bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Floristic and functional affiliations of woody plants with climate in western Amazonia
Authors: Butt Nathalie , Malhi Yadvinder , Phillips Oliver , New Mark 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim  To test whether a direct relationship exists between the relative abundance of woody plant genera and precipitation regime along the north–south climate gradient of the western Amazon.Location  Lowland rain forests in the western Amazon.Methods  Floristic data on 91 woody plant genera, from 39 0.1‐ha plots across the western Amazon, and precipitation data from a 0.5° global data set were used to test for correlations between plant relative abundance (defined as percentage number of stems ≥ 2.5 cm diameter at breast height for each woody plant genus per plot) and derived dry‐season variables. Moisture preference was then assessed in terms of pioneer and shade‐tolerant life‐history strategy.Results  There were significant associations between the distribution of plant relative abundances and seasonal precipitation variables in 34% of genera analysed. Significant differences were identified in size‐class distribution between dry affiliates and generalists. Dry affiliates were not dominant in any size class in any plot type, whereas climate generalists dominated most of the size classes in the dry plots and the mid‐range size classes in the wet plots. Dry‐affiliate genera were a minority, even in dry forests. Wet‐affiliate genera were correlated with shade tolerance, whereas genera with no rainfall affiliation were often pioneers.Main conclusions  The results suggest that moisture variable seasonality influences community composition in a manner that can be related to the life‐history trade‐off between shade tolerance and pioneer ranking. One possible reason for higher diversity in wetter forests is that high rainfall amplifies the niche space available to shade‐tolerant plants. Determining which plant groups are constrained by which environmental variables can contribute to our understanding of how forest composition may be changing now, and how it may change under future climate: if shade‐tolerant trees are also drought‐intolerant, community structure in wet forests may be more vulnerable to future increases in moisture stress.
Explaining the elevational diversity pattern of geometrid moths from Borneo: a test of five hypotheses
Authors: Beck Jan , Chey Vun Khen 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to document quantitatively a hump‐shaped elevational distribution of diversity for the geometrid moths of northern Borneo. Furthermore, we aimed to test rigorously a number of hypotheses that were proposed as ‘general explanations’ for such patterns, namely (1) the mid‐domain effect, (2) overlap between lowland and montane (or endemic) fauna, (3) water and energy availability (i.e. temperature‐limitation at high elevations, water‐limitation at low elevations), (4) area size of elevational bands, and (5) determination by (host) plant diversity.Location  Northern Borneo, Malaysia.Methods  We used quantitative light‐trapping data across northern Borneo (from our own field work and published literature) for 52 sites (covering > 800 species) to quantify local diversity (as Fisher’s α). We used these data to test predictions of the five hypotheses in spatially explicit correlation analyses, using published data on climate, plant diversity and topography (Digital Elevation Model) as predictor variables.Results  We documented a pronounced diversity peak at c. 650 m a.s.l. (breakpoint regression, r2 = 0.55). We observed additional effects of other habitat parameters, sampling methodology and time on diversity only for data below 655 m a.s.l. Furthermore, we did not find unequivocal support for any of the above‐stated hypotheses. The mid‐domain effect and faunal overlap can be ruled out as single explanations of observed patterns, whereas the data equally fit predictions from water–energy dynamics, area and plant diversity only at higher elevations, but not in the lower part of the gradient. Of those, only effects of energy (i.e. temperature) were expected a priori to be restricted to elevations above the breakpoint.Main conclusions  We tentatively conclude that temperature (i.e. energy limitation) is the best explanation for decreasing diversity towards high elevations, but we did not find a compelling explanation of lowered diversity near sea level. We discuss and present some preliminary data on further possible explanations, i.e. niche conservatism of higher taxonomic groups.
Evidence for Late Messinian seismites, Nijar Basin, south‐east Spain
Authors: FORTUIN A. R. , DABRIO C. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe Feos Formation of the Nijar Basin comprises sediments deposited during the final stage of the Messinian salinity crisis when the Mediterranean was almost totally isolated. Levels of soft‐sediment deformation structures occur in both conglomeratic alluvial sediments deposited close to faults and the hyposaline Lago Mare facies, a laminated and thin‐bedded succession of whitish chalky marls and intercalated sands alternating with non‐marine coastal plain deposits. Deformation structures in the coarse clastics include funnel‐shaped depressions filled with conglomerate, liquefaction dykes terminating downwards in gravel pockets, soft‐sediment mixing bodies, chaotic intervals and flame structures. Evidence for soft‐sediment deformation in the fine‐grained Lago Mare facies comprises syndepositional faulting and fault‐grading, sandstone dykes, mixed layers, slumping and sliding of sandstone beds, convolute bedding, and pillar and flame structures. The soft‐sediment deformed intervals resemble those ascribed elsewhere to seismic shaking. Moreover, the study area provides the appropriate conditions for the preservation of deformation structures induced by seismicity; such as location in a tectonically active area, variable sediment input to produce heterolithic deposits and an absence of bioturbation. The vertical distribution of soft‐sediment deformation implies frequent seismic shocks, underlining the importance of seismicity in the Betic region during the Late Messinian when the Nijar Basin became separated from the Sorbas Basin to the north. The presence of liquefied gravel injections in the marginal facies indicates strong earthquakes (M ≥ 7). The identification of at least four separate fissured levels within a single Lago Mare interval suggests a recurrence interval for large magnitude earthquakes of the order of millennia, assuming that the cyclicity of the alternating Lago Mare and continental intervals was precession‐controlled. This suggestion is consistent with the present‐day seismic activity in SE Spain.
Topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for the treatment of unilesional mycosis fungoides: a report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Díez Recio Esther , Zambrano Belen , Alonso Maria Luisa , De Eusebio Esther , Martín Manuel , Cuevas Jesús , Jaén Pedro 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Unilesional mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), characterized clinically by a solitary lesion and by histopathological features indistinguishable from multilesional MF. The photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new and effective treatment of precancerous lesions and non‐melanoma skin cancers. In recent years it has been used successfully for the treatment of MF.Methods  We present two cases of unilesional MF treated with 5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐PDT (ALA‐PDT). We used twenty per cent ALA, applied topically to the lesion, and a well defined laser irradiation at 585 nm wavelength from C‐Beam laser. Treatment was repeated three times at monthly intervals. Skin biopsies were taken before and after therapy.Results  Both patients showed clinical remission. The biopsies confirmed a regression of the infiltrate after treatment.Conclusions  PDT is effective and can be used successfully for MF treatment, particularly for patch and plaque stage MF, including unilesional MF.
Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Case report with histologic overlap of erythema multiforme and urticaria
Authors: Walling Hobart W. , Scupham Richard K. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare eruption that recurs monthly as progesterone levels peak during the menstrual cycle. Clinical and histologic features are variable, and the eruption is thought to represent a hypersensitivity response to endogenous progesterone.Methods  We present the case of a 38‐year‐old woman with a pruritic intermittent facial eruption of 18 months’ duration that recurred predictably in the days surrounding menses.Results  The histology showed interface dermatitis with features of both erythema multiforme and urticaria. Intradermal injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate was positive. Her symptoms responded to antihistamine therapy.Conclusion  This unusual case is particularly distinctive both in terms of the histologic findings and the response to therapy.
The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Rodwell Graham E. J. , Bayles Charlene L. , Towersey Loan , Aly Raza 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  It is not known whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased susceptibility to dermatophytes.Methods  In this study, we determined the prevalence of cutaneous fungal infection in a cohort of HIV‐infected patients and HIV‐negative controls, and examined the factors associated with an increased risk of infection.Results  Using a multiple regression analysis, we found that the strongest independent predictor of cutaneous fungal infection in both groups was a self‐reported history of homosexual sex. There was no relationship between HIV infection or reduced CD4 count and the prevalence of dermatophyte infection.Conclusions  HIV infection is not independently associated with an increased risk of cutaneous fungal disease.
Linear‐agminated juvenile xanthogranulomas
Authors: Kiorpelidou Despoina , Stergiopoulou Christina , Zioga Aikaterini , Bassukas Ioannis D. 
Published: March 2008

An 8‐month‐old girl presented with an asymptomatic skin lesion on the right popliteal fossa, which had been present for approximately 6 months. The child had a past medical history of a urinary tract infection at the age of 1 month and had been on daily cotrimoxazole since. There was no history of trauma to the site. Examination revealed a solitary, well‐demarcated, plaque‐like lesion on the right popliteal fossa, with multiple agminated papules in an almost linear distribution (Fig. 1a). The lesion did not follow Blaschko's lines, but was vertical to them. The plaque was slightly indurated, measuring approximately 4 × 1.5 cm, fixed to the overlying skin but movable over the deeper tissue. The papules were yellowish in color and firm to palpation, showing a positive Darier's sign (Fig. 1b,c). There was no regional adenopathy and no other skin lesions were observed. The physical examination and laboratory investigations were otherwise unremarkable. There was no hepatosplenomegaly, and an ocular examination and chest X‐ray were normal.Juvenile xanthogranuloma: agminated nodulopapular lesions on the right popliteal fossa (a) showing positive Darier's sign (b and c; arrows)image A biopsy from the lesion (Fig. 2a) revealed a dermal infiltrate of histiocytes, some of which were foamy, and admixed Touton‐type giant cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells. By immunohistochemistry, the predominant cell population was CD68 (KP‐1, MIB‐1, and PG‐M1, all pursued from Dako) positive, but S‐100 protein and CD1a negative (Fig. 2b–e). By Giemsa stain, scattered mast cells (< 5% of the total cell number) were detectable within the lesion. The morphology and immunohistochemistry of the lesion were diagnostic for juvenile xanthogranuloma. Eight months later, the lesion was still present but slightly elongated, proportional to the child's growth, and hyperpigmented.Juvenile xanthogranuloma: histomorphology of skin lesion showing a cell‐rich histiocytic dermal infiltrate (a) with immunohistochemical characteristics (b–e) of non‐Langerhans dendritic cells (a, hematoxylin and eosin; b, anti‐S‐100 protein; c, anti‐CD‐1a; d, e, anti‐CD68 monocytic markers MIB‐1 and KP‐1, respectively; a–e, initial magnification ×40)image
Cuterebra cutaneous myiasis: case report and world literature review
Authors: Delshad Elizabeth , Rubin Adam I. , Almeida Laila , Niedt G. William 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Most cases of myiasis in North America are caused by fly larvae from South America or Africa, as these cases represent travelers returning from endemic regions. The etiology of creeping eruptions and furuncular lesions in North American patients who have no history of recent travel can therefore be a diagnostic problem. Among cases acquired in North America, Cuterebra species are the usual cause. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be aware that this unusual infestation may occur without a travel history.Method  Here we report a case of Cuterebra cutaneous myiasis acquired in New Jersey. A world literature review of articles on Cuterebra myiasis in humans, without age or year restriction, was performed. The pertinent references of those articles were also searched.Results  Most cases occur in the skin, as a furuncle. Sometimes a cutaneous creeping eruption is present. Children account for at least half of the reported cases. The infestations tend to occur in the late summer, and most frequently in the north‐eastern and southern states of the United States. An overview of the clinical and histopathologic diagnostic features are presented.Conclusions  Though rare, myiasis can occur in North America without a travel history. Awareness of this entity, its epidemiologic patterns and diagnostic characteristics, can prevent lengthy delays in diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
Natal dispersal patterns are not associated with inbreeding avoidance in the Seychelles warbler
Authors: EIKENAAR C. , KOMDEUR J. , RICHARDSON D. S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this study, we test whether patterns of territory inheritance, social mate choice and female‐biased natal dispersal act as inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler. Our results show that Seychelles warblers do not reduce the likelihood of inbreeding by avoiding related individuals as mates. The occurrence of natural and experimentally induced territory inheritance did not depend on whether the remaining breeder was a parent of the potential inheritor or an unrelated breeder. Furthermore, dispersing individuals were no less related to their eventual mates than expected given the pool of candidates they could mate with. The female bias in natal dispersal distance observed in the Seychelles warbler does not facilitate inbreeding avoidance because, contrary to our prediction, there was no sex difference in the clustering of related opposite sex breeders around the natal territories of dispersers. As a result, the chance of females mating with relatives was not reduced by their greater dispersal distance compared with that of males.
Daylength responses of various morphogenetic events after panicle initiation in late japonica rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica)
Authors: Lu X.‐C. , He Y. , Chen M. , Tian S. , Bai S.‐N. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPlant morphogenesis is an intimate cooperation between environmental signals and a genetically‐encoded developmental programme. Although all stages subsequent to floral induction may be influenced by daylength, the information available has come from diverse species during different morphogenetic events. This makes it difficult to investigate how photoperiodic signalling is integrated into various steps of the developmental programme. Here, we report that, in late japonica rice lines, morphogenetic events, including 12th leaf, axis of the main panicle, awn of the glum, anthers, elongation rate of internodes, and pollen fertility of the photoperiod‐sensitive genic male‐sterile (PGMS) rice, are significantly affected by daylength after panicle initiation. These data indicate that daylength affects many morphologic events, and that changes in morphology are mainly determined by the characteristics of the events themselves. These findings lay a foundation for future investigations into how potentially common photoperiodic signalling system(s) are integrated with diversified developmental events. In addition, we discussed the essential nature of PGMS rice.
Short‐ and long‐term modulation of the lutein epoxide and violaxanthin cycles in two species of the Lauraceae: sweet bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and avocado (Persea americana Mill.)
Authors: Esteban R. , Jiménez M. S. , Morales D. , Jiménez E. T. , Hormaetxe K. , Becerril J. M. , Osmond B. , García‐Plazaola J. I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractShort‐ and long‐term responses of the violaxanthin (V) and lutein epoxide (Lx) cycles were studied in two species of Lauraceae: sweet bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and avocado (Persea americana L.). The Lx content exceeded the V content in shade leaves of both species. Both Lx and V were de‐epoxidised on illumination, but only V was fully restored by epoxidation in low light. Violaxanthin was preferentially de‐epoxidised in low light in L. nobilis. This suggests that Lx accumulates with leaf ageing, partly because its conversion to lutein is limited in shade. After exposure to strong light, shade leaves of avocado readjusted the total pools of α‐ and β‐xanthophyll cycles by de novo synthesis of antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. This occurred in parallel with a sustained depression of Fv/Fm. In Persea indica, a closely related but low Lx species, Fv/Fm recovered faster after a similar light treatment, suggesting the involvement of the Lx cycle in sustained energy dissipation. Furthermore, the seasonal correlation between non‐reversible Lx and V photoconversions and pre‐dawn Fv/Fm in sun leaves of sweet bay supported the conclusion that the Lx cycle is involved in a slowly reversible downregulation of photosynthesis analogous to the V cycle.
Physical characteristics of reticuloruminal contents of oxen in relation to forage type and time after feeding
Authors: Hummel J. , Südekum K.‐H. , Bayer D. , Ortmann S. , Streich W. J. , Hatt J.‐M. , Clauss M. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe stratification of reticulorumen (RR) contents has been described in domestic ruminants, but suspected to be absent in certain wild ruminant species. To investigate how such stratification could be quantified, we tested variables indicating stratification in three oxen with rumen cannulae, fed once daily for 3 h, one of three different forages (fresh grass FG, grass hay GH, lucerne hay LH). Ingesta samples from dorsal rumen (DR), ventral rumen (VR) and reticulum (RET) were taken at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after the last meal and analyzed for dry matter (DM) concentration, mean particle size and proportion of floating/sedimenting particles. Viscosity was measured in centrifuged RR fluid. There was no relevant variation in rumen fluid viscosity over time or with feeding regime. Dry matter content in DR was always higher than in VR or RET and increased after feeding. When LH and FG were fed, DR always contained larger particles than VR, except at 6 and 12 h of feeding GH. The proportion of floating particles was higher in DR than VR except at GH 6 h and GR between 6 and 12 h. The floating particle fraction mostly contained larger particles, except for GH 3 h in both DR and VR and for FG 3–12 h in DR. Changes in the distribution of particle size and proportion of floating particles over time comply with the theoretical course of fermentative digestion for different forages, but make these variables unreliable indicators of stratification in less controlled settings, such as investigations in wild ruminants. In contrast, viscosity of rumen fluids appears constant over time and feeding regime and might be used as a species‐specific variable. The difference in DM content in DR and VR is a reliable indicator for RR contents stratification characterized by an oversaturation of the contents with fluid, leading to lower VR DM contents.
Karyotype analysis and physical mapping of 45S rRNA genes in Hydrangea species by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Van Laere K. , Van Huylenbroeck J. , Van Bockstaele E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDetailed karyotypes of Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea quercifolia were constructed on the basis of arm lengths and centromeric index, together with 45S rDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Although the chromosomes were small, they were well distinguishable for all species. Chromosome morphology and karyotypes were different for the three species. H. macrophylla had six metacentric (M), eight submetacentric (SM) and four subtelocentric (ST) chromosomes. The karyotype of H. paniculata contained seven M, 10 SM and one ST chromosomes and H. quercifolia had six M, 10 SM and two ST chromosomes. The variability among three species also was expressed by 45S rDNA signals. H. macrophylla had a nucleolar organizing region on chromosome 2, H. paniculata had 45S rDNA signals on chromosomes 2, 5 and 11 and H. quercifolia on chromosomes 3 and 8. Hybridization signal always was distally on the short arm but the strength of the signals was different for the three species. The chromosome portraits made in this study will be used to trace chromosome behaviour in interspecific hybrids resulting from breeding work between the three species.
Prediction of bone metastases by combination of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and prostate specific antigen in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Ozu Choichiro , Nakashima Jun , Horiguchi Yutaka , Oya Mototsugu , Ohigashi Takashi , Murai Masaru 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  The clinical value of serum tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), prostate specific antigen (PSA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PACP) for the prediction of bone metastases in prostate cancer were investigated.Methods:  TRACP, PACP, ALP, and PSA serum levels were measured in 215 patients with prostate cancer, including 160 without and 55 with bone metastases. Correlation of serum marker levels with bone metastases was assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each serum marker. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors for the presence of bone metastasis.Results:  Mean serum TRACP, PACP, ALP, and PSA levels were significantly elevated in patients with bone metastases compared with those without (P < 0.05). PSA and PACP levels increased significantly with clinical stage of the disease, whereas TRACP and ALP levels only increased significantly in stage D2. Serum TRACP levels correlated significantly with extent of disease on bone scans. ROC analyses showed no significant differences in area under the curve for these markers. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PSA, ALP, and TRACP were significant predictors of bone metastasis. Predicted and observed risks of bone metastasis were well correlated when TRACP, ALP, and PSA were combined and bone scan could have been omitted in 70% of patients by assessing these three markers.Conclusions:  Serum TRACP can be considered a useful predictor of bone metastases in prostate cancer. A combination of TRACP, ALP, and PSA can obviate the need for a bone scan in 70% of cases.