bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spreading of the invasive Carpobrotus aff. acinaciformis in Mediterranean ecosystems: The advantage of performing in different light environments
Authors: Traveset A. , Moragues E. , Valladares F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractQuestion: Do specific environmental conditions affect the performance and growth dynamics of one of the most invasive taxa (Carpobrotus aff. acinaciformis) on Mediterranean islands?Location: Four populations located on Mallorca, Spain.Methods: We monitored growth rates of main and lateral shoots of this stoloniferous plant for over two years (2002–2003), comparing two habitats (rocky coast vs. coastal dune) and two different light conditions (sun vs. shade). In one population of each habitat type, we estimated electron transport rate and the level of plant stress (maximal photochemical efficiency Fv/ Fm) by means of chlorophyll fluorescence.Results: Main shoots of Carpobrotus grew at similar rates at all sites, regardless habitat type. However, growth rate of lateral shoots was greater in shaded plants than in those exposed to sunlight. Its high phenotypic plasticity, expressed in different allocation patterns in sun and shade individuals, and its clonal growth which promotes the continuous search of available resources, contributed to a good growth and photochemical efficiency of Carpobrotus in the relatively moderate shade of the understories of Mediterranean shrublands and woodlands. Each main shoot of a Carpobrotus clone (which can have several dozens main shoots) grows ca. 40 cm per year, which explains its vigorous habitat colonization capacity.Conclusion: The highly plastic morphological response to different light regimes of this taxon contributes to a rapid colonization of heterogeneous coastal Mediterranean environments spreading well beyond the open sand dune systems where it has been often reported.
The ecological equivalence of quarry floors to alvars
Authors: Tomlinson Shannon , Matthes Uta , Richardson Paul J. , Larson Douglas W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractQuestion:Are the biophysical conditions of abandoned limestone quarry floors and natural alvars sufficiently similar to each other for alvars to be used as a model for quarry floor restoration?Location:Ontario, Canada.Methods:We measured plant species frequency and environmental and soil variables in 13 abandoned limestone quarries and used ANOVA to compare them with data previously collected from seven natural alvars. We used multivariate ordinations on the quarry floor data alone and on the combined quarry floor and alvar data to determine how plant community structure was controlled by the abiotic environment in both habitats.Results:Except for higher levels of many nutrients, the physical characteristics were similar between quarry floors and alvars. 246 plant species were found on quarry floors as compared to 283 on alvars, with 79 species in common between the two habitat types. While quarry floors supported fewer bryophytes and more exotic vascular plants compared with alvars, five alvar endemics and 24 characteristic alvar species were found to grow there. The age of the site, nutrient levels, and presence of standing water and bare rock were important factors influencing species composition in both habitats.Conclusions:Through natural revegetation alone, the abandoned quarry floors surveyed in this study have already taken on many physical and vegetation characteristics of natural alvars. This makes alvars very suitable as the restoration goal for abandoned limestone quarries.
Evaluation of the Implementation of Nursing Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes
Authors: Müller‐Staub Maria 
Published: February 2009

PURPOSE.  This paper aims to provide insight into nursing classifications and to report the effects of nursing diagnostics implementation. This paper summarizes the results of six studies. METHODS.  Two systematic reviews, instrument development and testing, a pre–post intervention study, and a cluster‐randomized trial were performed. FINDINGS.  The NANDA International classification met most of the literature‐based classification criteria, and results showed the Quality of Nursing Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes (Q‐DIO) to be a reliable instrument to measure the documented quality of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. Implementation of standardized nursing language significantly improved the quality of documented nursing diagnoses, related interventions, and patient outcomes. As a follow‐up measure, Guided Clinical Reasoning (GCR) was effective in supporting nurses’ clinical reasoning skills. CONCLUSIONS.  Carefully implementing classifications led to enhanced, accurately stated nursing diagnoses, more effective nursing interventions, and better patient outcomes. IMPLICATIONS.  Rethinking implementation methods for standardized language and using GCR is recommended. Based on the results of this study, the inclusion of NANDA International diagnoses with related interventions and outcomes in electronic health records is suggested.
Additive and Over‐dominant Effects Resulting from Epistatic Loci Are the Primary Genetic Basis of Heterosis in Rice
Authors: Luo Xiaojin , Fu Yongcai , Zhang Peijiang , Wu Shuang , Tian Feng , Liu Jiayong , Zhu Zuofeng , Yang Jinshui , Sun Chuanqing 
Published: February 2009

Abstract A set of 148 F9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from the cross of an indica cultivar 93‐11 and japonica cultivar DT713, showing strong F1 heterosis. Subsequently, two backcross F1 (BCF1) populations were constructed by backcrossing these 148 RILs to two parents, 93‐11 and DT713. These three related populations (281BCF1 lines, 148 RILs) were phenotyped for six yield‐related traits in two locations. Significant inbreeding depression was detected in the population of RILS and a high level of heterosis was observed in the two BCF1 populations. A total of 42 main‐effect quantitative trait loci (M‐QTLs) and 109 epistatic effect QTL pairs (E‐QTLs) were detected in the three related populations using the mixed model approach. By comparing the genetic effects of these QTLs detected in the RILs, BCF1 performance and mid‐parental heterosis (HMP), we found that, in both BCF1 populations, the QTLs detected could be classified into two predominant types: additive and over‐dominant loci, which indicated that the additive and over‐dominant effect were more important than complete or partially dominance for M‐QTLs and E‐QTLs. Further, we found that the E‐QTLs detected collectively explained a larger portion of the total phenotypic variation than the M‐QTLs in both RILs and BCF1 populations. All of these results suggest that additive and over‐dominance resulting from epistatic loci might be the primary genetic basis of heterosis in rice.
Comparison of photospheric current helicity and subsurface kinetic helicity
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhang Hongqi , Zhao Junwei 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
We make a comparison between photospheric current helicity and subsurface kinetic helicity in solar active regions. Four parameters are employed: average value of vertical component of current helicity density 〈Bz· (∇×B)z〉 (〈Hc〉), average force-free field factor and mean subsurface kinetic helicity 〈v· (∇×v)/|v|2〉 (αv), which is denoted as two different parameters, 〈αv1〉 and 〈αv2〉, according to different depths beneath the solar surface. A total of 38 active regions are investigated. The results show that the signs of 〈Hc〉 and αave have a typical hemispheric distribution feature. In contrast, the sign of 〈αv1〉 presents the opposite feature to the above two parameters. For 〈αv2〉, there is no obvious preponderance of the sign in each hemisphere as with the other three parameters. Although there is an opposite hemispheric preponderance between the signs of current helicity and that of kinetic helicity at 0–3 Mm beneath the solar surface, the uncertain correlations between 〈Hc〉 and 〈αv1〉, αave and 〈αv1〉, 〈Hc〉 and 〈αv2〉, and αave and 〈αv2〉 (the correlation coefficients are -0.095, 0.118, -0.102 and -0.179, respectively) do not support that the photospheric current helicity has a cause and effect relation with the kinetic helicity at 0–12 Mm beneath the solar surface.
Challenges and Standards in Reporting Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker Studies
Authors: Azuaje Francisco , Devaux Yvan , Wagner Daniel 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe discovery of novel biomarkers is a crucial goal in translational biomedical research. A complete and accurate reporting of biomarker studies, including quantitative prediction models, is fundamental to improve research quality and facilitate their potential incorporation into clinical practice. This paper reviews key problems, guidelines, and challenges in reporting biomarker studies, with an emphasis on diagnostic and prognostic applications in cardiovascular research. Recent advances and recommendations for aiding in peer review, research quality assessment, and the reproducibility of findings, such as diagnostic biosignatures, are discussed. An examination of research recently published in the area of cardiovascular biomarkers was implemented. Such a survey, which was based on a sample of papers deposited in PubMed Central, suggests that there is a need to improve the documentation of biomarker studies in terms of information completeness and clarity, as well as the application of more rigorous quantitative evaluation techniques. There is also room for improving practices in reporting data analysis and research limitations. This survey also suggests that, in comparison with other research areas, the cardiovascular biomarker research domain may not be taking advantage of existing standards for reporting diagnostic accuracy. The review concludes with a discussion of the challenges and recommendations.
Oral health conditions in Italian Special Olympics athletes
Authors: Dellavia Claudia , Allievi Cristina , Pallavera Andrea , Rosati Riccardo , Sforza Chiarella 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTDuring three Italian Special Olympics National Games, 365 athletes were screened. Dental and medical conditions and demographic data were recorded. The athletes were divided into two groups: those with Down syndrome (DS) and those without DS but who had intellectual disabilities (non‐DS).Most of the subjects were in good systemic health. Total DMFt was 10.3 (SD 5.8; D = 1.3; M = 6.1; F = 2.8). Decayed and filled teeth were significantly more frequent in athletes who did not have DS compared to those with DS. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of subjects with filled, sealed, or traumatized teeth.Athletes with DS and without DS who participated in the Italian Special Olympics had a similar oral status, which was better than Italian persons who were institutionalized and who had an intellectual disability.
Antigen‐presenting cells in human immunosuppressive drug‐induced gingival enlargement
Authors: Cury Patricia R. , Arsati Franco , De Magalhães Marina Helena Cury Gallottini , De Araújo Vera C. , De Araújo Ney S. , Barbuto José Alexandre 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTAn immunoperoxidase technique was used to compare the number of CD1a+ and factor XIIIa+ dendritic cells (DCs), and CD68+ Macrophages (M) in 30 gingival samples from subjects with clinically healthy periodontitium (HP) and 10 samples from subjects with drug‐induced gingival enlargement (DIGE). Fewer CD1a+ and factor XIIIa+ DCs were found in areas with inflammatory infiltration (II) of the lamina propria (LP) in the group with immunosuppressed DIGE (IDIGE) compared to the group with HP. In the sulcular and junctional/pocket epithelia, the number of CD1a+ DCs was decreased in the group with IDIGE (p < 0.05). There was a tendency toward a reduced number of CD1a+ DCs and CD68+ M in areas without inflammatory infiltrate of the LP in the group with IDIGE. The alterations in the number of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) may be the reason for the decreased periodontal inflammation and breakdown clinically observed in subjects who are immunosuppressed.
Toothache pain: Behavioral impact and self‐care strategies
Authors: Cohen Leonard A. , Bonito Arthur J. , Akin Donald R. , Manski Richard J. , Macek Mark D. , Edwards Robert R. , Cornelius Llewellyn J. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTA computer‐assisted telephone interview in Maryland of adults who had low income and were Hispanic, Black, and White and who had experienced a toothache during the previous 12 months was conducted. Respondents reported a high prevalence of toothaches, with 44.3% having experienced more than five toothaches during the preceding 10 years. Pain intensity associated with the most recent toothache was high with 45.1% of the respondents reporting the highest pain possible. Pain interfered with many aspects of normal functioning. Self‐care strategies generally took precedence over professional health services. Pain sufferers used a combination of self‐care and formal care strategies. Initial strategies most often focused on nonprescription medicines(home remedies and prayer. The majority of respondents ultimately sought pain relief from a dentist. We identified a number of significant differences in the strategies used across racial(ethnic groups.
Characterization of 10 microsatellite loci in an avian louse, Degeeriella regalis (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae)
Authors: PETERS MAUREEN B. , HAGEN CRIS , WHITEMAN NOAH K. , PARKER PATRICIA G. , GLENN TRAVIS C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci in an ischnoceran louse, Degeeriella regalis, which parasitizes the threatened Galápagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) and other falconiform birds. The loci were screened across 30 individuals from two island populations in the Galápagos Islands. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 28. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.14 to 0.94 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.67. These markers will be valuable in comparative population genetics studies in this species, which is the focus of a long‐term population and disease ecology research program.
Generation of a Sequence Characterized Amplified Region Probe for Authentication of Mainland Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis)
Authors: MENG KAI , YU JIAN , LUO TAO‐LIN , WU HAI‐LONG , WU XIAO‐BING 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMainland serow is an endanged artiodactyl of southern Anhui province, China, that is often subject to poaching. To provide an easy, rapid and reliable marker for identification of bushmeat, skin and other tissues of the species, we developed a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) based on a species‐specific random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. Initially, a 1012‐bp species‐specific DNA fragment of mainland serow was detected by a RAPD primer S1193. Then, a serow‐specific primer pair (SCF/SCR) was designed according to the specific RAPD fragment, resulting in a 438‐bp SCAR for the species. Finally, the reliability of the SCAR primers was tested by a common multiplex polymerase chain reaction using the combination of the SCAR and cyt b universal primers. The results that all mainland serow samples presented two target bands but the others failed to produce the SCAR indicated that the designed primers were highly diagnostic. Therefore, the SCAR probe developed in this study will be useful for quick authentication of mainland serow tissue samples for conservation biology and bushmeat regulation.
Temporal changes in retinal thickness after removal of the epiretinal membrane
Authors: Aso Hitoshi , Iijima Hiroyuki , Imai Masahito , Gotoh Teruhiko 
Published: February 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  We aimed to study the temporal aspects of the postoperative reduction of retinal thickness in eyes with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with peeling of the epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane.Methods:  In a retrospective study performed as a non‐comparative, interventional case series, 16 eyes from 15 patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane who underwent vitrectomy and removal of the epiretinal membrane were followed up using optical coherence tomography measurements. Retinal thickness in the macular area was assessed by the foveal thickness and macular volume in a circle 6 mm in diameter.Results:  Scattergrams of the foveal thickness and macular volume were best fitted with exponential curves. The average time constants of the exponential curve for foveal thickness and macular volume changes were 31 days (range 4–109 days) and 36 days (range 5–100 days), respectively. The average expected final values for foveal thickness and macular volume were 334 μm (range 206–408 μm) and 7.53 mm3 (range 6.57–8.66 mm3), respectively, which were significantly greater than those in normal controls (p < 0.0001, t‐test).Conclusions:  Retinal thickness decreases rapidly immediately after surgical removal of the epiretinal membrane and the reduction rate gradually slows thereafter. Approximation of the exponential curve provides an estimation of final retinal thickness after surgical removal of the epiretinal membrane; final thickness is expected to be greater than in normal eyes.
Genetic Analysis of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Young German Shepherd Dogs
Authors: Cruickshank J. , Quaas R.L. , Li J. , Hemsley S. , Gunn T.M. , Moïse N.S. 
Published: February 2009

Background:Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden death are inherited in German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs).Objectives:To estimate the genetic parameters (heritabilities and correlations) of 3 traits of VA (single premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), 2 consecutive PVCs (couplets), and 3 or more consecutive PVCs—ventricular tachycardia [VT]).Animals:Three hundred and ninety‐eight GSDs.Methods:Prospective, observational, case control study. Dogs were phenotyped by 24‐hour ambulatory ECG from 6 to 45 weeks of age. Edited ECG records included the number of incidents of (1) single PVCs, (2) couplets, and (3) VT.Results:A data set of 1,239 Holter records from 398 GSDs was used to estimate genetic variables. Phenotypic correlations for affectedness (binarily coded 0/1) of the 3 traits ranged from 0.55 to 0.74, whereas correlations for severity (continuous values of 24‐hour VA counts) ranged from 0.26 to 0.39. Estimates of genetic correlation among the severity traits were 0.06 to 0.27. Estimated heritabilities were 0.54, 0.54, and 0.46 for affectedness and 0.33, 0.69, and 0.69 for severity of PVCs, couplets, and VT, respectively. Month and year of birth and age at ECG recording had significant effects on all 3 traits. Season of ECG recording had a significant effect on the number of single PVCs, but not couplets or incidents of VT. Age of onset differed, with single PVCs appearing an average of 4 days earlier than couplets and VT.Conclusion:These results imply a strong genetic component for this disease but suggest that differences in the 3 traits should be taken into consideration in studies to identify the underlying genes.
Added Mass
Effects of Compressible and Incompressible Flows in Fluid-Structure
Interaction
Authors: van Brummelen E.
H. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The subiteration method, which forms the basic iterative procedure for solving fluid-structure-interaction problems, is based on a partitioning of the fluid-structure system into a fluidic part and a structural part. In fluid-structure interaction, on short time scales the fluid appears as an added mass to the structural operator, and the stability and convergence properties of the subiteration process depend significantly on the ratio of this apparent added mass to the actual structural mass. In the present paper, we establish that the added-mass effects corresponding to compressible and incompressible flows are fundamentally different. For a model problem, we show that on increasingly small time intervals, the added mass of a compressible flow is proportional to the length of the time interval, whereas the added mass of an incompressible flow approaches a constant. We then consider the implications of this difference in proportionality for the stability and convergence properties of the subiteration process, and for the stability and accuracy of loosely coupled staggered time-integration methods.
Structural Analysis of Biofilm Formation by Rapidly and Slowly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Williams Margaret M. , Yakrus Mitchell A. , Arduino Matthew J. , Cooksey Robert C. , Crane Christina B. , Banerjee Shailen N. , Hilborn Elizabeth D. , Donlan Rodney M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) and rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) such as
M. abscessus
,
M. mucogenicum
,
M. chelonae
, and
M. fortuitum
, implicated in health care-associated infections, are often isolated from potable water supplies as part of the microbial flora. To understand factors that influence growth in their environmental source, clinical RGM and slowly growing MAC isolates were grown as biofilm in a laboratory batch system. High and low nutrient levels were compared, as well as stainless steel and polycarbonate surfaces. Biofilm growth was measured after 72 h of incubation by enumeration of bacteria from disrupted biofilms and by direct quantitative image analysis of biofilm microcolony structure. RGM biofilm development was influenced more by nutrient level than by substrate material, though both affected biofilm growth for most of the isolates tested. Microcolony structure revealed that RGM develop several different biofilm structures under high-nutrient growth conditions, including pillars of various shapes (
M. abscessus
and
M. fortuitum
) and extensive cording (
M. abscessus
and
M. chelonae
). Although it is a slowly growing species in the laboratory, a clinical isolate of
M. avium
developed more culturable biofilm in potable water in 72 h than any of the 10 RGM examined. This indicates that
M. avium
is better adapted for growth in potable water systems than in laboratory incubation conditions and suggests some advantage that MAC has over RGM in low-nutrient environments.
Unexpected Genetic Diversity among and within Populations of the Toxic Dinoflagellate
Alexandrium catenella
as Revealed by Nuclear Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Masseret Estelle , Grzebyk Daniel , Nagai Satoshi , Genovesi Benjamin , Lasserre Bernard , Laabir Mohamed , Collos Yves , Vaquer André , Berrebi Patrick 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Since 1998, blooms of
Alexandrium catenella
associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning have been repeatedly reported for Thau Lagoon (French Mediterranean coast). Based on data obtained for rRNA gene markers, it has been suggested that the strains involved could be closely related to the Japanese temperate Asian ribotype of the temperate Asian clade. In order to gain more insight into the origin of these organisms, we carried out a genetic analysis of 61 Mediterranean and 23 Japanese strains using both ribosomal and microsatellite markers. Whereas the phylogeny based on ribosomal markers tended to confirm the previous findings, the analysis of microsatellite sequences revealed an unexpected distinction between the French and Japanese populations. This analysis also highlighted great intraspecific diversity that was not detected with the classical rRNA gene markers. The Japanese strains are divided into two differentiated
A. catenella
lineages: the Sea of Japan lineage and the east coast lineage, which includes populations from the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
A. catenella
strains isolated from Thau Lagoon belong to another lineage. These findings indicate that microsatellite markers are probably better suited to investigations of the population genetics of this species that is distributed worldwide. Finally, application of the population genetics concepts available for macroorganisms could support new paradigms for speciation and migration in phytoplankton assemblages.