bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of gene flow in shaping genetic structures of the subtropical conifer species Araucaria angustifolia
Authors: Stefenon V. M. , Gailing O. , Finkeldey R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe morphological features of pollen and seed of Araucaria angustifolia have led to the proposal of limited gene dispersal for this species. We used nuclear microsatellite and AFLP markers to assess patterns of genetic variation in six natural populations at the intra‐ and inter‐population level, and related our findings to gene dispersal in this species. Estimates of both fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) and migration rate suggest relatively short‐distance gene dispersal. However, gene dispersal differed among populations, and effects of more efficient dispersal within population were observed in at least one stand. In addition, even though some seed dispersal may be aggregated in this principally barochorous species, reasonable secondary seed dispersal, presumably facilitated by animals, and overlap of seed shadows within populations is suggested. Overall, no correlation was observed between levels of SGS and inbreeding, density or age structure, except that a higher level of SGS was revealed for the population with a higher number of juvenile individuals. A low estimate for the number of migrants per generation between two neighbouring populations implies limited gene flow. We expect that stepping‐stone pollen flow may have contributed to low genetic differentiation among populations observed in a previous survey. Thus, strategies for maintenance of gene flow among remnant populations should be considered in order to avoid degrading effects of population fragmentation on the evolution of A. angustifolia.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation and temperature on the ultrastructure of zoospores of the brown macroalga Laminaria hyperborea
Authors: Steinhoff F. S. , Wiencke C. , Müller R. , Bischof K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe interactive effects of an 8 h exposure to UV radiation and altered temperatures on the ultrastructure and germination of zoospores of the sublittoral brown alga Laminaria hyperborea (Gunn.) Foslie were investigated for the first time. Spores were exposed to four temperatures (2, 7, 12 and 17 °C) and three light regimes (PAR, PAR + UV‐A, PAR + UV‐A+UV‐B). Freshly‐released spores of L. hyperborea lack a cell wall and contain a nucleus with fine granular nucleoplasm and a nucleolus, one chloroplast, several mitochondria, dictyosomes and an endoplasmatic reticulum. Further, several kinds of so‐called adhesive vesicles, lipid globuli and physodes containing UV‐absorbing phlorotannins are embedded in the cytoplasm. No eye‐spot is present. Physodes were found but they were rare and small. After an 8 h exposure to UV‐B, the nucleoplasm had a mottled structure, chloroplasts contained plastoglobuli, the structure of the mitochondria changed from crista‐ to sacculus‐type and germination was strongly inhibited at all temperatures. UV‐A only had an impact on the ultrastructure at the highest temperature tested. The strongest effects were found at 17 °C, where germination was reduced to 35%, 32% and 9% after exposure to PAR, PAR+UV‐A and PAR + UV‐A + UV‐B, respectively. This study indicates that UV‐B radiation has strong damaging effects on the physiology and ultrastructure of zoospores of L. hyperborea. The results are important for developing scenarios for the effect of enhanced UV radiation and increasing temperatures caused by global climate changes.
Rhinocerebral zygomycosis caused by Saksenae vasiformis in a diabetic patient
Authors: García‐Martínez Jesús , López‐Medrano Francisco , Alhambra Almudena , Del Palacio Amalia 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe report a rare case of invasive rhinocerebral Saksenae vasiformis infection in a 71‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus ketoacidosis. Combined histological and microbiological examination of two biopsy specimens taken at four days' intervals showed broad non‐septate hyphae on direct smears of biopsies and necrosis and angioinvasion by hyphae were seen in the tissue. S. vasiformis was cultured from both biopsies. The patient had a fatal outcome even though partial debridement, liposomal amphotericin B treatment and control of diabetes were instituted. Permission for necropsy was denied. Clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of the case and manifestations of S. vasiformis infections are discussed. Most cases involve cutaneous sites and only two cases of rhinocerebral infections (both with fatal outcome) have been described. The present case is the third documented case of involvement of the sinuses and the second case of S. vasiformis infection documented in Europe.
Apparent competition can compromise the safety of highly specific biocontrol agents
Authors: Carvalheiro Luisa G. , Buckley Yvonne M. , Ventim Rita , Fowler Simon V. , Memmott Jane 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDespite current concern about the safety of biological control of weeds, assessing the indirect impacts of introduced agents is not common practice. Using 17 replicate food webs, we demonstrate that the use of a highly host‐plant specific weed biocontrol agent, recently introduced into Australia, is associated with declines of local insect communities. The agent shares natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) with seed herbivore species from native plants, so apparent competition is the most likely cause for these losses. Both species richness and abundance in insect communities (seed herbivores and their parasitoids) were negatively correlated with the abundance of the biocontrol agent. Local losses of up to 11 species (dipteran seed herbivores and parasitoids) took place as the biocontrol agent abundance increased. Ineffective biocontrol agents that remain highly abundant in the community are most likely to have persistent, indirect negative effects. Our findings suggest that more investment is required in pre‐release studies on the effectiveness of biocontrol agents, as well as in post‐release studies assessing indirect impacts, to avoid or minimize the release of potentially damaging species.
Long‐term efficacy of duloxetine in women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Bump Richard C. , Voss Simon , Beardsworth Anthony , Manning Martina , Zhao Yan D. , Chen Wei 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the maintenance of efficacy of duloxetine beyond 3 months, using data from several long‐term, open‐label studies, as the efficacy of duloxetine 40‐mg twice daily for treating women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for up to 3 months has been established in several randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials.PATIENTS AND METHODSData from 1424 patients (Cohort A) enrolled in three 12‐week, placebo‐controlled clinical trials and their uncontrolled, open‐label extensions, and in one uncontrolled, open‐label study, were used to assess long‐term continuation rates and continued efficacy based on responses to the validated Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I) scale for up to 30 months. Data from another 2758 patients (Cohort B) enrolled in an additional placebo‐controlled study and its open‐label extension were used to assess PGI‐I ratings, reductions in incontinence episode frequency (IEF) recorded on urinary diaries, and the relationship between PGI‐I ratings and reductions in IEF for up to 72 weeks.RESULTSIn Cohort A, the duloxetine continuation rate at 1 year was 42.5%. At 12, 24 and 30 months, most (83%, 83% and 88%, respectively) patients in Cohort A who continued treatment rated their incontinence in one of the three ‘better since starting treatment’ PGI‐I categories. Both the median IEF reductions (50–77%) and the PGI‐I ‘better’ ratings (70–88% of patients) remained fairly consistent over 72 weeks in Cohort B. Finally, IEF reductions increased with increasing PGI‐I ratings (≈46% for ‘a little better’, 75% for ‘much better’ and 95% for ‘very much better’) over the first year of treatment.CONCLUSIONThe benefits of duloxetine were maintained in patients who continued treatment for up to 30 months. However, these favourable results need to be interpreted cautiously, as many patients discontinued treatment and those with better responses are more likely to continue taking medication.
Succession of a Southern Appalachian Mountain Wetland Six Years following Hydrologic and Microtopographic Restoration
Authors: Rossell Irene M. , Moorhead Kevin K. , Alvarado Huma , Warren Robert J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract Microtopography, which is known to play a key role in the structure and function of wetland communities, is receiving increasing attention in wetland restoration projects. One goal of the Tulula Wetlands Mitigation Bank, which was the first large‐scale wetland restoration project in the Blue Ridge Province, was to restore the microtopography in a degraded swamp forest–bog complex. This wetland type has become increasingly rare in the southern Appalachians and is characterized by a distinct microtopography of depressions and low ridges. We examined vegetation and soils in depression and ridge plots over a 6‐year period, during which the hydrology and microtopography of the floodplain were restored. Our results showed that the flora of the depression and ridge plots differed, with greater coverage by obligate wetland species in the depression plots but greater overall taxonomic richness in the ridge plots. The edaphic characteristics that we measured varied very little during the study period. Creating microtopographic relief during the restoration of this wetland seems to have provided a variety of niches and may have increased the likelihood that the site will succeed back to a swamp forest–bog complex, rather than as a forested terrace of Tulula Creek.
Recovery of Greater Sage‐Grouse Habitat Features in Wyoming Big Sagebrush following Prescribed Fire
Authors: Beck Jeffrey L. , Connelly John W. , Reese Kerry P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract The ability of prescribed fire to enhance habitat features for Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis) in western North America is poorly understood. We evaluated recovery of habitat features important to wintering, nesting, and early brood‐rearing Sage‐Grouse in Wyoming big sagebrush following prescribed fire. Our case study included 1 year of preburn (1989) and 10 years of postburn data collected over 14 years (1990–2003) from control and burned study areas in the Big Desert of southeastern Idaho, U.S.A. We compared recovery and rate of change for 12 features in four categories between burned and control transects and recovery in burned transects including change in variation. Our results indicate that prescribed fire induced quantifiable changes in wintering, nesting, and early brood‐rearing Sage‐Grouse habitat features 14 years after fire in Wyoming big sagebrush in our study area. Specifically, grass and litter required by Sage‐Grouse for nest and brood concealment recovered relatively rapidly following fire; major forb cover was similar between burned and control sites, but the rate of increase for major forb cover and richness was greater in control transects, and structurally mediated habitat features required by Sage‐Grouse for food and cover in winter and for nest and brood concealment in spring recovered slowly following fire. Because shrub structural features in our study did not recover in magnitude or variability to preburn levels 14 years after fire, we recommend that managers avoid burning Wyoming big sagebrush to enhance Sage‐Grouse habitat, but rather implement carefully planned treatments that maintain Sagebrush.
Assessing Impacts of Hydropattern Restoration of an Overdrained Wetland on Soil Nutrients, Vegetation and Fire
Authors: Leeds Jennifer A. , Garrett Patrick B. , Newman Jana M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRestoring hydrology to overdrained wetlands can facilitate restoration of degraded ecosystems. In the northern Everglades, the Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area (RWMA) became a rain‐driven system as historic overland inflows were redirected. Consequently, the soil experienced severe drying, resulting in frequent muck fires, oxidation and a shift in vegetation composition. In July 2001, the RWMA hydropattern restoration began utilizing discharge from Stormwater Treatment Area 5 (STA‐5), a constructed wetland. As a result, predischarge hydroperiods averaging 124 days increased to an average of 183 days. Soil total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the topsoil layer did not significantly change from predischarge (637 mg/kg) to postdischarge (633 mg/kg) concentrations. Muck fires appear to be the catalyst for rapid alterations in the bioavailability and solubility of P. Prior to muck fires, soil P pools were 88% organic P and 12% inorganic P, shifting to 49% organic P and 51% inorganic P measured after a muck fire. Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense, OBL) and Cattail (Typha domingensis, OBL) cover approximately 75% of the RWMA area as dominant or codominant species. Predischarge vegetation community composition documented obligate (OBL) and facultative wetland (FACW) species, each composing 46% of all species surveyed. Postdischarge vegetation compositions shifted to 59% OBL and 39% FACW species. In addition, there were significant elevations in tissue nutrient concentrations, TP, and total nitrogen, between pre‐ and postdischarge samples. An adaptive management approach to inflow and outflow operations will be an important part of successful wetland restoration.
Bayesian Logistic Injury Severity Score: A Method for Predicting Mortality Using International Classification of Disease‐9 Codes
Authors: Burd Randall S. , Ouyang Ming , Madigan David 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives: Owing to the large number of injury International Classification of Disease‐9 revision (ICD‐9) codes, it is not feasible to use standard regression methods to estimate the independent risk of death for each injury code. Bayesian logistic regression is a method that can select among a large numbers of predictors without loss of model performance. The purpose of this study was to develop a model for predicting in‐hospital trauma deaths based on this method and to compare its performance with the ICD‐9–based Injury Severity Score (ICISS).Methods: The authors used Bayesian logistic regression to train and test models for predicting mortality based on injury ICD‐9 codes (2,210 codes) and injury codes with two‐way interactions (243,037 codes and interactions) using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). They evaluated discrimination using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and calibration with the Hosmer‐Lemeshow (HL) h‐statistic. The authors compared performance of these models with one developed using ICISS.Results: The discrimination of a model developed using individual ICD‐9 codes was similar to that of a model developed using individual codes and their interactions (AUC = 0.888 vs. 0.892). Inclusion of injury interactions, however, improved model calibration (HL h‐statistic = 2,737 vs. 1,347). A model based on ICISS had similar discrimination (AUC = .855) but showed worse calibration (HL h‐statistic = 45,237) than those based on regression.Conclusions: A model that incorporates injury interactions had better predictive performance than one based only on individual injuries. A regression approach to predicting injury mortality based on injury ICD‐9 codes yields models with better predictive performance than ICISS.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors and Intravenous Immunoglobulin Improves Live Birth Rates in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Winger Edward E. , Reed Jane L. 
Published: April 2008

Problem  The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors combined with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) increases live birth rates among women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) concurrently treated with anticoagulants (AC).Method of study  Seventy‐five pregnancies in patients with a history of RSA were retrospectively evaluated. The population was divided into three groups: group I: 21 patients treated with AC (anticoagulants), group II: 37 patients treated with AC and IVIG, and group III: 17 patients treated with AC, IVIG and the TNF inhibitor Etanercept (Enbrel®) or Adalimumab (Humira®). In groups II and III, IVIG was administered at least once during the cycle of conception and/or at least once after a positive pregnancy test. In group III, either Adalimumab or Etanercept was administered by subcutaneous injection according to standard protocols. Statistical analysis of pregnancy outcome was performed using Fisher’s exact test.Results  Patient populations in the three treatment groups were similar in terms of age, past miscarriages, inherited thrombophilia and autoimmunity. The live birth rate was 19% (4/21) in group I, 54% (20/37) in group II, and 71% (12/17) in group III. There was significant improvement in pregnancy outcome in group II versus group I (P = 0.0127) and in group III versus group I (P = 0.0026). The live birth rate in group III compared to group II was not significantly different (P = 0.3723). Side effects of AC, IVIG and TNF inhibitor treatment were minimal in these patients, and no birth defects were identified in their offspring.Conclusion  In women with RSA, addition of either IVIG or a TNF inhibitor + IVIG to the AC regimen appears to improve live birth rates compared to the treatment with AC alone. The positive effect of IVIG and TNF inhibitor therapy on pregnancy outcome merits further study in prospective clinical trials.
A homozygous mutation in a Chinese man with Crigler–Najjar syndrome type II and a family genetic analysis
Authors: WU Jian Xin , CHENG Guang Yu , HUANG Jian 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the family genetic background of a 22‐year‐old man with Crigler–Najjar syndrome type II (CN‐II).METHODS:  After the proband (patient) with CN‐II was diagnosed by liver function tests, a low calorie intake test and an oral phenobarbital enzyme‐induction trial, blood samples were collected from 11 family members for identifying DNA gene groups. Exons 1–5 of the UGT1A1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mutations of the UGT1A1 gene were screened by a direct DNA sequencing.RESULTS:  The serum unconjugated bilirubin increased in the proband from 156.4 µmol/L to 243.5 µmol/L after he started a low calorie intake, and it decreased to 51.8 µmol/L within a month of taking oral phenobarbital daily. Both functional tests and ultrasonographic images of the liver were normal except for the unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. A missense mutation of Tyr486Asp at exon 5 in the UGT1A1 gene and a homozygous mutation were confirmed in the proband. Heterozygous mutations were found in his parents, his younger sister and three great‐uncles, while no mutation of the UGT1A1 gene was detected in the remaining four family members.CONCLUSION:  A missense mutation of Tyr486Asp is considered to be the cause of the CN‐II in this patient. It is a recessive trait that is autosomally inherited in this family. No influence of the mutation was found on the response elements for phenobarbital in the promoter region.
Commercializing air traffic control: Have the reforms worked?
Authors: McDougall Glen , Roberts Alasdair 
Published: April 2008

Abstract: Air navigation service providers (ANSPs) play a critical role in the operation of a modern economy. Many countries have restructured their ANSPs by granting managerial and financial autonomy and creating new mechanisms for regulation and accountability to major consumers of air navigation services. These reforms have exemplified principles often associated with the New Public Management. The United States is the major exception to this international trend. Commercialization has allowed significant improvements in service quality without substantial increases in cost of service or erosion of safety standards. Other public interest considerations have also been protected. These performance benefits can be attributed to key decisions on the governance of new air navigation service organizations.Sommaire: Les fournisseurs de services de navigation aérienne jouent un rôle crucial dans le fonctionnement d'une économie moderne. De nombreux pays ont restructuré leurs fournisseurs de services en leur accordant une autonomie financière et de gestion, et en créant de nouveaux mécanismes de réglementation et d'imputabilité envers les principaux consommateurs de services de navigation aérienne. Ces réformes ont illustré les principes souvent associés à la Nouvelle gestion publique. Les États‐Unis sont la principale exception à cette tendance internationale. La commercialisation a permis d'apporter d'importantes améliorations à la qualité des services sans entraîner pour autant d'augmentations substantielles des coûts de services, ou une érosion des normes de sécurité. D'autres considérations d'intérêt public ont également été protégées. Ces avantages en termes de performance peuvent être attribués à des décisions clés en matière de gouvernance des nouveaux organismes de services de navigation aérienne.
Horizontalité et gouvernance décentralisée: les conditions de collaboration dans le contexte de l'action communautaire
Authors: Burlone Nathalie , Andrew Caroline , Chiasson Guy , Harvey Jean 
Published: April 2008

Sommaire: Cet article s'interroge sur les formes de gouvernance qui caractérisent le secteur communautaire en s'appuyant sur l'étude de deux cas de partenariats locaux initiés par l'organisme Québec en forme (QEF) dans les régions de l'Outaouais et de la Mauricie. La participation croissante des organismes communautaires à la prestation des services publics met en relief l'importance de la collaboration et du partenariat interorganisationnels dans le cadre d'une gouvernance plus horizontale. L'article présente certaines difficultés posées par la construction d'une telle gouvernance dans le secteur communautaire. Le poids des structures de pouvoir traditionnelles, de même que les innovations proposées dans la littérature sur la gouvernance et l'horizontalité (élargissement des partenariats, développement de nouveaux objectifs partagés, etc.), ont beaucoup de difficultéà prendre assise dans la pratique communautaire.Abstract: This article examines the forms of governance that characterize the community sector, referring to two case studies of local partnerships initiated by the group “Québec en forme” (QEF) in the Outaouais and Mauricie regions. The increasing participation of community organizations in the delivery of public services highlights the importance of cross‐jurisdictional cooperation and partnerships within the framework of a more horizontal governance. The article presents some of the challenges surrounding governance construction in the community sector. The weight of traditional power structures, as well as the innovations proposed in the literature on governance and the implementation of a horizontal approach (securing broader partnerships, developing new shared objectives, etc.), are not easily adopted in community practice.
Analysis and Optimization of Thermal Stratification and
Self-Pressurization Effects in Liquid Hydrogen Storage Systems—Part 1: Model
Development
Authors: Gursu S. , Sherif S. A. , Veziroglu T. N. , Sheffield J. W. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper reports on analyses and optimization studies of problems associated with liquid hydrogen thermal stratification and self-pressurization in cryogenic vessels. Three different pressure rise models were employed to calculate the self-pressurization and boil-off rates. These are a homogeneous model, a surface-evaporation model, and a thermal stratification model. The first two models are based on the assumption that no temperature gradients exist in the tank, while the thermal stratification model takes the temperature distribution into account. Employing the thermal stratification model, temperature gradients and their effect on the pressure rise rates in liquid hydrogen tanks are analyzed.