bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Areas of endemism in the Antarctic – a case study of the benthic hydrozoan genusOswaldella(Cnidaria, Kirchenpaueriidae)
Authors: Marques Antonio C. , Peña Cantero Alvaro L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim The aim of this study is to investigate areas of endemism within the distribution ofOswaldellaspecies in the Southern Ocean, thereby testing previous hypotheses and proposing alternative scenarios for Antarctic evolution.Location Southern Ocean, Antarctic and sub‐Antarctic waters of southern South America.Methods We prepared a database for the 31 currently known species of the Antarctic genusOswaldella, which includes geographical locations gathered from published taxonomic studies as well as materials from museums and expeditions. A parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used to test hypotheses of distribution patterns.Results Four areas of endemism are hypothesized: southern South America, two high Antarctic areas (eastern and western) and a larger area, mainly in western Antarctica at lower latitudes and including insular areas (but not the Balleny Islands).Main conclusions The results support, in part, previous hypotheses for the Southern Ocean region, while providing more detailed resolution. The areas of endemism may reflect both historical and ecological processes that influenced the Antarctic biota. The Magellanic area reflects the well‐known affinities of the Antarctic biota with that of South America and may be a consequence of dispersal through deeper (and colder) waters, followed by speciation. The second area, the largest one, encompasses most of the insular faunas and may also be associated with deeper waters formed since 43 Ma. The third area may be explained by the development of seaways in the circum‐Antarctic region beginning 50 Ma. Finally, the fourth zone, with a very poor fauna, coincides with the opening of the Tasman Strait and the formation of the Australo‐Antarctic Gulf, associated with a minor wind‐driven current.
Modelling the responses of Andean and Amazonian plant species to climate change: the effects of georeferencing errors and the importance of data filtering
Authors: Feeley Kenneth J. , Silman Miles R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  Species distribution models are a potentially powerful tool for predicting the effects of global change on species distributions and the resulting extinction risks. Distribution models rely on relationships between species occurrences and climate and may thus be highly sensitive to georeferencing errors in collection records. Most errors will not be caught using standard data filters. Here we assess the impacts of georeferencing errors and the importance of improved data filtering for estimates of the elevational distributions, habitat areas and predicted relative extinction risks due to climate change of nearly 1000 Neotropical plant species.Location  The Amazon basin and tropical Andes, South America.Methods  We model the elevational distributions, or ‘envelopes’, of 932 Amazonian and Andean plant species from 35 families after performing standard data filtering, and again using only data that have passed through an additional layer of data filtering. We test for agreement in the elevations recorded with the collection and the elevation inferred from a digital elevation model (DEM) at the collection coordinates. From each dataset we estimate species range areas and extinction risks due to the changes in habitat area caused by a 4.5 °C increase in temperature.Results  Amazonian and Andean plant species have a median elevational range of 717 m. Using only standard data filters inflates range limits by a median of 433 m (55%). This is equivalent to overestimating the temperature tolerances of species by over 3 °C – only slightly less than the entire regional temperature change predicted over the next 50–100 years. Georeferencing errors tend to cause overestimates in the amount of climatically suitable habitat available to species and underestimates in species extinction risks due to global warming. Georeferencing error artefacts are sometimes so great that accurately predicting whether species habitat areas will decrease or increase under global warming is impossible. The drawback of additional data filtering is large decreases in the number of species modelled, with Andean species being disproportionately eliminated.Main conclusions  Even with rigorous data filters, distribution models will mischaracterize the climatic conditions under which species occur due to errors in the collection data. These errors affect predictions of the effects of climate change on species ranges and biodiversity, and are particularly problematic in mountainous areas. Additional data filtering reduces georeferencing errors but eliminates many species due to a lack of sufficient ‘clean’ data, thereby limiting our ability to predict the effects of climate change in many ecologically important and sensitive regions such as the Andes Biodiversity Hotspot.
Relation between renal function, presentation, use of therapies and in‐hospital complications in acute coronary syndrome: data from the SWEDEHEART register
Authors: Szummer K. , Lundman P. , Jacobson S. H. , Schön S. , Lindbäck J. , Stenestrand U. , Wallentin L. , Jernberg T. ,   for SWEDEHEART
Published: December 2009

Abstract.  Szummer K, Lundman P, Jacobson SH, Schön S, Lindbäck J, Stenestrand U, Wallentin L, Jernberg T, for SWEDEHEART. (Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm; Karolinska Institute, Danderyd Hospital, Danderyd; Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping; University Hospital, Uppsala and University Hospital, Linköping; Sweden) Relation between renal function, presentation, use of therapies and in‐hospital complications in acute coronary syndrome: data from the SWEDEHEART register. J Intern Med 2010; 268:40–49.Objective.  To examine clinical characteristics, presenting symptoms, use of therapy and in‐hospital complications in relation to renal function in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).Design.  Observational study.Setting.  Nationwide coronary care unit registry between 2003–2006 in Sweden.Subjects.  Consecutive MI patients with available creatinine (n = 57 477).Results.  Glomerular filtration rate was estimated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study formula. With declining renal function patients were older, had more co‐morbidities and more often used cardio‐protective medication on admission. Compared to patients with normal renal function, fewer with renal failure presented with chest pain (90% vs. 67%, P < 0.001), Killip I (89% vs. 58%, P < 0.001) and ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (41% vs. 22%, P < 0.001). In a logistic regression model lower renal function was independently associated with a less frequent use of anticoagulant and revascularization in non‐ST‐elevation MI. The likelihood of receiving reperfusion therapy for STEMI was similar in patients with normal‐to‐moderate renal dysfunction, but decreased in severe renal dysfunction or renal failure. Reperfusion therapy shifted from primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 71% of patients with normal renal function to fibrinolysis in 58% of those with renal failure. Renal function was associated with a higher rate of complications and an exponential increase in in‐hospital mortality from 2.5% to 24.2% across the renal function groups.Conclusion.  Renal insufficiency influences the presentation and reduces the likelihood of receiving treatment according to current guidelines. Short‐term prognosis remains poor.
Current and future recanalization strategies for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Alexandrov A. V. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Alexandrov AV (University of Alabama Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA). Current and future recanalization strategies for acute ischemic stroke (Review).J Intern Med2010;267:209–219.In a quest for stroke treatment, reperfusion proved to be the first key to the puzzle. Systemic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the first and currently the only approved treatment, is also the fastest way to initiate thrombolyis for acute ischemic stroke. tPA works by induction of mostly partial recanalization since stroke patients often have large thrombus burden. Thus, early augmentation of fibrinolysis and multi‐modal approach to improve recanalization are desirable. This review focuses on the following strategies available to clinicians now or being tested in clinical trials: (a) faster initiation of tPA infusion; (b) sonothrombolysis; (c) intra‐arterial revascularization, bridging intravenous and intra‐arterial thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy and aspiration; and (d) novel experimental approaches. Despite these technological advances, no single strategy was yet proven to be a ‘silver bullet’ solution to reverse acute ischemic stroke. Better outcomes are expected with faster treatment leading to early, at times just partial flow improvement rather than achieving complete recanalization with lengthy procedures. Arterial re‐occlusion can occur with any of these approaches, and it remains a challenge since it leads to poor outcomes and no clinical trial data are available yet to determine safe strategies to prevent or reverse re‐occlusion.
Properties and microstructure of the (Fe, Ni)–Cu–(P, Si, B) melt‐spun alloys
Authors: ZIEWIEC K. , BRYŁA K. , BŁACHOWSKI A. , RUEBENBAUER K. , PRUSIK K. , KĄC S. , KOZIEŁ T. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe work presents the microstructure characterization of the new (Fe, Ni)–Cu–(P, Si, B) melt‐spun glass forming alloys investigated by means of transmission electron microscope. The results are compared with the data obtained by other complementary methods such as XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The phases occurring during the crystallization of the glassy matrix are identified and characterized in terms of a long‐range order and a short‐range order. The thermal stability of the alloy is characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The study describes the mechanical and magnetic properties of the new alloys at room temperature as well as characteristics resulting from heating the as‐cast melt‐spun alloy at elevated temperatures. The changes of the properties of the alloy at elevated temperatures are correlated with the microstructural changes.
Analysis of damaged region of carbon implanted alumina
Authors: GONZÁLEZ M. , ROMÁN R. , GONZÁLEZ‐CASABLANCA J. , GOMEZ A. , HOLE D. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryImplantation was performed on surface‐polished and thermal‐treated alumina discs with 75 keV monocharged carbon ions at doses of 1 × 1017 and 5 × 1017 ions cm−2. The alumina targets were kept at room temperature. The structural modifications induced during ion irradiation were studied by the scanning and scanning transmission electron microscopes. Alumina is readily amorphized at room temperature with carbon ions. The width of the ion‐beam induced disordered area increases with ion dose. As it was established by selected area electron diffraction and electron energy loss spectra, low implanted specimens still show subsurface crystalline areas whose diffraction patterns could be assigned to a deformed structure of alumina. This deformed belt is shown beneath the amorphous region on highly implanted samples. Electron energy loss spectroscopy allows to follow the carbon line profile from surface into the bulk material, pointing the maximum concentration of implanted ion on the lower half of the amorphous region. Structural changes of Al2O3 caused by carbon ion irradiation were corroborated with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments showed that the oxygen concentration in the vicinity of the implanted alumina surface was reduced suggesting that this element was selectively sputtered by carbon irradiation. As a function of depth, peaks referring to Al–O bindings diminish while contributions of reduced aluminium and metal carbides were found, reaching the corresponding maxima at a depth of about 130 nm.
An improved strip FRAP method for estimating diffusion coefficients: correcting for the degree of photobleaching
Authors: YANG J. , KÖHLER K. , DAVIS D. M. , BURROUGHS N. J. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryFluorescence recovery after photobleaching is a widely established method for the estimation of diffusion coefficients, strip bleaching with an associated recovery curve analysis being one of the simplest techniques. However, its implementation requires near 100% bleaching in the region of interest with negligible fluorescence loss outside, both constraints being hard to achieve concomitantly for fast diffusing molecules. We demonstrate that when these requirements are not met there is an error in the estimation of the diffusion coefficient D, either an under‐ or overestimation depending on which assumption is violated the most. We propose a simple modification to the recovery curve analysis incorporating the concept of the relative bleached mass m giving a revised recovery time parametrization τ=m2w2/4πD for a strip of width w. This modified model removes the requirement of 100% bleaching in the region of interest and allows for limited diffusion of the fluorophore during bleaching. We validate our method by estimating the (volume) diffusion coefficient of FITC‐labelled IgG in 60% glycerol solution, D= 4.09 ± 0.21 μm2 s−1, and the (surface) diffusion coefficient of a green‐fluorescent protein‐tagged class I MHC protein expressed at the surface of a human B cell line, D= 0.32 ± 0.03 μm2 s−1 for a population of cells.
Ecological, morphological and genetic divergence of sympatric North Atlantic killer whale populations
Authors: FOOTE ANDREW D. , NEWTON JASON , PIERTNEY STUART B. , WILLERSLEV ESKE , GILBERT M. THOMAS P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEcological divergence has a central role in speciation and is therefore an important source of biodiversity. Studying the micro‐evolutionary processes of ecological diversification at its early stages provides an opportunity for investigating the causative mechanisms and ecological conditions promoting divergence. Here we use morphological traits, nitrogen stable isotope ratios and tooth wear to characterize two disparate types of North Atlantic killer whale. We find a highly specialist type, which reaches up to 8.5 m in length and a generalist type which reaches up to 6.6 m in length. There is a single fixed genetic difference in the mtDNA control region between these types, indicating integrity of groupings and a shallow divergence. Phylogenetic analysis indicates this divergence is independent of similar ecological divergences in the Pacific and Antarctic. Niche‐width in the generalist type is more strongly influenced by between‐individual variation rather than within‐individual variation in the composition of the diet. This first step to divergent specialization on different ecological resources provides a rare example of the ecological conditions at the early stages of adaptive radiation.
Asymmetric cross‐regulation between the nitrate‐responsive NarX–NarL and NarQ–NarP two‐component regulatory systems from Escherichia coli K‐12
Authors: Noriega Chris E. , Lin Hsia‐Yin , Chen Li‐Ling , Williams Stanly B. , Stewart Valley 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe NarX–NarL and NarQ–NarP sensor–response regulator pairs control Escherichia coli gene expression in response to nitrate and nitrite. Previous analysis suggests that the Nar two‐component systems form a cross‐regulation network in vivo. Here we report on the kinetics of phosphoryl transfer between different sensor–regulator combinations in vitro. NarX exhibited a noticeable kinetic preference for NarL over NarP, whereas NarQ exhibited a relatively slight kinetic preference for NarL. These findings were substantiated in reactions containing one sensor and both response regulators, or with two sensors and a single response regulator. We isolated 21 NarX mutants with missense substitutions in the cytoplasmic central and transmitter modules. These confer phenotypes that reflect defects in phospho‐NarL dephosphorylation. Five of these mutants, all with substitutions in the transmitter DHp domain, also exhibited NarP‐blind phenotypes. Phosphoryl transfer assays in vitro confirmed that these NarX mutants have defects in catalysing NarP phosphorylation. By contrast, the corresponding NarQ mutants conferred phenotypes indicating comparable interactions with both NarP and NarL. Our overall results reveal asymmetry in the Nar cross‐regulation network, such that NarQ interacts similarly with both response regulators, whereas NarX interacts preferentially with NarL.
Blood concentrations of midazolam in status epilepticus using an appropriate condition of HPLC
Authors: Iwasaki Toshiyuki , Nonoda Yutaka , Ishii Masahiro , Osawa Makiko 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to determine an index to evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam (MDZ) to treat status epilepticus (SE). An original system was therefore developed to measure blood concentrations of MDZ and 1‐hydroxymidazolam (1‐OHMDZ) as the main metabolite on high‐performance liquid chromatography.Methods:  This system was established through inspection of chromatograms, calibration curves and coefficient of correlations of MDZ. The clinical course of 11 SE patients, ranging from 4 months to 10 years of age, are described. These patients were treated with MDZ and measured at each blood concentration of MDZ. Moreover, patients were evaluated on cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and video electroencephalogram (EEG), and it was determined that their seizures disappeared in accordance with the disappearance of convulsions and interictal EEG findings.Results
:  Reproducibility was good with this system. The standard curves of MDZ and 1‐OHMDZ were almost straight, and the correlation coefficients of MDZ and 1‐OHMDZ were r= 0.9999 and r= 0.9998, respectively. The convulsions in nine of 11 SE patients disappeared without side‐effects and the blood concentrations of MDZ in all the patients were measured. The mean peak blood concentrations of MDZ and 1‐OHMDZ were higher than those reported in other studies.Conclusions:  The clinical utility of this system has been demonstrated. An index to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MDZ is necessary, and MDZ blood concentrations measured on the present original precise measuring system could help in establishing a plan to successfully treat SE.
Colistimethate sodium therapy for multidrug‐resistant isolates in pediatric patients
Authors: Celebi Solmaz , Hacimustafaoglu Mustafa , Koksal Nilgun , Ozkan Hilal , Çetinkaya Merih 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of colistimethate sodium therapy in multidrug‐resistant nosocomial infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii in neonates and children.Methods:  Pediatric patients hospitalized at the Uludag University Hospital who had nosocomial infections caused by multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii, were enrolled in the study. Colistimethate sodium at a dosage of 50–75 × 103 U/kg per day was given i.v. divided into three doses.Results:  Fifteen patients received 17 courses of colistimethate sodium for the following infections: ventilator‐associated pneumonia (n= 14), catheter‐related sepsis (n= 1) and skin and soft‐tissue infection (n= 2). The mean age of patients was 53.2 + 74.7 months (range, 8 days–15 years) and 60% were male. Mortality was 26.6%.Conclusion:  Colistimethate sodium appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of severe infections caused by multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii in pediatric patients.
Benchmarking opioids in the last 24 hours of life
Authors: Ensor B. R. , Middlemiss T. P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground/Aims: Opioid dosages are titrated against symptoms with large variations between patients. For self‐assessment of prescribing, and for clinical governance, it is important to know the normal prescribing patterns across New Zealand (NZ). The aims of this study were to document opioids and dosages given to patients in the last 24 h of life to identify normal practice and allow prescribers to reflect on their own practice.Methods: A cross‐sectional benchmarking design with retrospective chart review was carried out among 14 NZ hospices. Data (n= 352) on opioid dosages were analysed for inter‐hospice variability (anova). Parenteral morphine equivalent daily dose was used to analyse the dosage of different opioids.Results: Overall, 95% of dying patients received an opioid. Of these 71% received morphine, 17% fentanyl, 10% methadone 9.5% oxycodone. The dosages delivered are conservative compared with international data, with a geometric mean of 47.8 mg. There was no significant difference in mean dosages of opioids prescribed between hospice teams. There was, however, a significant difference between the dosage of opioid for those on the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Care of the Dying and those who were not (63.1–44.4 mg), and between those with malignant and non‐malignant disease (53.8–26.0 mg). Opioid footprints show different hospices have different patterns of opioid use.Conclusion: The parameters of what normal opioid prescribing is in the last days of life in NZ can be described from these data. There is value in repeating this exercise both for clinical governance and for professional reflection and self‐assessment.
Fasting plasma glucose and Type 2 diabetes risk: a non‐linear relationship
Authors: Schulze M. B. , Fritsche A. , Boeing H. , Joost H. G. 
Published: December 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 473–476 (2010)AbstractAims  The current definition of impaired fasting glucose (IFG, ≥ 100 mg/dl) has been criticized as being too low for selective identification of individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it is unclear whether any cut‐off is justifiable from the shape of association between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and diabetes. We therefore evaluated the association between FPG and incidence of Type 2 diabetes in a prospective, population‐based study.Methods  A case–cohort study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)‐Potsdam cohort study involved 589 fasted participants in a randomly selected subcohort and 153 incident cases. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to examine non‐linearity of associations and we calculated pairs of sensitivities and specificities for different cut‐offs of FPG.Results  Spline regression with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, waist circumference, education, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and plasma levels of triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and γ‐glutamyltransferase indicated that FPG was associated with risk in a non‐linear fashion. Risk with higher FPG increased only above ∼84 mg/dl. FPG ≥ 84 mg/dl yielded a sensitivity of 95.4% at a false‐positive rate of 86.8%. In comparison, FPG ≥ 100 and ≥ 110 mg/dl yielded sensitivities of 78.4 and 42.5% and false‐positive rates of 27.8 and 6.8%, respectively. The optimal cut‐off of FPG was at ∼102 mg/dl (sensitivity: 75.8%, false‐positive rate: 20.7%).Conclusions  Although our study suggests a threshold for increasing diabetes risk at 84 mg/dl, this cut‐off would classify the vast majority of the population as at risk. The statistically optimal cut‐off supports the current definition of IFG (≥ 100 mg/dl).