bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐locus species delimitation in closely related animals and fungi: one marker is not enough
Authors: DUPUIS JULIAN R. , ROE AMANDA D. , SPERLING FELIX A. H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDespite taxonomy’s 250‐year history, the past 20 years have borne witness to remarkable advances in technology and techniques, as well as debate. DNA barcoding has generated a substantial proportion of this debate, with its proposition that a single mitochondrial sequence will consistently identify and delimit species, replacing more evidence‐rich and time‐intensive methods. Although mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has since been the focus of voluminous discussion and case studies, little effort has been made to comprehensively evaluate its success in delimiting closely related species. We have conducted the first broadly comparative literature review addressing the efficacy of molecular markers for delimiting such species over a broad taxonomic range. By considering only closely related species, we sought to avoid confusion of success rates with those due to deeply divergent taxa. We also address whether increased population‐level or geographic sampling affects delimitation success. Based on the results from 101 studies, we found that all marker groups had approximately equal success rates (∼70%) in delimiting closely related species and that the use of additional loci increased average delimitation success. We also found no relationship between increased sampling of intraspecific variability and delimitation success. Ultimately, our results support a multi‐locus integrative approach to species delimitation and taxonomy.
Divergent landscape effects on population connectivity in two co‐occurring amphibian species
Authors: RICHARDSON JONATHAN L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe physical and environmental attributes of landscapes often shape patterns of population connectivity by influencing dispersal and gene flow. Landscape effects on movement are typically evaluated for single species. However, inferences from multiple species are required for multi‐species management strategies increasingly being applied in conservation. In this study, I compared the spatial genetic patterns of two amphibian species across the northeastern United States and estimated the influence of specific landscape features on the observed genetic structure. The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frog (Rana sylvatica) share many ecological attributes related to habitat use, phenology and site fidelity. However, I hypothesized that important differences in their movement patterns and life history would create distinct genetic patterns for each species. Using 14 microsatellite loci, I tested for differences in the level of genetic differentiation between the two species across 22 breeding ponds. The effects of eight landscape features were also estimated by evaluating 32 landscape resistance models. Spotted salamanders exhibited significantly higher genetic differentiation than wood frogs. Different landscape features were also identified as potential drivers of the genetic patterns in each species, with little overlap in model support between species. Collectively, these results provide strong evidence that these two amphibian species interact with the landscape in measurably different ways. The distinct genetic patterns observed are consistent with key differences in movement ability and life history between A. maculatum and R. sylvatica. These results highlight the importance of considering more than one species when assessing the impacts of the landscape matrix on population connectivity, even for ecologically similar species within the same habitats.
Do people really know what makes a family history of cancer?
Authors: Lim Jennifer N. W. , Hewison Jenny 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundFamily history is often referred to as a family tree in casual everyday conservations, but it carries a different connotation in medicine. This study is the first to investigate people's understanding of ‘family medical history’ and the concept of ‘family’ in the context of inherited cancer.MethodsThree hundred and nine staff at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds completed an online web survey.ResultsNot all respondents understood or knew what makes a family history of cancer. Only 54% knew exactly the type of information required to make a family history. Apart from blood relatives, adopted and step‐siblings, step parents, in‐laws, spouses, friends and colleagues were also named as ‘family’ for family history taking. Personal experience of living with cancer and academic qualification were not significant in influencing knowledge of family history.ConclusionsThere is misunderstanding and poor knowledge of family history of cancer and the type of information required to make a family history even in a sample of people teaching and researching medicine and health issues. Public understanding of the value of family medical history in cancer prevention and management is important if informed clinical decisions and appropriate health care are to be delivered.
Frequency of recurrent spontaneous abortion and its influence on further marital relationship and illness: The Okazaki Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Suzuki Sadao , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Katano Kinue , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Kitaori Tamao 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAims:  The aim of this study was to examine the influence of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) on marital relationships, and the association between past/present illness and RSA.Material and Methods:  A total of 2733 Japanese women who underwent a medical examination responded to the questionnaire.Results:  The frequency of recurrent miscarriage and two or more consecutive RSA were 0.88% and 4.2%, respectively. Women with a history of miscarriages (hazard ratio: 1.596) and RSA (hazard ratio: 3.103) were at a higher risk of their relationships ending as compared with the women without a history of miscarriage. Existence of a relation was seen between a history of RSA and the occurrence of gastric ulcer, gastritis, fatty liver, and atopic dermatitis. Overall, 89.5% of the women with RSA experienced cumulative live births.Conclusions:  Miscarriage was found to be a severe life event with an influence on marital relationships, and to be associated with an elevated risk of gastric disease or atopic dermatitis.
Uteroneovaginal cannulation using Pezzer catheter in patients with vaginal agenesis and functional uterus
Authors: Ghafarnejad Marzieh , Adabi Khadijeh , Moosavi Seyed Akbar 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to introduce a method for uterus preservation in patients with vaginal agenesia and functional uterus.Material and Methods:  Six patients with vaginal agenesia and one patient with cervicovaginal agenesis with functional uterus were enrolled in the study. Laparoscopy, vaginal reconstruction, laparatomy, hematocolpos evacuation and cannulation were carried out between atretic cervix and neovagina using a Pezzer catheter. No sutures or grafts were used. Patients were trained to use a vaginal mold regularly. Pezzer catheter remained in place for 6 months to maintain menstrual drainage and avoid orifice obstruction.Results:  The surgical procedure was successful in all cases. Menses returned and abdominal pain was relieved in all patients. Three patients faced stenosis and two cases suffered from infection. One patient became pregnant and delivered at term. Self‐image and quality of life were improved in all cases.Conclusions:  Uteroneovaginal cannulation using a Pezzer catheter relieves pain, restores regular menses and fertility and reduces symptoms related to retrograde menstruation in patients with vaginal agenesis and functional uterus.
Prediction of women's long‐term cardiometabolic risks using glycemic indices during pregnancy
Authors: Tam Wing Hung , Ma Ronald Ching Wan , Yang Xilin , Ko Gary Tin Choi , Lao Terence Tzu Hsi , Sahota Daljit Singh , Chan Michael Ho Ming , Lam Christopher Wai Kei , Cockram Clive Stewart , Chan Juliana Chung Ngor 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAims:  To study the prediction of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Chinese women using glycemic indices in the mid‐trimester of pregnancy.Methods:  A cohort of Chinese women who had had either normal glucose tolerance or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during a pregnancy were assessed at a median of 8 and 15 years post‐delivery. All women underwent a 50‐g glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test in the mid‐trimester of the index pregnancy. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the prediction of AGT, DM, HT and MetS.Results:  All glycemic indices were significant predictors of AGT and DM, and the 2‐h plasma glucose (PG) and GCT were predictive of HT, at both 8 and 15 years post‐delivery. MetS can only be predicted by the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and was confined to 15 years post‐delivery. After adjustment for confounding variables, all glycemic indices were still independent predictors of AGT and DM at both 8 and 15 years post‐delivery, except for FPG in predicting DM at 8 years, while only the 2‐h PG remains an independent predictor of HT at 15 years. The optimal cut‐off values for FPG, 2‐h PG and GCT are 4.2 mmol/L, 7.2 mmol/L and 7.7 mmol/L, respectively; all are lower than the current cut‐off thresholds for the screening and diagnosis of GDM.Conclusions:  Women who had a glycemic level below the criteria for a positive screening test and below the diagnostic threshold for GDM still have a significant cardiometabolic risk.
Computer Assisted Relief Generation—A Survey
Authors: Kerber J. , Wang M. , Chang J. , Zhang J. J. , Belyaev A. , Seidel H.‐P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we present an overview of the achievements accomplished to date in the field of computer‐aided relief generation. We delineate the problem, classify different solutions, analyse similarities, investigate developments and review the approaches according to their particular relative strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, we describe remaining challenges and point out prospective extensions. In consequence, this survey is addressed to both researchers and artists, through providing valuable insights into the theory behind the different concepts in this field and augmenting the options available among the methods presented with regard to practical application.
EFNS‐ENS Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of disorders associated with dementia
Authors: Sorbi S. , Hort J. , Erkinjuntti T. , Fladby T. , Gainotti G. , Gurvit H. , Nacmias B. , Pasquier F. , Popescu B. O. , Rektorova I. , Religa D. , Rusina R. , Rossor M. , Schmidt R. , Stefanova E. , Warren J. D. , Scheltens P. ,   the EFNS Scientist Panel on Dementia and Cognitive Neurology
Published: August 2012

Background and objectivesThe last version of the EFNS dementia guidelines is from 2007. In 2010, the revised guidelines for Alzheimer's disease (AD) were published. The current guidelines involve the revision of the dementia syndromes outside of AD, notably vascular cognitive impairment, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies, corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinson's disease dementia, Huntington's disease, prion diseases, normal‐pressure hydrocephalus, limbic encephalitis and other toxic and metabolic disorders. The aim is to present a peer‐reviewed evidence‐based statement for the guidance of practice for clinical neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists and other specialist physicians responsible for the care of patients with dementing disorders. It represents a statement of minimum desirable standards for practice guidance.MethodsThe task force working group reviewed evidence from original research articles, meta‐analyses and systematic reviews, published by June 2011. The evidence was classified (I, II, III, IV) and consensus recommendations graded (A, B, or C) according to the EFNS guidance. Where there was a lack of evidence, but clear consensus, good practice points were provided.Results and conclusionsNew recommendations and good practice points are made for clinical diagnosis, blood tests, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, electroencephalography, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, genetic testing, disclosure of diagnosis, treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia, legal issues, counselling and support for caregivers. All recommendations were revised compared with the previous EFNS guidelines. The specialist neurologist together with primary care physicians play an important role in the assessment, interpretation and treatment of symptoms, disability and needs of dementia patients.
Landscape resistance to movement of the poison frog, Oophaga pumilio, in the lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica
Authors: Nowakowski A. J. , Otero Jiménez B. , Allen M. , Diaz‐Escobar M. , Donnelly M. A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractConversion of forests to agricultural land or pastures is occurring at a rapid rate in many tropical regions. Amphibians may be particularly susceptible to changes in landscape composition and connectivity because of their physiological characteristics and complex life cycles. We experimentally assessed landscape resistance for the dart‐poison frog Oophaga pumilio associated with two prevalent land‐cover types, secondary forests and pastures, in the northeastern lowlands of Costa Rica. We measured recapture rates of individuals displaced into forests and into pastures, the effects of microclimate on the movement performance of individuals, and the influence of land‐cover type and displacement distance on orientation ability of O. pumilio. Results showed a significant interaction between displacement distance and land‐cover type indicating greater resistance to movement experienced by individuals displaced into pastures compared with frogs displaced into forests. Microclimatic conditions in pastures had a detrimental effect on the movement performance of O. pumilio and initial orientation was both distance and habitat dependent. Understanding the magnitude of resistance presented by different land‐uses to amphibian dispersal is important for the development of successful conservation strategies in human‐altered landscapes.
Deterritorialising the nation? Internet and the politics of the Greek‐American diaspora
Authors: Koukoutsaki‐Monnier Angeliki 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this article, analysis focuses on the websites of Greek‐American diaspora organisations. The aim is to study these media outlets on two levels: (1) with regard to their communication function(s), in order to understand the spectrum of usages they offer to their visitors; and (2) with regard to the way they signify identity specificity at the crossroads of a parallel ethnic or national adherence. The low interactivity constitutes one of the general features of the media analysed. The persistence of the nation as the framework to apprehend collective belonging and the interaction with the ‘other’ is another recurrent and important element. The ‘identity specificity’ of the Greek diaspora community is not presented in articulation to the host society, but in terms of a continuous attachment to a ‘mother‐nation’, as a historic and cultural entity. The nationhood claimed and promoted in this manner is ethnic and cultural, and it espouses the form of an ecumenical and transcendent Hellenism.
Identification and characterization of petiolule‐ like pulvinus mutants with abolished nyctinastic leaf movement in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zhou Chuanen , Han Lu , Fu Chunxiang , Chai Maofeng , Zhang Wenzheng , Li Guifen , Tang Yuhong , Wang Zeng‐Yu 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Leaves of many plant species open during the day and fold at night. Diurnal leaf movement, named nyctinasty, has been of great interest to researchers since Darwin's time. Nyctinastic leaf movement is generated by the pulvinus, which is a specialized motor organ located at the base of leaf and leaflet. The molecular basis and functional reason behind nyctinasty are unknown.

In a forward screening of a retrotransposon‐tagged mutant population of Medicago truncatula, four petiolule‐like pulvinus (plp) mutant lines with defects in leaf movement were identified and characterized.

Loss of function of PLP results in the change of pulvini to petiolules. PLP is specifically expressed in the pulvinus, as demonstrated by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, expression analysis of a PLP promoter‐β‐glucuronidase construct in transgenic plants and in situ hybridization. Microarray analysis revealed that the expression levels of many genes were altered in the mutant during the day and at night. Crosses between the plp mutant and several leaf pattern mutants showed that the developmental mechanisms of pulvini and leaf patterns are likely independent.

Our results demonstrated that PLP plays a crucial role in the determination of pulvinus development. Leaf movement generated by pulvini may have an impact on plant vegetative growth.
Moderate hypothermia induces marked increase in levels and nuclear accumulation of SUMO2/3‐conjugated proteins in neurons
Authors: Wang Liangli , Ma Qing , Yang Wei , Mackensen G. Burkhard , Paschen Wulf 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDeep hypothermia protects the brain from ischemic damage and is therefore used during major cardiovascular surgeries requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and a period of circulatory arrest. Here, we demonstrated that small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO1‐3) conjugation is markedly activated in the brain during deep to moderate hypothermia. Animals were subjected to normothermic (37°C) or deep to moderate (18°C, 24°C, 30°C) hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, and the effects of hypothermia on SUMO conjugation were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Exposure to moderate 30°C hypothermia was sufficient to markedly increase levels and nuclear accumulation of SUMO2/3‐conjugated proteins in these cells. Deep hypothermia induced nuclear translocation of the SUMO‐conjugating enzyme Ubc9, suggesting that the increase in nuclear levels of SUMO2/3‐conjugated proteins observed in brains of hypothermic animals is an active process. Exposure of primary neuronal cultures to deep hypothermia induced only a moderate rise in levels of SUMO2/3‐conjugated proteins. This suggests that neurons in vivo have a higher capacity than neurons in vitro to activate this endogenous potentially neuroprotective pathway upon exposure to hypothermia. Identifying proteins that are SUMO2/3 conjugated during hypothermia could help to design new strategies for preventive and therapeutic interventions to make neurons more resistant to a transient interruption of blood supply.
Ca++/CaMKII switches nociceptor‐sensitizing stimuli into desensitizing stimuli
Authors: Hucho Tim , Suckow Vanessa , Joseph Elizabeth K. , Kuhn Julia , Schmoranzer Jan , Dina Olayinka A. , Chen Xiaojie , Karst Matthias , Bernateck Michael , Levine Jon D. , Ropers Hans‐Hilger 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMany extracellular factors sensitize nociceptors. Often they act simultaneously and/or sequentially on nociceptive neurons. We investigated if stimulation of the protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) signaling pathway influences the signaling of a subsequent sensitizing stimulus. Central in activation of PKCs is their transient translocation to cellular membranes. We found in cultured nociceptive neurons that only a first stimulation of the PKCε signaling pathway resulted in PKCε translocation. We identified a novel inhibitory cascade to branch off upstream of PKCε, but downstream of Epac via IP3‐induced calcium release. This signaling branch actively inhibited subsequent translocation and even attenuated ongoing translocation. A second ‘sensitizing’ stimulus was rerouted from the sensitizing to the inhibitory branch of the signaling cascade. Central for the rerouting was cytoplasmic calcium increase and CaMKII activation. Accordingly, in behavioral experiments, activation of calcium stores switched sensitizing substances into desensitizing substances in a CaMKII‐dependent manner. This mechanism was also observed by in vivo C‐fiber electrophysiology corroborating the peripheral location of the switch. Thus, we conclude that the net effect of signaling in nociceptors is defined by the context of the individual cell's signaling history.
A new species of Cinclodes from the Espinhaço Range, southeastern Brazil: insights into the biogeographical history of the South American highlands
Authors: Freitas Guilherme H. S. , Chaves Anderson V. , Costa Lílian M. , Santos Fabrício R. , Rodrigues Marcos 
Published: August 2012

We describe Cinclodes espinhacensis (Furnariidae), a new species discovered at high elevation in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. This new taxon is closely related to the Long‐tailed Cinclodes Cinclodes pabsti, endemic to Serra Geral, southern Brazil. We present diagnostic morphological, genetic and vocal characters that support the rank of species for this allopatric taxon. It is readily distinguishable from C. pabsti by its much darker back, chest and flanks, lower body mass, shorter tarsus‐length, lower frequency of vocalizations, and longer duration of calls. DNA sequence data estimate that the divergence time between this new species and Cinclodes pabsti occurred c. 220 000 years ago, during the late Pleistocene. This discovery illustrates remarkable biogeographical connections among the cold regions of South America. The new species has a restricted range and we suggest it meets the criteria of the IUCN Red List category of Endangered.
Persistent Unequal Sex Ratio in a Population of Grayling (Salmonidae) and Possible Role of Temperature Increase
Authors: WEDEKIND CLAUS , EVANNO GUILLAUME , SZÉKELY TAMÁS , POMPINI MANUEL , DARBELLAY OLIVIER , GUTHRUF JOACHIM 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn some fishes, water chemistry or temperature affects sex determination or creates sex‐specific selection pressures. The resulting population sex ratios are hard to predict from laboratory studies if the environmental triggers interact with other factors, whereas in field studies, singular observations of unusual sex ratios may be particularly prone to selective reporting. Long‐term monitoring largely avoids these problems. We studied a population of grayling (Thymallus thymallus) in Lake Thun, Switzerland, that has been monitored since 1948. Samples of spawning fish have been caught about 3 times/week around spawning season, and water temperature at the spawning site has been continuously recorded since 1970. We used scale samples collected in different years to determine the average age of spawners (for life‐stage specific analyses) and to identify the cohort born in 2003 (an extraordinarily warm year). Recent tissue samples were genotyped on microsatellite markers to test for genetic bottlenecks in the past and to estimate the genetically effective population size (Ne). Operational sex ratios changed from approximately 65% males before 1993 to approximately 85% males from 1993 to 2011. Sex ratios correlated with the water temperatures the fish experienced in their first year of life. Sex ratios were best explained by the average temperature juvenile fish experienced during their first summer. Grayling abundance is declining, but we found no evidence of a strong genetic bottleneck that would explain the apparent lack of evolutionary response to the unequal sex ratio. Results of other studies show no evidence of endocrine disruptors in the study area. Our findings suggest temperature affects population sex ratio and thereby contributes to population decline.Persistencia de Proporción de Sexos Desigual en una Población de Tímalos (Salmonidae) y el Posible Papel del Incremento de la Temperatura