bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of left- or right-hand preference on the success of boxers in Turkey
Authors: Gursoy R 
Published: January 2008

Objective:The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of left- or right-handedness on the success of the boxer.Methods:The study was based on a sample of 22 active, semi-professional or amateur men boxers attending National Road Sport Men Boxing Club in Erzurum, Turkey. The boxers had been actively boxing for 4–15 years (mean 9.87), were aged 17–46 years (mean 32.25), and weighed 65–101 kg (mean 81.06). They were divided into two groups according to the research protocol (left- and right-handed boxers). The status of left- or right-handedness of the boxer included in the research was determined using the Oldfield (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory) Index. Then the boxers were categorised into two groups (win and defeat). Success rates in both groups were expressed in percentages. The data obtained from both of the groups were compared statistically by means of significance test between proportions (t test).Results:Left-handed boxers had been involved in 75–800 fights (mean 120.6), with 5–79 lost (mean 19.32). A similar evaluation was made for the right-handed boxers. The right-handed boxers had been involved in 50–820 fights (mean 127. 8), with 23–78 lost (mean 42.25). Left-handed boxers were found to be more successful than right-handed ones. The difference between them was found to be significant (p<0.01).Conclusions:It was concluded that left-handed people should never be forced to convert to right-handedness; instead they should be supported both verbally and in terms of equipment and they should be motivated, because the data obtained proved that left-handedness means success, especially in boxing.
Determinants of fast marathon performance: low basal sympathetic drive, enhanced postcompetition vasodilatation and preserved cardiac performance after competition
Authors: Gratze G , Mayer H , Luft F C , Skrabal F 
Published: January 2008

Objective:To test the hypothesis that enhanced postexercise vasodilatation is related to sympathetic drive to resistance vessels and to fast marathon performance.Design:Prospective field study before and after running a marathon.Participants:51 healthy amateur runners who volunteered to participate. The fastest competitor finished fourth, the slowest 1290th out of 1324 participants.Interventions:None.Main outcome measurements:Competition time, beat-to-beat blood pressure by the vascular unloading technique, oscillometric blood pressure, beat-to-beat stroke volume by impedance cardiography, total peripheral resistance changes calculated from blood pressure and stroke volume changes, sympathetic modulation of vasomotor tone and parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function by spectral analysis of blood pressure and heart rate variability, baroreceptor reflex sensitivity by the sequence method.Results:Slow performers, in contrast to fast performers, exhibited a higher 0.1 Hz band of diastolic blood pressure variability before the competition (0.1 Hz BPV) (40.0 (SD 2.39) vs 54.9 (2.47), p<0.001), diminished vasodilatation (−11.3 (4.78) vs −29.4 (3.23), p<0.01) and a decrease in stroke index (−14.9 (3.55) vs +0.9 (3.37), p<0.001) in response to the race. Single and multiple regression analyses further corroborated the findings.Conclusions:Fast performance in the marathon is associated with low sympathetic modulation of vasomotor tone, maintained stroke index postcompetition and enhanced exercise-induced vasodilatation. We postulate that maintaining a low level of sympathetic modulation to resistance vessels during the course of training may indicate its appropriateness, thus enabling fast performance by optimal postexercise vasodilatation and by prevention of postcompetition cardiac dysfunction. This will have to be tested in future longitudinal studies.
Comparison between various indices of exposure to traffic-related air pollution and their impact on respiratory health in adults
Authors: Cesaroni G , Badaloni C , Porta D , Forastiere F , Perucci C A 
Published: January 2008

Objective:To evaluate the association of different indices of traffic-related air pollution (self-report of traffic intensity, distance from busy roads from geographical information system (GIS), area-based emissions of particulate matter (PM), and estimated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from a land-use regression model) with respiratory health in adults.Methods:A sample of 9488 25–59-year-old Rome residents completed a self-administered questionnaire on respiratory health and various risk factors, including education, occupation, housing conditions, smoking, and traffic intensity in their area of residence. The study used GIS to calculate the distance between their home address and the closest high-traffic road. For each subject, PM emissions in the area of residence as well as estimated NO2concentrations as assessed by a land-use regression model (R2value = 0.69), were available. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyse the association between air pollution measures and prevalence of “ever” chronic bronchitis, asthma, and rhinitis taking into account the effects of age, gender, education, smoking habits, socioeconomic position, and the correlation of variables for members of the same family.Results:Three hundred and ninety seven subjects (4% of the study population) reported chronic bronchitis, 472 (5%) asthma, and 1227 (13%) rhinitis. Fifteen per cent of subjects reported living in high traffic areas, 11% lived within 50 m of a high traffic road, and 28% in areas with estimated NO2greater than 50 μg/m3. Prevalence of asthma was associated only with self-reported traffic intensity whereas no association was found for the other more objective indices. Rhinitis, on the other hand, was strongly associated with all traffic-related indicators (eg, OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.22 for 10 μg/m3NO2), especially among non-smokers.Conclusions:Indices of exposure to traffic-related air pollution are consistently associated with an increased risk of rhinitis in adults, especially among non-smokers. The results for asthma are weak, possibly due to ascertainment problems.
Increased expression of placenta growth factor in COPD
Authors: Cheng S-L , Wang H-C , Yu C-J , Yang P-C 
Published: January 2008

Background:Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor may have an important role in the pathogenesis of emphysema. The effect of another angiogenic factor, placenta growth factor (PlGF), in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown.Methods:The serum levels of VEGF and PlGF in patients with COPD (n = 184), smokers (n = 212) and non-smokers (n = 159) and the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid levels of VEGF and PlGF in another group (20 patients with COPD, 18 controls) were measured. In vitro cell culture experiments were performed to investigate the effect of PlGF on VEGF.Results:The mean (SE) serum levels of PlGF were significantly higher in patients with COPD than in controls (27.1 (7.4) pg/ml vs 12.3 (5.1) pg/ml in smokers and 10.8 (6.3) pg/ml in non-smokers, p = 0.005). The levels of PlGF in BAL fluid were also significantly higher in patients with COPD than in controls (45.7 (12.3) pg/ml vs 23.9 (7.6) pg/ml, p = 0.005), associated with an increase in the cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). In patients with COPD the levels of PlGF correlated inversely with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in serum (r = −0.59, p = 0.002) and in BAL fluid (r = −0.51, p = 0.001). While the serum levels of VEGF were the same in patients with COPD and controls, the BAL fluid levels were significantly lower in patients with COPD than in controls (127.5 (30.1) pg/ml vs 237.8 (36.1) pg/ml, p = 0.002). In cultured bronchial epithelial cells, proinflammatory cytokines induced an increase in the protein expression of both PlGF and VEGF. Continuous concomitant treatment with PlGF, TNF-α and IL-8 stimulation reduced VEGF expression and induced cell death. This phenomenon was suppressed by VEGF receptor inhibitor (CBO-P11).Conclusions:The serum and BAL fluid levels of PlGF are increased in patients with COPD and are inversely correlated with FEV1. Concomitant treatment with PlGF, TNF-α and IL-8 causes detrimental effects on airway epithelial cells. These data suggest that bronchial epithelial cells can express PlGF, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD.
Compiler support for the Fortran 2003 standard
Authors: Chivers Ian D , Sleightholme Jane 
Published: January 2008

This is a standing article in Fortran Forum. The first version appeared in Fortran Forum Volume 26, Number 1, April 2007. The basis for the entries in the list of features was a report by John Reid The original report can be found at: ftp://ftp.nag.co.uk/sc22wg5/N1551-N1600/N1579.pdf
An updated version of this report was included in Fortran Forum. An electronic version can be found at: ftp://ftp.nag.co.uk/sc22wg5/N1601-N1650/N1648.pdf
If you are a compiler vendor and would like to be included in future versions of this table please email one of us with details and they will be added to the table and published in Fortran Forum.
Genetic variation within Saurodactylus and its phylogenetic relationships within the Gekkonoidea estimated from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences
Authors: James Harris David , Rato Catarina 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPhylogenetic relationships of the three morphological forms within the gecko genus Saurodactylus were estimated using mtDNA (12S rRNA and ND4) sequences. High between morphological forms variation (up to 25% with ND4), confirms that all three deserve specific status. Saurodactylus mauritanicus and Saurodactylus brosseti are strongly supported as sister taxa. Our results again highlight the extremely high mtDNA variability almost universally reported from within gecko species. The position of Saurodactylus within the Gekkonoidea was also investigated. Although considered as a member of the sphaerodactyl geckos, its taxonomic position is still highly uncertain. Evaluation of C-mos nuclear DNA sequences supports many of the recent taxonomic rearrangements within the Gekkonoidea. Using this marker, Saurodactylus is paraphyletic, with S. mauritanicus and S. brosseti sister taxa to Teratoscincus przewalskii rather than Saurodactylus fasciatus. This is supported by a further nuclear marker, RAG1, although for this gene region sampling is more limited. Based on this paraphyly, supported by two independent nuclear markers, we suggest it likely that Saurodactylus will need to be partitioned into two genera, pending further investigations.
Evidence for post-natal instability of head scalation in the meadow viper (Vipera ursinii) – patterns and taxonomic implications
Authors: Carretero Miguel Angel , Ajtíc Rastko , Tomović Ljiljana , Crnobrnja-Isailovíc Jelka 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn Squamates, head meristic characters are commonly used in analyses of intraspecific variability, systematics and phylogeny. Taxonomic significance of head scales is based on the assumption that discrete values of particular scales are set at birth and stable during individual ontogeny. In this paper, we analysed ontogenic changes of head scalation in a population of meadow viper (Vipera ursinii), based on multiple recaptures of marked individuals. Our results show that changes of cephalic scales occur both in immatures and in adults; the frequency of occurrence of change in the sample of re-photographed individuals was 52.2%. Oligomerisation was the most frequent change, found in 39.1% of re-photographed individuals. Changes in shape of cephalic plates as well as polymerisation were recorded in 30.4% of re-photographed individuals. Results of the log-linear analyses indicated no relation either between scale change and sex or between scale change and growth. Although we do not suggest that meristic characters of head scales are completely inadequate for taxonomic use, we point out the need for taking into account the ontogenic trajectories of these characters when analysing intra- and interpopulation variability, in systematics and phylogeny.
Effects of increased salinity on tadpoles of two anurans from a Caribbean coastal wetland in relation to their natural abundance
Authors: Rios-López Neftalí 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMany amphibians depend on wetland ecosystems for reproduction and survival, and coastal wetlands are not the exception. Recent advances on climate change research predict a reduction in land cover of coastal wetlands due to sea-level rise in response to global warming. Although this scenario will contribute to further amphibian population declines worldwide the impacts of sea-level rise and its related salt water intrusion on anuran assemblages in coastal wetlands remain largely unknown. I documented patterns of abundance of the native Caribbean white-lipped frog (Leptodactylus albilabris) and the introduced marine toad (Bufo marinus) along an inland-to-coastal salinity gradient in Puerto Rico. In addition, I investigated the effects of increasing salinity on larval growth and survival to metamorphosis in L. albilabris and B. marinus in laboratory experiments. In the field, relative abundance of adults of L. albilabris decreased with increasing salinity, while B. marinus showed the opposite pattern. Laboratory experiments with L. albilabris and B. marinus revealed that percentage of larvae surviving to metamorphosis in both species was greatly reduced in 22-25% seawater (8 ppt), which is within salinity levels found in their natural distribution. In this salinity level, the native L. albilabris showed ∼100% metamorphosis failure while the introduced B. marinus showed ∼60% metamorphosis failure. The reduction in metamorphosis was due to high mortality in L. albilabris and was accompanied with morphological abnormalities in B. marinus. Tadpoles of only L. albilabris reared for four weeks showed significant weight loss at 8 ppt, but showed no difference in length. These results suggest that anuran tadpoles may be living near their physiological limit for salinity in the studied wetland. Conservation implications are profound, however, as salt water intrusion and urban encroaching inland may result in anuran population replacement, from native species to introduced species in this wetland.
Systematics of the Swiss asp vipers: some implications for the European Vipera aspis (Linnaeus, 1758) complex (Serpentes: Viperidae) – A tribute to Eugen Kramer
Authors: Monney Jean-Claude , Durand Thierry , Ursenbacher Sylvain , Luca Zuffi Marco Alberto , Golay Philippe , Conelli Alberto , Thiery Gilles 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFollowing the opinion expressed by Kramer in 1971, it is commonly accepted that the V. aspis complex is composed of 5 subspecies: V. a. aspis (Linnaeus, 1758), V. a. atra Meisner, 1820, V. a. francisciredi Laurenti, 1768, V. a. hugyi Schinz, 1834 and V. a. zinnikeri Kramer, 1958. However, this point of view was recently challenged and a number of subspecies were elevated to species rank. We had the unique opportunity to study the sample employed by Kramer to revalidate the subspecies V. a. atra and V. a. francisciredi. Using Kramer's determinations, but another set of characters, we reanalysed his sample, by applying the same statistical methods (discriminant and canonical analyses), in order to determine whether observed differences among taxa were sufficiently distinctive to warrant recognition as subspecies. The preliminary results of our morphological study allow us to admit the validity of V. a. francisciredi Laurenti, 1768, but also to question the subspecific rank of V. a. atra Meisner, 1820. These conclusions agree perfectly with the results of our previous genetic study.
Plasma levels of estradiol during vitellogenesis and early gestation in oviparous and viviparous Lacerta (Zootoca) vivipara
Authors: Surget-Groba Yann , Deunff Jean , Garnier Danielle , Heulin Benoît 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe evolution of viviparity in lizards and snakes is always associated with a reduction of the eggshell membrane. There is strong evidence indicating that estradiol is the primary factor involved in seasonal development of the uterine glands in preparation for eggshelling. However, the hypothesis that the thinner eggshells of viviparous species could be the consequence of lower pre-ovulatory levels of circulating estradiol has not been tested. In a previous histological study we showed that the pre-ovulatory growth of the uterine shell glands is significantly more pronounced in oviparous than in viviparous females of the lizard Lacerta (Zootoca) vivipara. During the current study we assayed plasma levels of estradiol before and during vitellogenesis and during early gestation. We did not find any significant difference of estradiol concentrations between oviparous and viviparous females. In both reproductive forms the plasma estradiol concentration was significantly higher during late vitellogenesis than during early gestation. Future research should address whether variation in the growth of the uterine shell glands could be predominantly mediated by modification affecting estrogen receptors of the uterus rather than by concentration of the circulating hormone.
A permanent signal related to male pairing success and survival in the lizard Psammodromus algirus
Authors: Veiga José , Salvador Alfredo 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMany species of lizards have colour spots on the flanks that may function as ornaments. We investigate the between-years stability of the blue patch colour saturation and the relationships between colour saturation, mating success, and survival in males of the lizard Psammodromus algirus. Saturation values of the anterior blue patch of males were significantly repeatable across years. Survivors had more saturated patches than non-survivors among paired males but not among non-paired males. The positive relationship between blue patch saturation and survival suggests that this morphological trait acts as a reliable signal of male quality measured as adult survival.
Limb chondrogenesis in Graptemys nigrinoda (Emydidae), with comments on the primary axis and the digital arch in turtles
Authors: Ziermann Janine , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo , Olsson Lennart 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe early development of skeletal structures of manus and pes was studied using whole-mount, alcian-blue-stained embryos at different stages in an ontogenetic series of Graptemys nigrinoda. Sequences of chondrification events are similar to those reported for other turtle species, with respect to both the primary axis and the digital arch. There is no evidence of anterior condensations in the region distal to the radius and the tibia, supporting the hypothesis that the radiale and tibiale are absent in turtles, except for some potential atavistic occurrences. The anlagen for the fibulare and intermedium were identified, and in some but not all specimens two centralia elements are also present. These elements of the proximal and medial tarsal row fuse into a single cartilaginous structure, which later becomes the astragalocalcaneum. Inconsistencies in the literature about the details of the chondrification sequence of autopodial elements are in part related to real intraspecific and interspecific variation across turtles. The patterns of connectivity, often cited in studies of the limb chondrification sequence of tetrapods, are difficult if not impossible to objectively detect using standard alcian-blue-stained specimens.
Contributions to a review of the Dendrelaphis pictus complex (Serpentes: Colubridae) – 1. Description of a sympatric species
Authors: Vogel  , van Rooijen J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA new species of the colubrid genus Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 is described. Dendrelaphis haasi sp. nov. ranges from the Malaysian Peninsula to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Within this range it also inhabits the islands of Pulau Tioman, Nias, Billiton and the Mentawei Archipelago. D. haasi is similar to Dendrelaphis pictus (Gmelin, 1789) with which it occurs sympatrically. However, univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrate that D. haasi differs from D. pictus in several aspects of its coloration and morphology. D. haasi differs from D. pictus in possessing a faint, instead of bright, ventrolateral line, a narrow, instead of broad, postocular stripe, broader vertebral scales, a lower number of temporal scales, a higher number of subcaudals, a smaller eye, a longer tail and a parietal scale that extends further down the side of the head. The discovery of D. haasi as well as the recent description of D. kopsteini Vogel and Van Rooijen, 2007, both fairly common species, demonstrate that the systematics of Dendrelaphis are still poorly explored and thus need further investigation. An updated key to the Dendrelaphis-species of the Sunda Region is provided.
Biogeography and evolution of the Smooth snake Coronella austriaca (Serpentes: Colubridae) in the Iberian Peninsula: evidence for Messinian refuges and Pleistocenic range expansions
Authors: Carranza  , Donaire  , Pleguezuelos  , Roca  , Santos  
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe European Smooth snake, Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768, presents a continuous distribution range across central and northern Europe, with isolated fragmented populations in the southern European peninsulas. Up to 814 bp of mitochondrial DNA from 34 specimens were used to determine the phylogeny and biogeography of this species within the Iberian Peninsula. The results indicate that Coronella austriaca presents at least three mtDNA lineages in Iberia that may have originated during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, 5.3-5.9 Ma. Posterior range shifts within the independent clades were facilitated by climatic fluctuations that occurred during the Pleistocene Ice Ages and, in the Iberian Peninsula, created a complex scenario of refugia-within-refugia. The formation of old allopatric lineages during the Messinian followed by shifts in the distribution range during the Pleistocene coincide with what has been reported for other Iberian reptiles and amphibians and highlights the importance of the Southern European Peninsulas as “old” hotspots of biodiversity. Our results also support the more recent view that the accentuated environmental instability occurred during the Pleistocene did not lead to speciation in many animal groups. The subspecific status of C. a. acutirostris is confirmed by the mtDNA analyses.
Body growth in one montane population of Sceloporus grammicus (Sauria, Phrynosomatidae) in Central México
Authors: Méndez-de la Cruz Fausto , Cuellar Orlando , Zúñiga-Vega Jaime 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe conducted an analysis of the body growth pattern of the viviparous lizard Sceloporus grammicus in one of its montane populations in Central México. We calculated 177 individual growth rates for the period comprised between June 1991 and June 1997. Von Bertalanffy growth model provided the best fit to our data in comparison with logistic models. No intersexual differences were found in the growth pattern. The constructed growth curve estimated an age at maturity of 12 and a half months for females and 14 months for males. In spite of marked seasonality in the region, growth rates were not significantly different between seasons. Our results, together with previous studies on the growth ecology of other populations of S. grammicus, suggest that in the volcanic mountains of Central México body growth, and therefore age and size at maturity, are relatively more limited during the whole year in comparison with populations inhabiting northern or lower-altitude localities.