bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of the imperilled bath sponge Spongia officinalis Linnaeus, 1759 across the Mediterranean Sea: patterns of population differentiation and implications for taxonomy and conservation
Authors: DAILIANIS T. , TSIGENOPOULOS C. S. , DOUNAS C. , VOULTSIADOU E. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe Mediterranean bath sponge Spongia officinalis is an iconic species with high socio‐economic value and precarious future owing to unregulated harvesting, mortality incidents and lack of established knowledge regarding its ecology. This study aims to assess genetic diversity and population structure of the species at different geographical scales throughout its distribution. For this purpose, 11 locations in the Eastern Mediterranean (Aegean Sea), Western Mediterranean (Provence coast) and the Strait of Gibraltar were sampled; specimens were analysed using partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, along with a set of eight microsatellite loci. According to our results (i) no genetic differentiation exists among the acknowledged Mediterranean morphotypes, and hence, S. officinalis can be viewed as a single, morphologically variable species; (ii) a notable divergence was recorded in the Gibraltar region, indicating the possible existence of a cryptic species; (iii) restriction to gene flow was evidenced between the Aegean Sea and Provence giving two well‐defined regional clusters, thus suggesting the existence of a phylogeographic break between the two systems; (iv) low levels of genetic structure, not correlated to geographical distance, were observed inside geographical sectors, implying mechanisms (natural or anthropogenic) that enhance dispersal and gene flow have promoted population connectivity; (v) the genetic diversity of S. officinalis is maintained high in most studied locations despite pressure from harvesting and the influence of devastating epidemics. These findings provide a basis towards the effective conservation and management of the species.
50,000 years of genetic uniformity in the critically endangered Iberian lynx
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ RICARDO , RAMÍREZ OSCAR , VALDIOSERA CRISTINA E. , GARCÍA NURIA , ALDA FERNANDO , MADURELL‐MALAPEIRA JOAN , MARMI JOSEP , DOADRIO IGNACIO , WILLERSLEV ESKE , GÖTHERSTRÖM ANDERS , ARSUAGA JUAN LUIS , THOMAS MARK G. , LALUEZA‐FOX CARLES , DALÉN LOVE 
Published: August 2011

AbstractLow genetic diversity in the endangered Iberian lynx, including lack of mitochondrial control region variation, is thought to result from historical or Pleistocene/Holocene population bottlenecks, and to indicate poor long‐term viability. We find no variability in control region sequences from 19 Iberian lynx remains from across the Iberian Peninsula and spanning the last 50 000 years. This is best explained by continuously small female effective population size through time. We conclude that low genetic variability in the Iberian lynx is not in itself a threat to long‐term viability, and so should not preclude conservation efforts.
Sensitivity of Barley Leaves and Roots to Fusaric Acid, but not to H2O2, Is Associated with Susceptibility to Fusarium Infections
Authors: Barna Balázs , Jansen Carin , Kogel Karl‐Heinz 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFusarium head blight and rot root are among the most devastating plant diseases in modern agriculture. The causal pathogen, Fusarium spp., reduces plant yield and food quality in part because of mycotoxins, suggesting that breeding for resistance to Fusarium is an important control strategy. A simple and low‐cost tactic in plant resistance breeding is testing the cultivars for their sensitivity to fungal metabolites and secretion products. We analysed barley cultivars with differential resistance to Fusarium culmorum KF350 for their sensitivity to 5‐butylpicolinic acid [syn. fusaric acid (FA)], a product synthesized by Fusarium isolates of the Liseola section of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex. We found similar sensitivity of first and second leaves of the cultivars to KF350 and to FA, as well as to head blight in the literature. Upon FA treatment, more resistant cultivars, Jolante and Chevron, compared with susceptible cultivars, Carola and Uschi, showed less necrosis and ion leakage in primary leaves and roots, suggesting that FA can possibly be used in breeding programs as a screening compound for improved cultivars. Importantly, sensitivity to H2O2 was not correlated with resistance to KF350 although it accumulated at penetration sites and in lesions associated with Fusarium infection in all cultivars.
A novel cause for abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy and the puerperium: non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Page LM , Girling JC 
Published: August 2011

Please cite this paper as: Page L, Girling J. A novel cause for abnormal liver function tests in pregnancy and the puerperium: non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. BJOG 2011;118:1532–1535.Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest liver disease in the western world, but has never been reported in pregnancy before. We suggest that NAFLD should also be considered as a cause for abnormal liver function tests during pregnancy. As NAFLD is driven by insulin resistance, it is biologically plausible that pregnancy may reveal previously subclinical disease. Obstetricians have a vital role in optimising maternal health during and after pregnancy and therefore we need to include NAFLD in the differential diagnosis for abnormal liver function tests and recommend lifestyle modifications that may prevent progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Primary surgical repair of anterior vaginal prolapse: a randomised trial comparing anatomical and functional outcome between anterior colporrhaphy and trocar‐guided transobturator anterior mesh
Authors: Vollebregt A , Fischer K , Gietelink D , van der Vaart CH 
Published: August 2011

Please cite this paper as: Vollebregt A, Fischer K, Gietelink D, van der Vaart C. Primary surgical repair of anterior vaginal prolapse: a randomised trial comparing anatomical and functional outcome between anterior colporrhaphy and trocar‐guided transobturator anterior mesh. BJOG 2011;118:1518–1527.Objective  To compare anterior colporrhaphy with a trocar‐guided transobturator mesh procedure (Avaulta® anterior).Design  Randomised, controlled trial.Setting  Three teaching hospitals.Population  Women with a symptomatic cystocele at least stage II requiring primary surgical correction.Methods  A total of 125 women were assessed at baseline and 1‐year follow up. A sacrospinous hysteropexy or posterior colporrhaphy was performed when indicated.Main outcome measures  The primary outcome was the difference in anatomical cure (defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse‐Quantification <stage II cystocele). Secondary outcomes were complications, self‐reported urogenital symptom severity, and quality of life, as measured with validated questionnaires.Results  In all, 64 women were allocated to the anterior colporrhaphy group and 61 to the mesh group; 58/64 women versus 56/61 completed 12 months of follow‐up analysis. Compared with the anterior colporrhaphy group, the mesh reduced the risk of anatomical failure at 12 months follow up from 59 to 9% (risk reduction 50.3%, 95% CI 35.5–65.1). Only three (5%) re‐operations for anatomical failure in the anterior colporrhaphy group were performed versus 0% in the mesh group. Functional outcome improved significantly at 12 months on almost all domains, with similar results between groups. Mesh exposure occurred in two (4%) women. Baseline dyspareunia disappeared significantly more often after an anterior colporrhaphy (80%) than in the mesh group (20%). There was a trend towards more de novo dyspareunia in the mesh group (15% versus 9%).Conclusions  Primary cystocele repair with trocar‐guided transobturator mesh resulted in a statistically significant better anatomical outcome compared with the anterior colporrhaphy. However, functional outcome was similar between groups.
Splenic abscesses due to migrant metallic wires from small intestine in a horse
Authors: Rosso A. , Bullone M. , Gillono E. , Greppi M. C. , Bertuglia A. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThis reports discusses a perforating metallic wire that was suspected of causing chronic weight loss, inappetance and pyrexia in a 15‐year‐old Standardbred gelding, due to the fact that during the previous 18 months, 6 horses coming from the same yard were referred for recurrent or acute colic related to the ingestion of metallic wires. Splenomegaly was detected ultrasonographically and confirmed during surgery. During necropsy, 2 metallic wires 0.2 mm in diameter and 3–4 cm long were found in a markedly enlarged spleen with several nonencapsulated abscesses. Metallic wire perforation and migration through the lower alimentary tract may involve different abdominal quadrants (intestine, abdominal wall, spleen, liver) and lead to different clinical syndromes as acute or recurrent colic and weight loss. A clinical diagnosis is challenging as the clinical signs are often nonspecific and prognosis is generally considered poor.
Characterization of an x‐ray phase contrast imaging system based on the miniature synchrotron MIRRORCLE‐6X
Authors: van Heekeren Joop , Kostenko Alexander , Hanashima Takayasu , Yamada Hironari , Stallinga Sjoerd , Offerman S. Erik , van Vliet Lucas J. 
Published: August 2011

Purpose:The implementation of in‐linex‐ray phase contrast imaging (PCI) for soft‐tissue patient imaging is hampered by the lack of a bright and spatially coherent x‐ray source that fits into the hospital environment. This article provides a quantitative characterization of the phase‐contrast enhancement of a PCI system based on the miniature synchrotron technology MIRRORCLE‐6X.Methods:The phase‐contrast effect was measured using an edge response of a plexiglass plate as a function of the incident angle of radiation. We have developed a comprehensive x‐ray propagation model based on the system's components, properties, and geometry in order to interpret the measurement data. Monte‐Carlo simulations are used to estimate the system's spectral properties and resolution.Results:The measured ratio of the detected phase‐contrast to the absorption contrast is currently in the range 100% to 200%. Experiments show that with the current implementation of the MIRRORCLE‐6X, a target smaller than 30–40 μm does not lead to a larger phase‐contrast. The reason for this is that the fraction of x‐rays produced by the material (carbon filament and glue) that is used for mounting the target in the electron beam is more than 25% of the total amount of x‐rays produced. This increases the apparent source size. The measured phase‐contrast is at maximum two times larger than the absorption contrast with the current set‐up.Conclusions:Calculations based on our model of the present imaging system predict that the phase‐contrast can be up to an order of magnitude larger than the absorption contrast in case the materials used for mounting the target in the electron beam do not (or hardly) produce x‐rays. The methods described in this paper provide vital feedback for guiding future modifications to the design of the x‐ray target of MIRRORCLE‐type system and configuration of the in‐line PCI systems in general.
Potential for Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer in Methanogenic Wastewater Digester Aggregates
Authors: Morita Masahiko , Malvankar Nikhil S. , Franks Ashley E. , Summers Zarath M. , Giloteaux Ludovic , Rotaru Amelia E. , Rotaru Camelia , Lovley Derek R. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Mechanisms for electron transfer within microbial aggregates derived from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor converting brewery waste to methane were investigated in order to better understand the function of methanogenic consortia. The aggregates were electrically conductive, with conductivities 3-fold higher than the conductivities previously reported for dual-species aggregates of
Geobacter
species in which the two species appeared to exchange electrons via interspecies electron transfer. The temperature dependence response of the aggregate conductance was characteristic of the organic metallic-like conductance previously described for the conductive pili of
Geobacter sulfurreducens
and was inconsistent with electron conduction through minerals. Studies in which aggregates were incubated with high concentrations of potential electron donors demonstrated that the aggregates had no significant capacity for conversion of hydrogen to methane. The aggregates converted formate to methane but at rates too low to account for the rates at which that the aggregates syntrophically metabolized ethanol, an important component of the reactor influent.
Geobacter
species comprised 25% of 16S rRNA gene sequences recovered from the aggregates, suggesting that
Geobacter
species may have contributed to some but probably not all of the aggregate conductivity. Microorganisms most closely related to the acetate-utilizing
Methanosaeta concilii
accounted for more than 90% of the sequences that could be assigned to methane producers, consistent with the poor capacity for hydrogen and formate utilization. These results demonstrate for the first time that methanogenic wastewater aggregates can be electrically conductive and suggest that direct interspecies electron transfer could be an important mechanism for electron exchange in some methanogenic systems.

IMPORTANCE
The conversion of waste organic matter to methane is an important bioenergy strategy, and a similar microbial metabolism of complex organic matter in anaerobic soils and sediments plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Studies with laboratory cultures have demonstrated that hydrogen or formate can serve as an electron shuttle between the microorganisms degrading organic compounds and methanogens. However, the importance of hydrogen and formate as intermediates in the conversion of organic matter to methane in natural communities is less clear. The possibility that microorganisms within some natural methanogenic aggregates may directly exchange electrons, rather than producing hydrogen or formate as an intermediary electron carrier, is a significant paradigm shift with implications for the modeling and design of anaerobic wastewater reactors and for understanding how methanogenic communities will respond to environmental perturbations.
Nano in Cancer: Linking Chemistry, Biology, and Clinical Applications In Vivo
Authors: Dothager Robin S , Piwnica-Worms David 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Development of nanoparticle agents for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics is steadily progressing and was the subject of the inaugural conference entitled, “Nano in Cancer,” held during January 12–15, 2011, in Miami, FL. The meeting program was developed by co-chairs David Piwnica-Worms (Washington University in St. Louis), Jan Schnitzer (Proteogenomics Research Institute for Systems Medicine, San Diego), and Karen Wooley (Texas A&M University). Topics discussed for nanoparticle platforms under development included: nanotechnologies for cancer diagnostics and imaging, overcoming in vivo barriers, therapeutic nanoparticles and clinical prospects, and safety issues for nanotechnologies. Two important concepts emerged from this meeting. The first was the urgent need for uniform standards and protocols for nanoparticle characterization in vitro and in vivo, and the second was the continued need for discovery of definitive targets for tumor-directed nanoparticles across various cancers. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5611–5. ©2011 AACR.
Cigarette Smoking, Obesity, Physical Activity, and Alcohol Use As Predictors of Chemoprevention Adherence in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1 Breast Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Land Stephanie R. , Cronin Walter M. , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Costantino Joseph P. , Christian Nicholas J. , Klein William M.P. , Ganz Patricia A. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The double-blind, prospective, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) showed a 50% reduction in the risk of breast cancer for tamoxifen versus placebo, yet many women at risk of breast cancer do not adhere to the 5-year course. This first report of the rich BCPT drug adherence data examines predictors of adherence. Between June, 1992 and September, 1997 13,338 women at high risk of breast cancer were randomly assigned to 20 mg/d tamoxifen versus placebo; we analyzed the 11,064 enrolled more than 3 years before trial unblinding. Primary endpoint was full drug adherence (100% of assigned pills per staff report, excluding protocol-required discontinuation) at 1 and 36 months; secondary was adequate adherence (76%–100%). Protocol-specified multivariable logistic regression tested lifestyle factors, controlling for demographic and medical predictors. About 13% were current smokers; 60% were overweight/obese; 46% had moderate/heavy physical activity; 21%, 66%, 13% drank 0, 0–1, 1+ drinks per day, respectively; 91% were adequately adherent at 1 month; and 79% were at 3 years. Alcohol use was associated with reduced full adherence at 1 month (P = 0.016; OR = 0.79 1+ vs. 0), as was college education (P &lt;0.001; OR = 0.78 vs. high school); age (P &lt; 0.001; OR = 1.4 age 60+) and per capita household annual income (P &lt; 0.001; OR = 1.2 per $30,000) with increased adherence. Current smoking (P = 0.003; OR = 0.75), age (P = 0.024, OR = 1.1), college education (P = 0.037; OR = 1.4), tamoxifen assignment (P = 0.031; OR = 0.84), and breast cancer risk (P &lt;.001; OR = 1.5 high vs. low) predicted adequate adherence at 36 months. There were no significant associations with obesity or physical activity. Alcohol use and smoking might indicate a need for greater adherence support. Cancer Prev Res; 4(9); 1393–400. ©2011 AACR.
Quality of Care and Outcomes in Women Hospitalized for Heart Failure
Authors: Klein Liviu , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Bonow Robert O. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Williams Mark V. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Fonarow Gregg C. 
Published: August 2011

Background—
Although women account for a significant proportion of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, data on the quality of care and in-hospital outcomes in women are limited.

Methods and Results—

We examined The Joint Commission performance measures, other quality metrics, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality in women using 99 841 HF admissions (January 2005 to June 2009) at 248 hospitals participating in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry. Women accounted for 50% of the HF admissions and were older (mean age, 74±14 versus 69±14 years), more likely to have hypertension (77% versus 72%), and less likely to have coronary disease (44% versus 53%) or renal insufficiency (18% versus 23%) than men (all
P
<0.001). The presenting symptoms were similar to men, but women had higher admission systolic blood pressure (mean, 144±31 versus 137±30 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and ejection fraction (mean, 0.44±0.17% versus 0.34±0.16%;
P
<0.001). After adjustment for baseline differences, eligible women were less likely than men to have measurement of left ventricular function (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.86) and to receive anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (adjusted OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.96) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (adjusted OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.75) but were as likely to receive discharge instructions, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and smoking cessation counseling at discharge. Although the median length of stay was 4 days, women were more likely than men to be hospitalized >4 days (adjusted OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.16) and >7 days (adjusted OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.11). Women had comparable in-hospital mortality to men (adjusted OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.14).

Conclusions—
Compared to men, women hospitalized for HF differ in many clinical characteristics and length of stay but have similar clinical presentations, receive similar quality of care for most but not all measures, and experience similar in-hospital mortality.
Effects of Initial and Boundary Conditions of Mesoscale Models on Simulated Atmospheric Refractivity
Authors: Wang Changgui , Wilson Damian , Haack Tracy , Clark Peter , Lean Humphrey , Marshall Robert 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRadar ducting is caused by sharp vertical changes in temperature and, especially, water vapor at the top of the atmospheric boundary layer, both of which are sensitive to variations in the underlying surface conditions, local mesoscale weather, and synoptic weather patterns. High-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models offer an alternative to observation to determine boundary layer (BL) structure and to assess the spatial variability of radar ducts. The benefit of using NWP models for simulating ducting conditions very much depends on the initial state of sea surface temperature (SST) and the model spinup time, both of which have a great impact on BL structure. This study investigates the effects of variation of NWP-model initial conditions and simulation length on the accuracy of simulating the atmosphere’s refractive index over the Wallops Island, Virginia, region, which has pronounced SST variability and complex BL structure. The Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) with horizontal resolution of 4 km (4-km model) was used to simulate the atmospheric environment when observations were made during the Wallops-2000 experiment. Sensitivity tests were conducted in terms of the variability of SST and model spinup time. The evaluation of the model results was focused on low-level moisture, temperature, and surface ducting characteristics including the frequency, strength, and the height of the ducting layer. When provided with more accurate SST and adequate simulation length, the MetUM 4-km model demonstrated an improved ability to predict the observed ducting.
The Relationship between Tropical Warm Pool Precipitation, Sea Surface Temperature, and Large-Scale Vertical Motion in IPCC AR4 Models
Authors: Martin Elinor R. , Schumacher Courtney 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
A regime sorting analysis is used to identify Caribbean and western Pacific precipitation, sea surface temperature, and large-scale vertical circulation relationships and biases within coupled and uncoupled Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4) general circulation models. This analysis shows that an oversensitivity of precipitation to both SST and vertical circulation (as represented by ω500) is inherent in the atmospheric models in both regions, with models using a spectral-type convective parameterization performing best in the Caribbean, but less separation between convective parameterization groups is seen in the western Pacific. The error in magnitude of precipitation for a given SST and vertical circulation causes uncoupled models to overestimate Caribbean and western Pacific mean precipitation. In coupled models, however, errors in the frequency of occurrence of SSTs (the distribution is cold biased in both regions) and deep convective vertical circulations (reduced frequency) lead to an underestimation of Caribbean and western Pacific mean precipitation. In the western Pacific, increased frequency of subsidence regimes in coupled models leads to an overestimation of precipitation at ω500 values above 0 hPa day−1. The varied ability of convective parameterization groups in the two warm pool regions suggests that deficiencies in parameterization groups differ between the two regions, with improvements needed particularly in the deep convective regime in the Caribbean and subsidence regimes in the western Pacific.