bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β-fibrinogen intron 7 variation in Discoglossus (Anura: Discoglossidae): implications for the taxonomic assessment of morphologically cryptic species
Authors: García-París Mario , Martínez-Solano Iñigo , Velo-Antón Guillermo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe generalized use of nuclear introns in combination with mitochondrial DNA data in molecular systematic and intraspecific phylogeographical studies is providing new insights into the complex evolutionary histories of taxa surviving the Quaternary glaciations. Previous studies have highlighted the suitability of the beta-fibrinogen intron 7 (β-fibint7) for phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies in a wide variety of taxa, including amphibians. Here we use sequences of this marker to assess inter- and intraspecific variation in Discoglossus (Discoglossidae), with special emphasis on geographic patterns of genetic structure in the Iberian Peninsula, where recent studies have questioned the taxonomic status of D. jeanneae. We obtained 81 sequences of β-fibint7 from samples including all currently recognized species except D. montalentii and 37 populations in the Iberian Peninsula and compared levels of genetic variation with those observed in a fragment of similar length of the mtDNA gene cytochrome b. The sequence of β-fibint7 in Discoglossus is the shortest described for amphibians so far, 378 base pairs. In general, we found low levels of variability (only 26 parsimony-informative sites in the dataset), with no alternatively fixed haplotypes in samples attributed to D. galganoi or D. jeanneae based on their mtDNA. Values of pairwise sequence divergence between non-Iberian species ranged from 1.1% to 4.5% (13.3% to 20.9% in mtDNA). The patterns observed in samples from the Iberian Peninsula are consistent with either incomplete lineage sorting or ongoing gene flow between D. galganoi and D. jeanneae. We conclude by reviewing the genetic evidence available to address the taxonomic status of Iberian species of Discoglossus.
Intersexual differences in chemosensory responses to selected lipids reveal different messages conveyed by femoral secretions of male Iberian rock lizards
Authors: López Pilar , Martín José 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe effects of intrasexual selection (i.e., male-male competition) and intersexual selection (i.e., mate choice) may result on the evolution of different secondary sexual traits. We tested whether chemosensory responses of male and female Iberolacerta cyreni lizards to femoral secretion of conspecific males (a chemical sexual trait used in social behavior) were eliciting by different chemical traits. Tongue-flick essays showed that males and females had similar chemosensory responses to the femoral secretions of males, but males and females differed in the magnitude of their chemosensory responses to the different chemicals found in secretions. Moreover, responses to chemicals related to body size depended on the own body size of the responding male, but did not in females. These results might support that femoral secretions of males convey different messages for male or female I. cyreni lizards.
Assimilation of Altimeter Data in the ECMWF Ocean Analysis System 3
Authors: Vidard Arthur , Balmaseda Magdalena , Anderson David 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The latest version of the ECMWF ocean analysis system was recently introduced into operational use. This not only provides initial conditions for the monthly and seasonal forecast systems but also creates a historical reanalysis. For the first time, altimeter data are used in the ECMWF operational ocean analysis. However, making good use of altimetric sea level information was not easy and several difficulties had to be overcome. Various strategies were tried and compared. Attempts to use mean sea level from gravimetric satellites were also tried, but no satisfactory method of using this data was found. The altimetric data used show a marked rising trend that cannot be directly represented in the model as the Boussinesq approximation is used. A strategy for dealing with the trend is given. Results of Observing System Experiments (OSEs) with and without altimeter data are described and results are compared to illustrate the benefits of using altimetry. Although the results are positive, further developments are needed to more fully utilize the data.
Model Error Representation in an Operational Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Houtekamer P. L. , Mitchell Herschel L. , Deng Xingxiu 
Published: October 2008

Since 12 January 2005, an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) has been used operationally at the Meteorological Service of Canada to provide the initial conditions for the medium-range forecasts of the ensemble prediction system. One issue in EnKF development is how to best account for model error. It is shown that in a perfect-model environment, without any model error or model error simulation, the EnKF spread remains representative of the ensemble mean error with respect to a truth integration. Consequently, the EnKF can be used to quantify the impact of the various error sources in a data-assimilation cycle on the quality of the ensemble mean. Using real rather than simulated observations, but still not simulating model error in any manner, the rms ensemble spread is found to be too small by approximately a factor of 2. It is then attempted to account for model error by using various combinations of the following four different approaches: (i) additive isotropic model error perturbations; (ii) different versions of the model for different ensemble members; (iii) stochastic perturbations to physical tendencies; and (iv) stochastic kinetic energy backscatter. The addition of isotropic model error perturbations is found to have the biggest impact. The identification of model error sources could lead to a more realistic, likely anisotropic, parameterization. Using different versions of the model has a small but clearly positive impact and consequently both (i) and (ii) are used in the operational EnKF. The use of approaches (iii) and (iv) did not lead to further improvements.
Profile of Adult Patients Attending a Marriage and Sex Clinic in India
Authors: Kendurkar Arvind , Kaur Brinder , Anil Kumar Agarwal  , Singh Harjeet , Agarwal Vivek 
Published: October 2008

Background: Sexual disorders, which are usually influenced by multiple factors, are very prevalent across the globe but there are few studies which provide the pattern of help-seeking behavior in the Indian population. Aims: The study aims to present the pattern of sexual dysfunction in the patients attending a marriage and sex clinic from 1979 to 2005. Method: Details are obtained from the records of the patients who attended the clinic. In accordance with the change in diagnostic classification, the data are presented: ICD-IX (for period 1979—1992) and ICD-X (for period 1993—2005). Results: Out of a total of 1,242 patients, 566 patients attended the clinic during 1979 to 1992, and 676 patients during 1993 to 2005. More than half of the clinic population during the period was aged 20—29 years. Premature ejaculation is the most common complaint and the most commonly diagnosed clinical entity, followed by male erectile problems and culturally induced sexual behaviors such as dhat syndrome. Conclusion: Being more educated, married and from an urban background promotes help-seeking in tertiary care clinics but these findings may be due to selection bias. Sexual activity continues to be strongly influenced by culturally held beliefs. This influence is more troublesome for young and unmarried persons who have not changed over the period.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Medical Students and in Humanities Students: Relationship With Big-Five Personality Dimensions and Vulnerability To Stress
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas , Katkute Arune , Bunevicius Robertas 
Published: October 2008

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in medical students and in humanities students. To assess the relationship between symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression and Big-Five personality dimensions and vulnerability to stress in medical students. Methods: Randomly selected 338 medical students and 73 humanities students were evaluated for symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), for Big-Five personality dimensions using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), and for vulnerability to stress using the Stress Vulnerability Scale (SVS). Results: Symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression were prevalent in medical students (43% and 14%, respectively) and in humanities students (52% and 12%, respectively). In medical students the score on the HADS anxiety subscale and the score on the HADS depression subscale correlated negatively with the score on the TIPI Emotional Stability scale ( r = —0.39, p < 0.01 and r = —0.2, p < 0.01, respectively) and correlated positively with the score on the SVS ( r = 0.38, p < 0.01 and r = 0.44, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent in medical students and in humanities students. Severity of symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression in medical students is negatively related to emotional stability and positively related to stress vulnerability.
Influence of Spirituality and Religiousness On Smoking Among Patients With Schizophrenia or Schizo-Affective Disorder in Switzerland
Authors: Borras Laurence , Mohr Sylvia , Brandt Pierre-Yves , Gillieron Christianne , Eytan Ariel , Huguelet Philippe 
Published: October 2008

Background: The rates of cigarette smoking among patients with schizophrenia are two to four times the rates observed in the community. Spirituality and religiousness have been shown to be associated with lower smoking rates in the general population. Aims: This study assessed the role of religion in cigarette smoking among patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder. Methods: Some 115 stabilized outpatients from Geneva's public psychiatric facilities were included. Interviews were conducted to investigate spiritual and religious beliefs, religious practices and religious coping. Cigarette smoking was assessed through interviews and medical records. Results: Some 58% of patients were smokers. Two-thirds of the total sample considered spirituality as very important or essential in their every day life. Religiosity was negatively associated with tobacco use: there were more current smokers without religious affiliation than non-smokers ( p < 0.05). For non-smokers, the support of their faith community was significantly more important and they reported more frequent group religious practices than smokers ( p < 0.05). This relation persisted after controlling for demographic confounders (gender, age, ethnicity, education, civil status). Conclusion: In patients with schizophrenia, religion and spirituality seem to be related to smoking behaviour. Similar results were previously found in the general population. These results underscore the need for a systematic exploration of religious issues in the care of smokers with schizophrenia.
Religious Affiliation and Psychiatric Morbidity in Brazil: Higher Rates Among Evangelicals and Spiritists
Authors: Dalgalarrondo Paulo , Marín-León Leticia , Botega Neury José , De Azevedo Barros Marilisa Berti , Bosco de Oliveira Helenice 
Published: October 2008

Aims: To verify the association between the prevalence of mental symptoms and excessive alcohol intake with religious affiliation, church attendance and personal religiosity. Methods: A household survey of 515 adults randomly sampled included the WHO SUPRE-MISS questionnaire, SRQ-20 and AUDIT. Weighted prevalences were estimated and logistic analyses were performed. Results: Minor psychiatric morbidity was greater among Spiritists and Protestants/ Evangelicals than in Catholics and in the `no-religion' group. The latter had a greater frequency of abusive alcohol drinking pattern and Protestants/Evangelicals showed lower drinking patterns. Conclusions: Although belonging to Protestant/Evangelical churches in Brazil may inhibit alcohol involvement it seems to be associated to a higher frequency of depressive symptoms. Processes of seeking relief in new religious affiliations among sub-groups with previous minor psychiatric symptoms may probably occur in the Brazilian society.
Effects of Topographic Structure on Wettability of Differently Woven Fabrics
Authors: Hasan M.M.B. , Calvimontes A. , Synytska A. , Dutschk V. 
Published: October 2008

Optical analysis of roughness operating on the principle of chromatic aberration and dynamic wetting measurements have been used to investigate the surface properties of polyester fabrics with different woven structures. The results revealed differences in the two basic types of weave — plain and twill — with respect to the penetration behavior of water. Additionally, plain weave fabrics were manufactured using differently profiled fibers — round and cruciform. It was established that fabrics composed of fibers having a cruciform cross section are more hydrophobic than those that are round. It was shown that topographical characteristics of the fabrics strongly depend on their construction parameters such as the type and fineness of filaments, yarn fineness, yarn density, and, consequently, the type of weave. The results provide further insight into the relationship between construction parameters of fabrics of the same chemical nature and their topographic and wetting properties.
Hematopoietic cell–derived interferon controls viral replication and virus-induced disease
Authors: Lang Philipp A. , Cervantes-Barragan Luisa , Verschoor Admar , Navarini Alexander A. , Recher Mike , Pellegrini Marc , Flatz Lukas , Bergthaler Andreas , Honda Kenya , Ludewig Burkhard , Ohashi Pamela S. , Lang Karl S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractType I interferon (IFN-I) strongly inhibits viral replication and is a crucial factor in controlling virus infections and diseases. Cellular activation through pattern recognition receptors induces interferon production in a wide variety of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cell types, including dendritic cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, and cells of neuronal origin. The relative contribution of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells to the overall interferon response is an important issue which has not been fully addressed. Using irf7−/− and wild-type bone marrow chimeras we analyzed the contribution of IFN-I from bone marrow–derived sources in the control of viral infections and immunopathology in mice. We found that during systemic cytopathic virus infection, hematopoietic cells were essential for production of IFN-I, inhibition of viral spread to peripheral organs, and limiting cell damage. In a model of autoimmune diabetes induced by noncytopathic virus infection, hematopoietic cell–derived IFN-I was essential for CD8+ T cell–dependent cytotoxicity in pancreatic β-islet cells and induction of diabetes. These data suggest that during systemic viral infection primarily hematopoietic cell–derived IFN-I controls viral replication and viral-induced disease.
A key role for Toll-like receptor-3 in disrupting the hemostasis balance on endothelial cells
Authors: Shibamiya Aya , Hersemeyer Karin , Schmidt Wöll Thomas , Sedding Daniel , Daniel Jan-Marcus , Bauer Stefan , Koyama Takatoshi , Preissner Klaus T. , Kanse Sandip M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractVarious virus infections cause dysfunctional hemostasis and in some instances lead to the development of viral hemorrhagic fever syndrome. How do diverse viruses induce the expression of tissue factor on vascular cells? We hypothesize that a direct stimulation of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) by viral nucleic acids may be the key. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is produced by many viruses and is recognized by various PRR, including Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3). We have investigated whether poly I:C, a model for viral dsRNA, can influence cellular hemostasis. Poly I:C could up-regulate tissue factor and down-regulate thrombomodulin expression on endothelial cells but not on monocytes. The response to poly I:C was diminished upon small interfering RNA (siRNA)–mediated inhibition of TLR3, but not other PRR. In vivo, application of poly I:C induced similar changes in the aortic endothelium of mice as determined by enface microscopy. D-dimer, a circulating marker for enhanced coagulation and fibrinolysis, and tissue fibrin deposition was elevated. All the hemostasis-related responses to poly I:C, but not cytokine secretion, were blunted in TLR3−/− mice. Hence, the activation of TLR3 can induce the procoagulant state in the endothelium, and this could be relevant for understanding the mechanisms of viral stimulation of hemostasis.
Solid cancers after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Rizzo J. Douglas , Curtis Rochelle E. , Socié Gérard , Sobocinski Kathleen A. , Gilbert Ethel , Landgren Ola , Travis Lois B. , Travis William D. , Flowers Mary E. D. , Friedman Debra L. , Horowitz Mary M. , Wingard John R. , Deeg H. Joachim 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Transplant recipients have been reported to have an increased risk of solid cancers but most studies are small and have limited ability to evaluate the interaction of host, disease, and treatment-related factors. In the largest study to date to evaluate risk factors for solid cancers, we studied a multi-institutional cohort of 28 874 allogeneic transplant recipients with 189 solid malignancies. Overall, patients developed new solid cancers at twice the rate expected based on general population rates (observed-to-expected ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.8-2.5), with the risk increasing over time (P trend < .001); the risk reached 3-fold among patients followed for 15 years or more after transplantation. New findings showed that the risk of developing a non–squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) following conditioning radiation was highly dependent on age at exposure. Among patients irradiated at ages under 30 years, the relative risk of non-SCC was 9 times that of nonirradiated patients, while the comparable risk for older patients was 1.1 (P interaction < .01). Chronic graft-versus-host disease and male sex were the main determinants for risk of SCC. These data indicate that allogeneic transplant survivors, particularly those irradiated at young ages, face increased risks of solid cancers, supporting strategies to promote lifelong surveillance among these patients.
CX3CR1 is required for monocyte homeostasis and atherogenesis by promoting cell survival
Authors: Landsman Limor , Bar-On Liat , Zernecke Alma , Kim Ki-Wook , Krauthgamer Rita , Shagdarsuren Erdenechimeg , Lira Sergio A. , Weissman Irving L. , Weber Christian , Jung Steffen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCX3CR1 is a chemokine receptor with a single ligand, the membrane-tethered chemokine CX3CL1 (fractalkine). All blood monocytes express CX3CR1, but its levels differ between the main 2 subsets, with human CD16+ and murine Gr1low monocytes being CX3CR1hi. Here, we report that absence of either CX3CR1 or CX3CL1 results in a significant reduction of Gr1low blood monocyte levels under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions. Introduction of a Bcl2 transgene restored the wild-type phenotype, suggesting that the CX3C axis provides an essential survival signal. Supporting this notion, we show that CX3CL1 specifically rescues cultured human monocytes from induced cell death. Human CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms are risk factors for atherosclerosis and mice deficient for the CX3C receptor or ligand are relatively protected from atherosclerosis development. However, the mechanistic role of CX3CR1 in atherogenesis remains unclear. Here, we show that enforced survival of monocytes and plaque-resident phagocytes, including foam cells, restored atherogenesis in CX3CR1-deficent mice. The fact that CX3CL1-CX3CR1 interactions confer an essential survival signal, whose absence leads to increased death of monocytes and/or foam cells, might provide a mechanistic explanation for the role of the CX3C chemokine family in atherogenesis.
Sequence space coverage, entropy of genomes and the potential to detect non-human DNA in human samples
Authors: Liu Zhandong , Venkatesh Santosh S , Maley Carlo C 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Genomes store information for building and maintaining organisms. Complete sequencing of many genomes provides the opportunity to study and compare global information properties of those genomes.

Results
We have analyzed aspects of the information content of Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thaliana, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Escherichia coli (K-12) genomes. Virtually all possible (> 98%) 12 bp oligomers appear in vertebrate genomes while < 2% of 19 bp oligomers are present. Other species showed different ranges of > 98% to < 2% of possible oligomers in D. melanogaster (12–17 bp), C. elegans (11–17 bp), A. thaliana (11–17 bp), S. cerevisiae (10–16 bp) and E. coli (9–15 bp). Frequencies of unique oligomers in the genomes follow similar patterns. We identified a set of 2.6 M 15-mers that are more than 1 nucleotide different from all 15-mers in the human genome and so could be used as probes to detect microbes in human samples. In a human sample, these probes would detect 100% of the 433 currently fully sequenced prokaryotes and 75% of the 3065 fully sequenced viruses. The human genome is significantly more compact in sequence space than a random genome. We identified the most frequent 5- to 20-mers in the human genome, which may prove useful as PCR primers. We also identified a bacterium, Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans, which has an exceptionally low diversity of oligomers given the size of its genome and its GC content. The entropy of coding regions in the human genome is significantly higher than non-coding regions and chromosomes. However chromosomes 1, 2, 9, 12 and 14 have a relatively high proportion of coding DNA without high entropy, and chromosome 20 is the opposite with a low frequency of coding regions but relatively high entropy.

Conclusion
Measures of the frequency of oligomers are useful for designing PCR assays and for identifying chromosomes and organisms with hidden structure that had not been previously recognized. This information may be used to detect novel microbes in human tissues.