vision
Authors: Yang Kun , Zhou Chuanqing , Ren Qiushi , Fan Jin , Zhang Leilei , Chai Xinyu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe influence of complexity and minimum resolution necessary for recognition of pixelized Chinese characters (CCs) was investigated by using simulated prosthetic vision. An image‐processing method was used to evaluate the complexity of CCs, which is defined as the frequency of black pixels and analyzed by black pixel statistic complexity algorithm. A total of 631 most commonly used CCs that can deliver 80% of the information in Chinese daily reading were chosen as the testing database in order to avoid the negative effect due to illegibility and incognizance. CCs in Hei font style were captured as images and pixelized as 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, and 12 × 12 pixel arrays with square dots. Recognition accuracy of CCs with different complexity and different numbers of pixel arrays was tested by using simulated prosthetic vision. The results indicate that both pixel array number and complexity have significant impact on pixelized reading of CCs. Recognition accuracy of pixelized CCs drops with the increase of complexity and the decrease of pixel number. More than 80% of CCs with any complexity can be recognized correctly; 10 × 10 pixel array can sufficiently provide pixelized reading of CCs for visual prosthesis. Pixelized reading of CCs with low resolution is possible only for characters with low complexity (complexity less than 0.16 for a 6 × 6 pixel array and less than 0.24 for an 8 × 8 pixel array).