bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INTEGRAL observations of PSR J1811−1925 and its associated pulsar wind nebula
Authors: Dean A. J. , De Rosa A. , McBride V. A. , Landi R. , Hill A. B. , Bassani L. , Bazzano A. , Bird A. J. , Ubertini P. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
We present spectral measurements made in the soft (20–100 keV) γ-ray band of the region containing the composite supernova remnant G11.2-0.3 and its associated pulsar PSR J1811−1925. Analysis of INTEGRAL/IBIS data allows characterization of the system above 10 keV. The IBIS spectrum is best fitted by a power law having photon index Γ= 1.8+0.4−0.3 and a 20–100 keV flux of 1.5 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1. Analysis of archival Chandra data over different energy bands rules out the supernova shell as the site of the soft γ-ray emission while broadband (1–200 keV) spectral analysis strongly indicates that the INTEGRAL/IBIS photons originate in the central zone of the system which contains both the pulsar and its nebula. The composite X-ray and soft γ-ray spectrum indicates that the pulsar provides around half of the emission seen in the soft γ-ray domain; its spectrum is hard with no sign of a cut off up to at least 80 keV. The other half of the emission above 10 keV comes from the pulsar wind nebula; with a Γ= 1.7 its spectrum is softer than that of the pulsar. From the IBIS/ISGRI mosaics we are able to derive 2σ upper limits for the 20–100 keV flux from the location of the nearby TeV source HESS J1809−193 to be 4.8 ×10−12 erg cm−2 s−1. We have also examined the likelihood of an association between PSR J1811−1925 and HESS J1809−193. Although PSR J1811−1925 is the most energetic pulsar in the region, the only one detected above 10 keV and thus a possible source of energy to fuel the TeV fluxes, there is no morphological evidence to support this pairing, making it an unlikely counterpart.
Examining the Effects of School‐Based Drug Prevention Programs on Drug Use in Rural Settings: Methodology and Initial Findings
Authors: Hendricks Brown C. , Guo Jing , Terri Singer L. , Downes Katheryne , Brinales Joseph M. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context: Although there have been substantial advances in knowledge about drug prevention over the last decade, the majority of school‐based drug prevention studies have been conducted in urban settings. There is little knowledge about the effectiveness of such programs when they are implemented in rural populations. Purpose: To examine the prevention effects of school‐based drug prevention programs implemented in rural populations. Methods: Mixed model or 2‐level meta‐analysis of trials based on school‐based drug prevention programs that included rural populations. A total of 182 trials were coded for urbanicity of schools and 22 separate trials were selected for the analysis conducted in this paper. A total of 435 distinct analyses were examined from these 22 trials. Findings: We found a modest but consistent beneficial impact of drug prevention programs on later use as well as level of use. Regarding later drug use, the largest impact was on those who were not using at baseline and those exposed to an interactive program; the results were much larger for marijuana and other drugs compared to alcohol or tobacco, while inhalant use was less affected than other drug categories. Regarding level of use, the impact was greatest 6 months after the trial ended, with diminishing effects thereafter. Conclusions: Evidence exists for a small but systematic beneficial effect of drug prevention programs in rural settings. It is likely that these programs have produced a mild reduction in new use of substances but have had little impact on those already using substances.
Stimulant Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors for HIV in Rural North Carolina
Authors: Zule William A. , Costenbader Elizabeth , Coomes Curtis M. , Meyer William J. , Riehman Kara , Poehlman Jon , Wechsberg Wendee M. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context: While literature exists on sexual risks for HIV among rural populations, the specific role of stimulants in increasing these risks has primarily been studied in the context of a single drug and/or racial group. Purpose: This study explores the use of multiple stimulants and sexual risk behaviors among individuals of different races and sexual identities in rural North Carolina. Methods: In‐depth interviews were conducted with 41 individuals in 3 rural North Carolina counties between June 2004 and December 2005. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and reviewed for accuracy. Edited interviews were imported into Atlas.ti and askSam for analysis. Findings: Along with marijuana, stimulants—including powder cocaine, crack, and methamphetamine—were the most frequently used illicit drugs in these counties. Powder cocaine use was more closely associated with white participants, crack with African Americans, and both were more commonly used by female participants. Participants reported 3 overlapping behaviors involving stimulant use that may be associated with increased risk of HIV infection: engaging in sex while using drugs, sex trading and group sex. Nearly half of participants reported engaging in group sex activity. Conclusions: HIV risk through injection appears to be low in these rural counties. However, nearly all study participants reported some form of sexual risk behavior that may increase transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Further research is warranted focusing on the nexus between substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors.
Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Resource Allocation in Rural and Frontier Conditions: The Impact of Including Organizational Readiness to Change
Authors: Minugh P. Allison , Janke Susan L. , Lomuto Nicoletta A. , Galloway Diane K. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context: Rural and frontier states are significantly affected by substance abuse and poverty. The high rate of substance abuse coupled with high levels of dependence on state‐funded treatment systems places a burden on rural treatment systems and makes resource allocation a central planning issue. Purpose: The goal of this study was to combine substance abuse treatment need data with organizational readiness to change data to create a rank‐ordered listing of residential treatment providers to answer the following questions: Do program priority rankings change when organizational readiness to change is included in a need‐based resource allocation algorithm?Methods: Three methodological procedures were used to determine program priority rankings among 14 residential adolescent treatment programs in 8 Wyoming counties: (1) a social indicators analysis of crime data, (2) synthetic estimates of substance abuse treatment need, and (3) analysis of organizational change data from the directors and staff at adolescent residential treatment programs. Findings: Program need rankings based on crime data and synthetic estimates of substance abuse treatment need shifted when organizational readiness to change data was added to the algorithm. Conclusions: There is much to be gained from considering organizational readiness to change when selecting programs for funding. It plays a central role in the successful diffusion of evidence‐based practices within and among programs. Including this measure in the resource allocation process can help planners identify programs that will be more apt to adopt a best practice. This is critical for making decisions about where to allocate scarce treatment resources.
Survival and maturation rates of the African rodent, Mastomys natalensis: density‐dependence and rainfall
Authors: SLUYDTS Vincent , CRESPIN Laurent , DAVIS Stephen , LIMA Mauricio , LEIRS Herwig 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSurvival and maturation rates of female Mastomys natalensis were analysed based on a ten‐year monthly capture‐recapture data set. We investigated whether direct and delayed density dependent and independent (rainfall) variables accounted for the considerable variation in demographic traits. It was estimated that seasonal and annual covariates accounted for respectively 29 and 26% of the total variation in maturation rates and respectively 17 and 11% of the variation in survival rates. Explaining the between‐year differences in maturation rates with annual past rainfall or density did not improve the model fit. On the other hand we showed that maturation rates were correlated negatively with density the previous month and positively to cumulative rainfall over the past three months. Survival estimates of both adults and subadults varied seasonally, with higher estimates during the increase phase (dry season). The subadults were characterised by a very high survival rate (> 0.95) during this phase. In the decrease phase only minor differences were found between survival rates of subadults and adults. We found that 39% of the between‐year variation in survival can be explained by accumulated rainfall over the past year.
Unwanted and unintended effects of culling: A case for ecologically‐based rodent management
Authors: SINGLETON Grant R. , BROWN Peter R. , JACOB Jens , APLIN Ken P. , SUDARMAJI  
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this study, the ecological effects of culling programs are considered in the context of rodent pest management. Despite the escalation of rodent problems globally, over the past quarter of a century there have not been many new developments in culling programs directed at managing these populations. There is a strong reliance on broad scale use of chemical rodenticides or other lethal methods of control. The ecological consequences of culling programs based on chemical rodenticides and bounty systems are considered. Although rodents cause tremendous economic hardship to people on a continental scale, usually less than 10% of species cause substantial impacts. Indeed, many species of rodent provide important “ecological services” and, given that culling programs rarely distinguish between rodent species, often the non‐pest rodents are at grave risk. Rodent control is conducted with little appreciation of what proportion of the population would need to be culled for a significant reduction in economic damage. In Indonesian rice fields, once rodent densities are high then a reduction in yield loss from 30% to 15% would require more than 75% of the population to be culled; a reduction to less than 5% yield loss would require more than a 95% cull. The negative ecological consequences of culling can be better managed if the method is specifically tailored to the species that need to be managed. A greater emphasis on ecologically‐based rodent management would assist markedly in reducing the unwanted and unintended effects of culling.
Temporally stable genetic structure and low migration in an Atlantic salmon population complex: implications for conservation and management
Authors: Vähä Juha‐Pekka , Erkinaro Jaakko , Niemelä Eero , Primmer Craig R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe evolutionary potential of a population is closely related to two key population genetic parameters, namely the effective population size (Ne) and migration rate (m). Furthermore, knowledge of these parameters is required in order to assess potential constraints on local adaptation and for the development of biologically sound management strategies. We addressed these key issues by investigating the temporal and spatial genetic structure of over 2000 adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) collected from 17 sites in the Teno and Näätämö rivers in northernmost Europe with up to five time points spanning temporal intervals up to 24 years (∼4 generations). In all cases except one, local populations were found to be temporally stable within the river system. Estimates of Ne were generally a magnitude larger for the mainstem and headwater populations (MS+HW, Ne∼340–1200) than for the tributary populations (Ne∼35–160), thus explaining the higher genetic diversity and lower divergence of the MS+HW populations compared to tributaries. The overall migration rates to tributaries were low, and in some cases, low enough for local adaptations to potentially evolve, despite their lower Ne. Signs of a population bottleneck and natural recruitment from nearby populations were detected in one local population. This highlights a fact which is relevant for the conservation and management of highly substructured population systems in general: that even when the overall census size is large, local populations can be vulnerable to perturbations. To preserve the current and to regain the historical distribution of salmon within the river system, we propose that the status of the total population complex should be evaluated at the local population level rather than from descriptive statistics at the system level.
Conservation genetics as applied evolution: from genetic pattern to evolutionary process
Authors: Latta Robert G. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractConservation genetics can be seen as the effort to influence the evolutionary process in ways that enhance the persistence of populations. Much published research in the field applies genetic sampling techniques to infer population parameters from the patterns of variation in threatened populations. The limited resolution of these inferences seems to yield limited confidence which results in conservative policy recommendations. As an alternative, I suggest that conservation genetics focus on the relationships between those variables conservationists can control, and the probability of desirable evolutionary outcomes. This research would involve three phases – a greater use of existing evolutionary theory; testing management options using experimental evolution; and ‘field trials’ under an adaptive management framework. It would take a probabilistic approach that recognizes the stochasticity inherent in evolutionary change. This would allow a more nuanced approach to conservation policy than rule of thumb guidelines. Moreover, it would capitalize on the fact that evolution is a unifying theory in biology and draw on the substantial body of evolutionary knowledge that has been built up over the last half a century.
Consequences of sexual selection for fisheries‐induced evolution: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Hutchings Jeffrey A. , Rowe Sherrylynn 
Published: January 2008

AbstractReproductive behaviour and mating system complexity may influence fisheries‐induced evolution. Mate choice and intrasexual competition might favour late‐, large‐maturing genotypes in contrast to the selection imposed by many fisheries. Here, we simulate changes to the mean and variance in body size of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) concomitant with increased fishing intensity. Comparing selection differentials (S) for length under the assumptions that size does and does not affect reproductive success, we find that the strength of selection for smaller body size associated with increased fishing pressure depends on: (i) the initial variance in body size; (ii) changes to the variance in size with increasing fishing intensity; and (iii) the influence of size on reproductive success. If the initial variability in length is sufficiently high and its coefficient of variation (CV) increases with fishing intensity, the predicted evolutionary shift towards smaller size generated by fishing is less than that expected under the assumption that reproductive success is independent of size. However, if size influences reproduction and if the CV in body size declines as fishing pressure increases, a trend that may be characteristic of many intensively exploited populations, the strength of selection for smaller size is predicted to be comparatively rapid. We conclude that fisheries‐induced evolution can be influenced by changes to the mean and variance of traits under sexual selection, and that the benefits of maintaining broad phenotypic variability in traits such as body size may be greater than previously thought.
Genetic, ecological, behavioral and geographic differentiation of populations in a thistle weevil: implications for speciation and biocontrol
Authors: Olivieri Isabelle , Singer Michael C. , Magalhães Sara , Courtiol Alexandre , Dubois Yvain , Carbonell David , Justy Fabienne , Beldade Patrícia , Parmesan Camille , Michalakis Yannis 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBecause weevils are used as biocontrol agents against thistles, it is important to document and understand host shifts and the evolution of host‐specificity in these insects. Furthermore, such host shifts are of fundamental interest to mechanisms of speciation. The mediterranean weevil Larinus cynarae normally parasitizes either one of two thistle genera, Onopordum and Cynara, being locally monophagous. In Sardinia, however, both host genera are used. We used three types of data to help understand this complex host use: (i) weevil attack rates on the two host genera among 53 different populations in Sardinia and nearby Corsica, (ii) host preference in a lab setting, and (iii) genetic (allozyme) differentiation among weevil populations exploiting the same or different hosts. Using a subset of populations from northern Sardinia, we attempted to relate interpopulation differences in host preference to gene flow among populations by comparing pairwise differences in oviposition preference (Qst) and in allozyme frequencies (Fst). Overall, Qst and Fst were positively correlated. Fst was positively correlated with geographic distance among pairs of populations using the same host, but not among different‐host population pairs. As mating occurs on the hosts, this result suggests reinforcement. Genetic evidence indicates Cynara as the ancestral host of the weevils from both islands and our current studies suggest repeated attempts to colonize Onopordum, with a successful shift in Corsica and a partial shift in Sardinia. This scenario would explain why in Sardinia the level of attack was higher on Cynara than on Onopordum and why, when given a choice in the laboratory, Sardinian weevils preferred Cynara even when sampled from Onopordum. The lability of host shifts in L. cynarae supports caution in using these or related weevils as biocontrol agents of exotic thistles.
Absence of E-Cadherin Expression Distinguishes Noncohesive from Cohesive Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Winter Jordan M. , Ting Angela H. , Vilardell Felip , Gallmeier Eike , Baylin Steve B. , Hruban Ralph H. , Kern Scott E. , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPurpose: The role of E-cadherin in carcinogenesis is of great interest, but few studies have examined its relevance to pancreatic carcinoma.Experimental Design: We evaluated E-cadherin protein expression by immunohistochemistry in pancreatobiliary cancers having a noncohesive histologic phenotype (21 undifferentiated adenocarcinomas and 7 signet ring carcinomas), comparing the results with pancreatic cancers having a cohesive phenotype (25 moderately differentiated and 14 poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas).Results: Twenty of 21 undifferentiated cancers had complete absence of E-cadherin expression, as did two signet ring carcinomas. In contrast, cohesive cancers (n = 39) had E-cadherin labeling at the plasma membrane (P &lt; 0.001). Subsets of cancers were also evaluated for β-catenin expression. All of the cohesive lesions (n = 28) showed a membranous β-catenin expression pattern, whereas noncohesive foci (n = 7) were characterized by either cytoplasmic labeling or complete absence of β-catenin protein expression, suggestive of a deficient zonula adherens in noncohesive cancers. E-cadherin promoter hypermethylation was observed in an undifferentiated pancreatic cancer cell line, MiaPaCa-2, whereas two pancreatic cancer cell lines derived from differentiated lesions lacked any evidence of E-cadherin promoter methylation. No pattern of E-cadherin promoter methylation could be determined in three primary cancers having mixed histologic patterns (contained both cohesive and noncohesive foci). No somatic mutations in E-cadherin were identified in noncohesive pancreatic cancers having inactivated E-cadherin.Conclusions: Noncohesive pancreatic cancers were characterized by the loss of E-cadherin protein expression. Promoter hypermethylation is a possible mechanism of E-cadherin gene silencing in a subset of these cancers.
Association of MicroRNA Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinomas with Hepatitis Infection, Cirrhosis, and Patient Survival
Authors: Jiang Jinmai , Gusev Yuriy , Aderca Ileana , Mettler Teresa A. , Nagorney David M. , Brackett Daniel J. , Roberts Lewis R. , Schmittgen Thomas D. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Purpose: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a new class of small, noncoding RNA. The purpose of this study was to determine if miRNAs are differentially expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Experimental Design: More than 200 precursor and mature miRNAs were profiled by real-time PCR in 43 and 28 pairs of HCC and adjacent benign liver, respectively, and in normal liver specimens.
Results: Several miRNAs including miR-199a, miR-21, and miR-301 were differentially expressed in the tumor compared with adjacent benign liver. A large number of mature and precursor miRNAs were up-regulated in the adjacent benign liver specimens that were both cirrhotic and hepatitis-positive compared with the uninfected, noncirrhotic specimens (P &lt; 0.01). Interestingly, all of the miRNAs in this comparison had increased expression and none were decreased. The expression of 95 randomly selected mRNAs was not significantly altered in the cirrhotic and hepatitis-positive specimens, suggesting a preferential increase in the transcription of miRNA. Comparing the miRNA expression in the HCC tumors with patient's survival time revealed two groups of patients; those with predominantly lower miRNA expression and poor survival and those with predominantly higher miRNA expression and good survival (P &lt; 0.05). A set of 19 miRNAs significantly correlated with disease outcome. A number of biological processes including cell division, mitosis, and G1-S transition were predicted to be targets of the 19 miRNAs in this group.
Conclusion: We show that a global increase in the transcription of miRNA genes occurs in cirrhotic and hepatitis-positive livers and that miRNA expression may prognosticate disease outcome in HCC.
Serum Proteomics and Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Zinkin Noah T. , Grall Franck , Bhaskar Killimangalam , Otu Hasan H. , Spentzos Dimitrios , Kalmowitz Brett , Wells Meghan , Guerrero Manuel , Asara John M. , Libermann Towia A. , Afdhal Nezam H. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Purpose: Proteomic profiling using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) enables the identification of biomarkers for cancer. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of SELDI-TOF MS for detection of established hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and compared it against α-fetoprotein (AFP), Lens culinaris agglutinin–reactive AFP (AFP-L3), and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II).
Experimental Design: Forty-one patients with HCC and 51 patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis were enrolled. Serum was analyzed by SELDI-TOF MS using three Ciphergen protein array types.
Results: An 11-peak algorithm for HCC detection was identified. Using the AFP cutoff of 20 ng/mL, the sensitivity was 73% and the specificity was 71%. Using the AFP-L3 cutoff of 10% yielded a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 94%. Using the PIVKA-II cutoff of 125 milliabsorbance units (mAU), the sensitivity was 84% and the specificity was 69%. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of SELDI-TOF MS for HCC were 79% and 86%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the 11-peak SELDI profile was predictive of HCC independent of AFP, PIVKA, and AFP-L3. Among eight patients with the largest tumor size of &lt;2 cm, SELDI-TOF MS correctly identified seven whereas AFP, AFP-L3, and PIVKA-II identified only three, one, and one, respectively. One of the 11 peaks in the SELDI-TOF MS 11-peak predictor from SELDI-TOF MS was identified as cystatin C.
Conclusions: SELDI-TOF MS accurately distinguished patients with HCC from those with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis, was more accurate than traditional biomarkers in identifying small tumors, and should be further evaluated.