bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three allometric relations of population density to body mass: theoretical integration and empirical tests in 149 food webs
Authors: Reuman Daniel C. , Mulder Christian , Raffaelli Dave , Cohen Joel E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPredicting species population density–body mass scaling in community food webs (henceforthwebs) is important for conservation and to understand community structure. Very different types of scaling have been studied, based on either individuals or species. Theindividual size distribution(ISD) describes the distribution of individual‐organism body masses regardless of taxonomy, and contains the same information as the abundance spectrum. Focusing instead on species, thelocal size–density relationship(LSDR) plots population densities vs. mean body masses of species. The distribution of species mean body masses (thespecies‐mean‐size distribution, SMSD) is also important but previously little studied in webs. We here combine and formalize theory of several authors to predict: how these three descriptions are related; the forms of the LSDR and ISD; and variation in scaling among webs. We describe empirically the SMSDs of two pelagic, one estuarine, and 146 soil webs by power laws and generalizations. We test theory and find it broadly validated.
Duration of remission and long‐term prognosis according to the extent of disease in patients with ulcerative colitis on continuous mesalamine treatment
Authors: Bresci G. , Parisi G. , Capria A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAims  To describe the long‐term prognosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and to establish whether a correlation exists between the different anatomic locations of the disease and the risk of relapse in a homogeneous cohort of patients with UC in clinical remission, all treated with fixed doses of oral mesalamine from the date of enrolment to the appearance of the first relapse.Method  We distinguished the patients with pancolitis and left‐sided colitis from those with distal colitis. The follow‐up lasted up to 5 and 6 years for the patients with pancolitis and left‐sided colitis, respectively, and up to 9 years for the patients with distal colitis.Results  One hundred and fifty patients satisfied the enrolment criteria. We registered 19 drop‐outs. All the patients had relapsed within 9 years. In most cases relapses arose within 2–3 years. The patients with pancolitis had a shorter time to relapse (100% relapsed after 5 years) than the patients with left‐sided colitis (100% after 6 years) or distal colitis (100% after 9 years). None of the enrolled patients developed a cancer. Extraintestinal complications were observed in 9% of cases and surgery was needed in five patients only.Conclusion  The first 2–3 years after the enrolment of patients with UC in remission was the period at higher risk of relapse. No relationship was found between the different anatomic locations of the disease and the risk of relapse, even if distal colitis showed a slightly better course.
A morphological reappraisal of Tubifex blanchardi Vejdovský, 1891 (Clitellata: Tubificidae)
Authors: Marotta Roberto , Crottini Angelica , Prada Valeria , Ferraguti Marco 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Tubifex blanchardi Vejdovský, 1891 is a freshwater tubificid, often living in sympatry with Tubifex tubifex (Müller 1774). Although considered from its discovery as a species on its own, its biological status is debated. During the early seventies T. blanchardi was reduced to a mere form of T. tubifex, as a particular case of polymorphism in chaetal pattern. Using classical histological techniques, microdissections of portions of the male genital apparatus and phalloidin staining of dissected copulatory organs we investigated 163 mixed individuals of T. blanchardi and T. tubifex belonging to sympatric populations from the Lambro River (Milan, Northern Italy). The internal morphology of T. blanchardi is described for the first time. Our results show that T. tubifex and T. blanchardi differ in several characters concerning both their external and internal morphology, and in the fine organization of their copulatory organs. Several independent character sets support the separation of T. blanchardi from T. tubifex, suggesting that it is an independent species. This study also supports the idea that T. blanchardi and T. bergi (Hrabě, 1935), another species closely related to T. tubifex, are not conspecific. The observed morphological differences between allopatric populations of T. tubifex are discussed.
A joint transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic analysis of maize endosperm development and starch filling
Authors: Prioul Jean Louis , Méchin Valérie , Lessard Philippe , Thévenot Claudine , Grimmer Mike , Chateau‐Joubert Sophie , Coates Steve , Hartings Hans , Kloiber‐Maitz Monica , Murigneux Alain , Sarda Xavier , Damerval Catherine , Edwards Keith J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe maize endosperm transcriptome was investigated through cDNA libraries developed at three characteristic stages: (i) lag phase [10 days after pollination (DAP)]; (ii) beginning of storage (14 DAP); and (iii) maximum starch accumulation rate (21 DAP). Expressed sequence tags for 711, 757 and 384 relevant clones, respectively, were obtained and checked manually. The proportion of sequences with no clear function decreased from 35% to 20%, and a large increase in storage protein sequences (i.e. 5% to 38%) was observed from stages (i) to (iii). The remaining major categories included metabolism (11%–13%), transcription–RNA processing–protein synthesis (13%–20%), protein destination (5%–9%), cellular communication (3%–9%) and cell rescue–defence (4%). Good agreement was generally found between category rank in the 10‐DAP transcriptome and the recently reported 14‐DAP proteome, except that kinases and proteins for RNA processing were not detected in the latter. In the metabolism category, the respiratory pathway transcripts represented the largest proportion (25%–37%), and showed a shift in favour of glycolysis at 21 DAP. At this stage, amino acid metabolism increased to 17%, whereas starch metabolism surprisingly decreased to 7%. A second experiment focused on carbohydrate metabolism by comparing gene expression at three levels (transcripts, proteins and enzyme activities) in relation to substrate or product from 10 to 40 DAP. Here, two distinct patterns were observed: invertases and hexoses were predominant at the beginning, whereas enzyme patterns in the starch pathway, at the three levels, anticipated and paralleled starch accumulation, suggesting that, in most cases, transcriptional control is responsible for the regulation of starch biosynthesis.
Manpower of neurologists in the post‐socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Lisnic V. , Grisold W. , Müller E. ,   Education Committee of the EFNS
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose:  Manpower of neurologists from the post‐socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe differs very much from the number of neurologists in most of the countries of Western Europe. With the enlargement of the European Union (EU), it is necessary to consider the tendencies of manpower evolution amongst the ‘new’ European countries to be able to consider future developments, particularly in regard to education and migration.Methods:  A survey was performed to study distribution and tendencies to migrate amongst neurologists from the post‐socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.Results:  The number of neurologists per 10 000 inhabitants varies from one country to another, but is higher in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe than in most Western European countries. There are almost no available positions for neurologists in Eastern Europe, and the majority of neurologists are keen to migrate to EU countries – for further education and for financial reasons.Conclusions:  The number of neurologists in the ‘reforming and transition’ countries is considerably higher than in the countries of the EU. Many neurologists from these countries would like to migrate to countries of the EU or USA, but the existing barriers are difficult to overcome.
CSF total and phosphorylated tau protein, regional glucose metabolism and dementia severity in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Haense C. , Buerger K. , Kalbe E. , Drzezga A. , Teipel S. J. , Markiewicz P. , Herholz K. , Heiss W. D. , Hampel H. 
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose:  We investigated associations between severity of cognitive impairment, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of total‐tau (t‐tau) protein and tau phosphorylated at threonin 181 (p‐tau181) and regional glucose metabolism measured with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) in patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:  In 38 patients (mean age 66.5 ± 8.0 years) with AD, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were evaluated and CSF levels of t‐tau and p‐tau181 measured. All patients underwent an 18F‐FDG‐PET scan. Image analysis including correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed using SPM5 and VINCI.Results:  Dementia severity (MMSE 21.2 ± 4.9) correlated well with metabolic impairment especially in left hemisphere association areas that are typically affected in patients with AD (e.g. inferior parietal lobule, r = 0.512; medial temporal gyrus, r = 0.478; inferior temporal gyrus, r = 0.488; precuneus, r = 0.468; PCA: r = 0.639, F = 7.751; all P < 0.001). There were no associations between t‐tau and p‐tau181 with dementia severity and only weak correlations between t‐tau and cerebral glucose metabolism (superior parietal gyrus, r = −0.325, P < 0.05; precentral gyrus r = −0.418, P < 0.01; amygdala r = −0.362, P < 0.05). No correlations were found between p‐tau181 and regional hypometabolism in FDG‐PET.Conclusion:  MMSE and CSF t‐tau represent different aspects of disease severity. Whilst MMSE is closely related to impaired cerebral glucose metabolism, CSF t‐tau is less closely related and appears to be less well suited for assessment of disease progression.
CSF levels of β‐amyloid 1‐42, tau and phosphorylated tau protein in CADASIL
Authors: Formichi P. , Parnetti L. , Radi E. , Cevenini G. , Dotti M. T. , Federico A. 
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose:  Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) can be considered a useful model of pure subcortical vascular dementia (SVD) because it occurs in young adults, unlikely to have concomitant age‐ and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)‐related pathology. In patients with CADASIL we evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of β‐amyloid 1‐42 (Aβ42), total tau protein (t‐tau) and phosphorylated tau protein (p‐tau), which are well‐accepted biomarkers of AD.Methods:  The CSF Aβ42, t‐tau and p‐tau levels were determined with Innotest β‐amyloid 1‐42, Innotest hTAU‐Ag and Innotest Phospho‐tau 181p sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay, in 10 CADASIL patients and 17 healthy age‐matched subjects. A case–control statistical analysis was carried out.Results:  CSF Aβ42 levels were significantly lower in CADASIL patients than in controls, whereas CSF t‐tau and p‐tau levels did not differ between the two groups.Conclusions:  The pattern found in CADASIL patients is similar to that reported in those with sporadic SVD, suggesting that decreased CSF Aβ42 might be related to the subcortical vascular lesions in the white matter.
Anxiety undermines quality of life in ALS patients and caregivers
Authors: Vignola A. , Guzzo A. , Calvo A. , Moglia C. , Pessia A. , Cavallo E. , Cammarosano S. , Giacone S. , Ghiglione P. , Chiò A. 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Although depression has been widely studied in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there is little information on anxiety.Objective:  To detect anxiety in patients with ALS and their caregivers, comparing the diagnostic and the follow‐up phases of the disease and assessing its impact on quality of life (QoL).Methods:  Anxiety has been evaluated with the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory in a series of 75 consecutive ALS patients and their primary caregivers. Anxiety has been related to depression, QoL, and satisfaction with life.Results:  In patients, state anxiety was significantly higher during the diagnostic phase, whilst in caregivers it was similar in the two phases. Patients’ state anxiety was related to depression, shorter disease duration and lower satisfaction with life. Caregivers’ state anxiety was related to their trait anxiety. Whilst in patients QoL and satisfaction with life were similar in the two phases, in caregivers there was a significant decrease of satisfaction with life in the follow‐up phase.Conclusions:  Treating neurologists should recognize that the diagnostic phase and the earlier period after the diagnosis is characterized by a high level of anxiety both in ALS patients and in their caregivers, and should propose pharmacological and psychological interventions to relieve this highly distressing disturbance.
In search of the Pre‐ and Post‐Neolithic Genetic Substrates in Iberia: Evidence from Y‐Chromosome in Pyrenean Populations
Authors: López‐Parra A. M. , Gusmão L. , Tavares L. , Baeza C. , Amorim A. , Mesa M. S. , Prata M. J. , Arroyo‐Pardo E. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe male‐mediated genetic legacy of the Pyrenean population was assessed through the analysis of 12 Y‐STR and 27 Y‐SNP loci in a sample of 169 males from 5 main geographical areas in the Spanish Pyrenees: Cinco Villas (Western Pyrenees), Jacetania and Valle de Arán (Central Pyrenees) and Alto Urgel and Cerdaña (Eastern Pyrenees). In the Iberian context, the Pyrenean samples present some specificities, being characterizeded by a high proportion of chromosomes R1b1b2‐M269 (including the usually uncommon R1b1b2d‐SRY2627 and R1b1b2c‐M153 types) or I2a2‐M26 and low proportions of other haplogroups. Our results indicate that an old pre‐Neolithic substrate is preponderant in populations of the whole Pyrenean fringe. However, AMOVA revealed a high level of substructure within Pyrenean populations, partially explained by drift effects as well as by the signature of an ancient genetic differentiation between Western and Eastern Pyrenees.
Attentional capture by visual singletons is mediated by top‐down task set: New evidence from the N2pc component
Authors: Kiss Monika , Jolicœur Pierre , Dell'Acqua Roberto , Eimer Martin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTo investigate whether attentional capture by salient visual stimuli is mediated by current task sets, we measured the N2pc component as a marker of the spatial locus of visual attention during visual search. In each trial, a singleton stimulus that could either be a target (color task: red circle; shape task: green diamond) or a nontarget (blue circle or green square) was presented among uniform distractors (green circles). As predicted by the view that attentional capture is contingent on task set, the N2pc was strongly affected by task instructions. It was maximal for targets, attenuated but still reliably present for nontarget singletons defined in the target dimension (even when these were accompanied by an irrelevant‐dimension singleton), and small or absent for equally salient irrelevant‐dimension singletons. Results demonstrate that attentional capture is not a purely bottom‐up phenomenon, but is strongly determined by top‐down task set.
The error‐related negativity is related to risk taking and empathy in young men
Authors: Santesso Diane L. , Segalowitz Sidney J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe related self‐report measures of risk taking and empathy to the error‐related negativity (ERN) elicited during a flanker task in boys in late adolescence. We found that risk propensity (risk taking, sensation seeking, and sensitivity to reward) and empathy related to ERN amplitude (negatively and positively, respectively) but not to each other or to behavioral measures of response time, accuracy, and post‐error slowing. They accounted for separate sources of variance in the ERN amplitude, suggesting that there are multiple routes to activation of its generator in the anterior cingulate. Impulsivity and sensitivity to punishment were unrelated to the ERN. The present study provides support that risk‐taking traits and empathy affect anterior cingulate responsiveness to errors, and the ERN reflects the influence of the extent of individuals' concern with the outcome of events.
Event‐related potentials to auditory stimuli in monozygotic twins discordant for combat: Association with PTSD
Authors: Metzger Linda J. , Clark C. Richard , McFarlane Alexander C. , Veltmeyer Melinda D. , Lasko Natasha B. , Paige Stephen R. , Pitman Roger K. , Orr Scott P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractStudies have demonstrated ERP abnormalities related to concentration difficulties in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We used an identical‐twin, case‐control design to investigate whether these abnormalities reflect pre‐trauma vulnerability or the acquired consequence of PTSD. Vietnam combat veterans and their non‐combat‐exposed, identical twins completed a three‐tone oddball task. Veterans with PTSD had delayed target N2 latencies compared to veterans without PTSD. In a small nonmedicated, nonsmoking subsample, veterans with PTSD also had significantly diminished target P3b amplitudes. A mixed‐model, random‐effects analysis on the nonmedicated, nonsmoking subsample that included the combat‐unexposed co‐twins showed a significant Diagnosis × Combat Exposure interaction for target P3b amplitude. Results replicate increased N2 latency and diminished P3b amplitude in PTSD and suggest that diminished P3b amplitude is an acquired condition in PTSD.
Oscillometric blood pressure measurement: a simple method in screening for peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Mehlsen Jesper , Wiinberg Niels , Bruce Christopher 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBlood pressure at the ankle level is a reliable indicator of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the ankle brachial index (ABI) is a useful non‐invasive screening tool for the early detection of atherosclerosis. In the first part of the study, systolic blood pressures obtained by oscillometry and plethysmography were compared in 80 subjects referred for possible vascular disease. In the second part of the study, 31 general practitioners enrolled 1258 consecutive patients aged more than 60 years. ABI was estimated by oscillometry. Patients with an ABI lower than 0·9 were referred to the local hospital for standardized measurements. In the first part, oscillometry showed a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 62% with a positive and negative predictive value of 71% and 96%, respectively. In the second part, significant PAD was found in 111 cases corresponding to a prevalence of 12·2%. In this population, the oscillometry showed a positive predictive value of 47%. The presence of PAD was significantly correlated to exercise related leg pain, a diagnosis of hypertension and smoking, whereas no correlation could be found with a diagnosis of heart disease, stroke, or with the presence of diabetes. The prevalence of PAD was sufficiently high in subjects over the age of 60 years to warrant screening. The ankle brachial index based on measurements with an oscillometric device was shown reliable in the exclusion of PAD, thereby fulfilling an important criterion for the use in screening.
Severe postictal laryngospasm as a potential mechanism for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: a near‐miss in an EMU
Authors: Tavee Jinny , Morris III Harold 
Published: September 2008

SummaryA 42‐year‐old man with refractory epilepsy experienced a 1‐min generalized tonic–clonic seizure followed by persistent inspiratory stridor and cyanosis while being monitored in our epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). Although his cardiac parameters remained stable throughout the event, the patient’s respiratory status rapidly declined, despite the urgent administration of oxygen via bag‐valve‐mask. He was subsequently intubated by the emergency code team, who noted severe laryngospasm while trying to insert the endotracheal tube. The patient was successfully resuscitated. This monitored case demonstrates that postictal laryngospasm may represent another potential cause of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
BENTHIC METABOLISM ON A SHELTERED ROCKY SHORE: ROLE OF THE CANOPY IN THE CARBON BUDGET1
Authors: Golléty Claire , Migné Aline , Davoult Dominique 
Published: September 2008

While the importance of canopy‐forming algae in structuring ecosystems is recognized, their role in the carbon budget is still not well understood. To our knowledge, no measurements of rocky shores primary production and respiration under emersion periods have been carried out in situ. A benthic chamber coupled to a CO2‐infrared gas analyzer was used to measure gross primary production and respiration on theAscophyllum nodosum(L.) Le Jol. zone of a sheltered rocky shore in Brittany, France. Over a year of monthly measurements on the zone with and without theA. nodosumcanopy showed fairly high production and respiration values for the global community as well as carbon fluxes due to the canopy that largely dominated the benthic metabolism of the zone. The strong canopy respiration relative to the primary production also suggested a high metabolic activity by microscopic heterotrophs on the surface of the alga. Both the canopy and the understory annual primary production and respiration were under the control of light and temperature seasonal variations. Finally, the range of the amount of carbon produced on theA. nodosumzone during diurnal emersions was estimated. Additional measures accounting for the day–night cycles and seasonal light variations over an entire tidal cycle are, however, necessary to establish an annual carbon budget. Such measures using the benthic chamber together with complementary techniques would allow a better understanding of the functioning of sheltered rocky shores.
ROLE OF GLUTAMATE DEHYDROGENASE AND GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE IN CHLORELLA VULGARIS DURING ASSIMILATION OF AMMONIUM WHEN JOINTLY IMMOBILIZED WITH THE MICROALGAE‐GROWTH‐PROMOTING BACTERIUM AZOSPIRILLUM BRASILENSE1
Authors: De‐Bashan Luz E. , Magallon Paola , Antoun Hani , Bashan Yoav 
Published: September 2008

Enzymatic activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and glutamine synthetase (GS) participating in the nitrogen metabolism and related ammonium absorption were assayed after the microalga Chlorella vulgaris Beij. was jointly immobilized with the microalgae‐growth‐promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense. At initial concentrations of 3, 6, and 10 mg · L−1 NH4+, joint immobilization enhances growth of C. vulgaris but does not affect ammonium absorption capacity of the microalga. However, at 8 mg · L−1 NH4+, joint immobilization enhanced ammonium absorption by the microalga without affecting the growth of the microalgal population. Correlations between absorption of ammonium per cell and per culture showed direct (negative and positive) linear correlations between these parameters and microalga populations at 3, 6, and 10 mg · L−1 NH4+, but not at 8 mg · L−1 NH4+, where the highest absorption of ammonium occurred. In all cultures, immobilized and jointly immobilized, having the four initial ammonium concentrations, enzymatic activities of Chlorella are affected by A. brasilense. Regardless of the initial concentration of ammonium, GS activity in C. vulgaris was always higher when jointly immobilized and determined on a per‐cell basis. When jointly immobilized, only at an initial concentration of 8 mg · L−1 NH4+ was GDH activity per cell higher.