bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining abundance–occupancy relationships in specialists and generalists: a case study on aquatic macroinvertebrates in standing waters
Authors: Verberk Wilco C. E. P. , Van Der Velde Gerard , Esselink Hans 
Published: February 2010

Summary 1. A positive interspecific abundance–occupancy relationship is one of the most robust patterns in macroecology. Yet, the mechanisms driving this pattern are poorly understood. Here, we use biological traits of freshwater macroinvertebrates to gain a mechanistic understanding and disentangle the various explanations. We ask whether mechanisms underlying the abundance–occupancy relationship differ between species, and whether information on individual species can be used to explain their contribution to the interspecific relationship. 2. We test the hypothesis that the importance of metapopulation dynamics or niche differences in explaining the relationship differs between species, varying in relation to their habitat breadth. In addition, we analyse how a species’ biological traits shape its habitat breadth and its abundance and occupancy. 3. The abundance and occupancy of the 234 different aquatic macroinvertebrate species were strongly and positively related. Marked differences were found between habitat specialists and habitat generalists in the goodness‐of‐fit of abundance–occupancy relationships. The occupancy‐frequency distribution was bimodal for habitat generalists, allowing ‘satellite species’ to be distinguished from ‘core species’. 4. Habitat generalists appeared to be more widespread but less abundant than habitat specialists, suggesting that the jack‐of‐all‐trades may be master‐of‐none. Species traits (trophic position and other life‐history traits) explained a significant part of the variation around the general relationship. Among habitat specialists, more species showed synchronized life cycles, a low dispersal capacity or clustered oviposition, being better adapted to predictable habitats. Among habitat generalists, more species had long‐lived adults, spreading reproductive effort in time and space, and were strong dispersers, being better adapted to unpredictable habitats. 5. Interspecific abundance–occupancy relationships can be best understood by examining the contribution of individual species. For habitat specialists, the interplay between niche differences (diet and habitat use) and the underlying spatial distribution of environmental conditions result in competitive displacement and differences in species’ success. For habitat generalists, differences in colonization and extinction rates between species are more important. Therefore, both metapopulation dynamics and niche differences can operate simultaneously but apply to different species, thus constituting different endpoints of the same continuum.
Date seed oil inhibits Hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Ines Dammak , Sonia Boudaya , Fatma Ben Abdallah , Souhail Besbes , Hamadi Attia , Hamida Turki , Basma Hentati 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  Oxidative stress has been implicated in various skin diseases through the generation of reactive oxygen species and the depletion of endogenous antioxidant systems. The administration of antioxidants is reportedly helpful, notably to enhance the healing process. To protect the skin against oxidative damages, we have studied the effect of new oil: “date seed oil” (DSO). This oil, may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants such as phenols and tocopherols.Methods  Here, we report the protective effect of DSO against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative stress in terms of lipid peroxidation, depletion of endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) using normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK).Results  In the investigated model system, DSO has significant chemoprotective effect, by inhibition of damage caused by H2O2 compared with cells without such addition endowing with a radical scavenging ability. Treatment of NHEK with DSO inhibited H2O2‐induced lipid peroxidation. In addition, this oil inhibited H2O2‐induced depletion of antioxidant defense components, such as SOD, CAT and GPx.Conclusions  Our findings demonstrate that DSO is an efficient extract that is able to prevent keratinocytes oxidative damage induced by H2O2 exposure and may thus be a potential promising candidate, as a chemopreventive agent, in the development of keratinocytes‐related pathologies.
Clinical assessment of oral lichen planus based on different scales
Authors: López‐Jornet P. , Camacho‐Alonso F. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  Different oral lichen planus (OLP) scoring scales have been developed, though none has received unanimous acceptance from all authors. This study involves the clinical application of two symptom and sign measurement scales for assessing OLP.Material and method  One hundred patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed as having OLP by biopsy, according to the WHO criteria. A visual analog scale (VAS) was applied (0–10) along with two semi‐quantitative tests for assessing the symptoms and signs.Results  The Escudier test yielded an overall site score of 3.8 ± 1.83 (mean ± SD), with an activity score of 1.6 ± 2.59 (mean ± SD), and a total weighted score of 7.4 ± 4.78. The pain VAS score was 1.9 ± 2.06. The Malhotra scale (range 1–7) yielded a maximum total score of 2.9 ± 1.21, corresponding to grade 1. The Spearman correlation coefficient between the Escudier and Malhotra scales was 0.54 – the difference proving statistically significant (P < 0.001).Conclusion  Uniform OLP scoring system measures need to be adopted.
A case with two unusual findings: cutaneous leishmaniasis presenting as panniculitis and pericarditis after antimony therapy
Authors: Eryılmaz Aydolu , Durdu Murat , Baba Mete , Bal Nebil , Yiğit Fatma 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by a Protozoan. Clinically and histopathologically, it can be confused with various dermatologic diseases.Methods  We report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with two unusual findings. A 49‐year‐old male patient presented to our clinic with a 3‐month history of multiple nodules exhibiting arciform arrangement on the lateral side of the left leg.Results  Histopathologic examination revealed it as nodular vasculitis. Leishmania smear showed suspicious parasites. Although leishmania culture was negative, PCR was positive for Leishmania. The patient was considered to have CL and was treated with systemic meglumine antimoniate for 14 d. Three days after the end of the treatment, the patient presented to emergency room with a sharp, pleuritic chest pain. He was diagnosed with pericarditis based on clinical and electrocardiogram findings. As other causes of pericarditis were absent, it was thought to be related to antimony therapy.Conclusion  The histopathologic presentation of CL as panniculitis is a very rare and this is the first case of pericarditis after the antimony treatment.
Sample Size in the Study of Behaviour
Authors: Taborsky Michael 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe choice of an appropriate sample size for a study is a notoriously neglected topic in behavioural research, even though it is of utmost importance and the rules of action are more than clear – or are they? They may be clear if a formal power analysis is concerned. However, with the educated guesswork usually applied in behavioural studies there are various trade‐offs, and the degrees of freedom are extensive. An analysis of 119 original studies haphazardly chosen from five leading behavioural journals suggests that the selected sample size reflects an influence of constraints more often than a rational optimization process. As predicted, field work involves greater samples than studies conducted in captivity, and invertebrates are used in greater numbers than vertebrates when the approach is similar. However, it seems to be less important for determining the number of subjects if the study employs observational or experimental means. This is surprising because in contrast to mere observations, experiments allow to reduce random variation in the data, which is an essential precondition for economizing on sample size. By pointing to inconsistent patterns the intention of this article is to induce thought and discussion among behavioural researchers on this crucial issue, where apparently neither standard procedures are applied nor conventions have yet been established. This is an issue of concern for authors, referees and editors alike.
Assessment of Orchidometry and Scrotal Circumference in Coatis (Nasua nasua)
Authors: Queiroz JPAF , Barros FFPC , Lima GL , Castelo TS , Freitas CIA , Silva AR 
Published: February 2010

ContentsThis study describes the morphometry of the testicles of captive coatis (Nasua nasua) and verifies the existence of correlations between the testicles and the semen producing characteristics. Twelve ejaculates were obtained from five adult specimens that were restraint by anaesthesia. Visual and morphometric evaluation of the external genitalia was performed by using a caliper. The animals presented a scrotal circumference of 9.4 ± 0.7 cm. The right testicle presented a width of 1.7 ± 0.2 cm, length of 2.6 ± 0.2 cm and volume of 3.9 ± 1.1 cm3. The left testicle presented a width of 1.7 ± 0.1 cm, length of 2.5 ± 0.3 cm and volume of 3.6 ± 0.7 cm3. No significant correlations were obtained between the scrotal circumference or total testicular volume and the semen producing characteristics (volume and sperm concentration). For the first time in this field, this study presents an important contribution to the knowledge of the reproductive morphophysiology of coatis.
Effects of Astaxanthin‐containing Oil on Development and Stress‐related Gene Expression of Bovine Embryos Exposed to Heat Stress
Authors: Namekawa T , Ikeda S , Sugimoto M , Kume S 
Published: February 2010

ContentsEarly bovine embryos are vulnerable to heat stress during the first few days after fertilization. The inhibitory effect of heat stress on embryonic development is known to be associated with oxidative stress, which can be attenuated by antioxidants. In the present study, we focused on the use of astaxanthin as an antioxidant and examined the effects of astaxanthin‐containing oil (Ax) on post‐fertilization development of bovine embryos subjected to heat stress in vitro and the expression of stress‐related genes. Bovine 1‐cell embryos were in vitro produced by in vitro maturation and fertilization (IVF) of oocytes recovered from abattoir‐derived ovaries. At 20 h post‐insemination (hpi, 0 h = the start of IVF), the embryos were introduced in modified synthetic oviduct fluid supplemented with 25 ppm of Ax (concentration of astaxanthin was 0.25 ppm) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) up to 72 hpi. The embryos were basically cultured at 38.5°C, and in the heat stress group, embryos were exposed twice to 40.5°C for 10 h (at 20–30 and 44–54 hpi). Under the condition without the Ax treatment, the cleavage rate, rate of development to the 5–8 cell stage, blastocyst yield from cultured embryos and that from cleaved embryos were lower in the heat stress group than in the group not subjected to heat stress (p < 0.05). In the heat stress group, the rate of development to the 5–8 cell stage was improved (p < 0.05) by the addition of Ax. Subsequently, we performed semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to investigate the effects of heat stress and Ax on the mRNA expression of Src homology 2 domain‐containing transforming protein C1 (SHC1), an oxidative stress adaptor protein, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. In 5–8 cell embryos at 72 hpi, the mRNA expression levels of SHC1 and SOD2 were lower in the Ax‐ and heat‐treated group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Ax added to the culture medium ameliorates the embryonic development impaired by heat stress with its altering effects on the expression of stress‐related genes.
Fertility Results after Vaginal Deposition of Frozen‐Thawed Buck Semen Diluted with Two Different Extenders Using One‐ or Two‐Step Procedures
Authors: Nordstoga AB , Söderquist L , Ådnøy T , Paulenz H 
Published: February 2010

ContentsIn two field trials (T1 and T2), the effect of two different extenders for buck semen was tested. Semen from six (T1) and seven (T2) bucks of the Norwegian Dairy Goat breed was diluted either in a milk‐based extender containing egg yolk (M) or in a commercially available extender without egg yolk [Andromed® (A)]. Dilution in M was performed in a two‐step procedure including centrifugation of the ejaculates and removal of the supernatant, while dilution in A was performed in one step. During the two trials (T1 and T2) 514 and 714, does, respectively, were artificially inseminated during natural oestrus, and the farmers performed the inseminations themselves after attending an artificial insemination (AI) training course. Vaginal insemination with 200 × 106 spermatozoa diluted in M resulted in a 25‐day non‐return rate (NRR) and kidding rate of 37.3% and 24.5%, respectively, while semen diluted in A resulted in 31.7% NRR and a kidding rate of 19.8% (T1). In T2, NRR and kidding rate for AI performed with semen diluted with M were 42.7% and 28.5%, respectively, while dilution in A gave 37.2% NRR and a kidding rate of 26.8%. There was no significant effect of extender in the two trials [T1:p = 0.068 (NRR), p = 0.148 (kidding rate), T2:p = 0.096 (NRR), p = 0.38 (kidding rate)], but farmer had a significant effect on the fertility parameters in both trials. In conclusion, the present studies may indicate that Andromed® is suitable for buck semen. However, more research is necessary to confirm the results and to improve the fertility of does after vaginal AI with frozen‐thawed semen.
Economic evaluation in clinical nephrology: Part 1. An introduction to conducting an economic evaluation in clinical practice
Authors: WONG GERMAINE , HOWARD KIRSTEN , CRAIG JONATHAN C 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTDecision‐making in clinical practice is complex and getting more complex. There are a large range of alternative actions possible, all with different consequences and trade‐offs. The complexity of medical decision‐making is best illustrated using a clinical scenario.
Quadriceps sarcopenia and visceral obesity are risk factors for postural instability in the middle‐aged to elderly population
Authors: Ochi Masayuki , Tabara Yasuharu , Kido Tomoko , Uetani Eri , Ochi Namiko , Igase Michiya , Miki Tetsuro , Kohara Katsuhiko 
Published: February 2010

Aim: Aging shifts body composition to comprising more fat and less muscle. Sarcopenia, particularly in the knee extensors, and obesity, particularly visceral obesity, either alone or in combination, may exacerbate age‐related physical disability. We investigated the association between age‐related quadriceps (Qc) sarcopenia and visceral obesity, as measured by cross‐sectional area (CSA), on postural instability.Methods: Mid‐thigh muscle CSA and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat area at the level of the umbilicus were assessed from computed tomography (CT) images in 410 apparently healthy independent middle‐aged to elderly subjects attending the medical check‐up program in Ehime University Hospital. Static postural instability using a posturograph and one‐leg standing time with eyes open were assessed.Results: Both abdominal visceral fat area and Qc muscle CSA corrected by body weight (BW) were associated with static postural instability, in addition to age and sex, while BW‐corrected Qc muscle CSA predicted a short one‐leg standing time. The combination of Qc sarcopenia, defined as greater than 1 standard deviation below the mean of a young group (age <60 years), and visceral obesity, defined as a visceral fat area of more than 100 cm2, were associated with static postural instability, while Qc sarcopenia was related to a higher prevalence of one‐leg standing time of less than 30 s, irrespective of visceral obesity.Conclusion: Thigh Qc sarcopenia and visceral obesity are associated with postural instability in middle‐aged to elderly subjects. These findings suggest that age‐related, site‐specific fat and muscle mass alterations are associated with functional impairment.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10: 233–243.
Multiaxial fatigue criterion for a high‐density polyethylene thermoplastic
Authors: BERREHILI A. , CASTAGNET S. , NADOT Y. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTThe multiaxial fatigue behaviour of a high‐density polyethylene was investigated at room temperature and constant frequency. As a consequence of the mode of failure, an end‐of‐life criterion for fatigue tests is discussed in the first part of the work, in order to define the number of cycles to failure. Based on force controlled fatigue tests under tension, compression and torsion at two stress ratio, a multiaxial fatigue criterion including the stress‐ratio effect is proposed for the fatigue design of this polymer. This criterion is based on the maximum and mean values of the second invariant of the stress tensor.
A resource ratio theory of cooperation
Authors: De Mazancourt Claire , Schwartz Mark W. 
Published: February 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 349–359AbstractResource ratio theory predicts that two species may coexist in the presence of two limiting nutrients provided that each species is limited by the resource it is least able to deplete. We modify this classical competition model to allow interspecific cooperation through trading. We show that resource trade expands the realm of stable coexistence, and that optimal trading partners competitively invade and exclude any other trading or non‐trading strategy. We show that natural selection favours evolution towards establishment of a trading relationship so long as partners can establish long‐term associations even though cooperation may result in a decrease in abundance of one species. This theory substantively expands traditional applications of resource competition models and suggests additional empirical experimentation.
Thermophilic anaerobes in Arctic marine sediments induced to mineralize complex organic matter at high temperature
Authors: Hubert Casey , Arnosti Carol , Brüchert Volker , Loy Alexander , Vandieken Verona , Jørgensen Bo Barker 
Published: February 2010

SummaryMarine sediments harbour diverse populations of dormant thermophilic bacterial spores that become active in sediment incubation experiments at much higher than in situ temperature. This response was investigated in the presence of natural complex organic matter in sediments of two Arctic fjords, as well as with the addition of freeze‐dried Spirulina or individual high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharides. During 50°C incubation experiments, Arctic thermophiles catalysed extensive mineralization of the organic matter via extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation and sulfate reduction. This high temperature‐induced food chain mirrors sediment microbial processes occurring at cold in situ temperatures (near 0°C), yet it is catalysed by a completely different set of microorganisms. Using sulfate reduction rates (SRR) as a proxy for organic matter mineralization showed that differences in organic matter reactivity determined the extent of the thermophilic response. Fjord sediments with higher in situ SRR also supported higher SRR at 50°C. Amendment with Spirulina significantly increased volatile fatty acids production and SRR relative to unamended sediment in 50°C incubations. Spirulina amendment also revealed temporally distinct sulfate reduction phases, consistent with 16S rRNA clone library detection of multiple thermophilic Desulfotomaculum spp. enriched at 50°C. Incubations with four different fluorescently labelled polysaccharides at 4°C and 50°C showed that the thermophilic population in Arctic sediments produce a different suite of polymer‐hydrolysing enzymes than those used in situ by the cold‐adapted microbial community. Over time, dormant marine microorganisms like these are buried in marine sediments and might eventually encounter warmer conditions that favour their activation. Distinct enzymatic capacities for organic polymer degradation could allow specific heterotrophic populations like these to play a role in sustaining microbial metabolism in the deep, warm, marine biosphere.
Identification of the trehalose biosynthetic loci of Pseudomonas syringae and their contribution to fitness in the phyllosphere
Authors: Freeman Brian C. , Chen Chiliang , Beattie Gwyn A. 
Published: February 2010

SummarySurprisingly little is known of the trehalose biosynthetic pathways in pseudomonads, despite the importance of trehalose to protecting cells from environmental stresses such as low water availability. The genome of the foliar pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 contains genes for two trehalose biosynthetic pathways, TreS and TreYZ, and lacks genes for the more common OtsAB pathway. Deletion of either the treS (PSPTO_2760‐2762) or treY/treZ (PSPTO_3125‐3134) locus eliminated trehalose accumulation and reduced bacterial growth under hyperosmotic conditions. In evaluating the role of trehalose in P. syringae fitness on leaves, we found that a double deletion mutant lacking these loci exhibited poorer survival than the wild type on tomato leaves over a 2‐week period in a growth chamber. Similarly, this mutant exhibited reduced survival on leaves of susceptible and resistant cultivars of the host plant tomato and of the non‐host plant soybean over a 10‐day period in field plots. Thus, the trehalose biosynthetic loci in P. syringae, which are highly conserved among pseudomonads, contributed to DC3000 fitness on leaves, supporting a role for trehalose in P. syringae survival and population maintenance in the phyllosphere.
Output that counts: pedometers, sociability and the contested terrain of older adult fitness walking
Authors: Copelton Denise A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBased on five months of participant observation and interviews with members of a hospital‐sponsored walking club, I explore the rejection of pedometer technology among older adult walkers. Health researchers praise pedometers as a useful tool for measuring walking activity, setting fitness goals, and charting progress towards goals. Older adult walkers, however, viewed pedometers and the monitoring they enable as anathema to walking group norms that stress sociability. I assess the differential construction of pedometers by fitness researchers, group leaders, and walkers themselves. While fitness researchers construct pedometer technology as a motivator for exercise adherence, walkers believed pedometers would create competition and hierarchy that might destroy group camaraderie. In contrast to biomedical models of health and wellness, which focus predominantly on exercise outputs like step counts, these findings suggest that sociability is an important component of health maintenance leisure activities for older adult walkers.