bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of outbreaks: Further simulation experiments with the western tent caterpillar
Authors: Thompson W. A. , Vertinsky I. B. , Wellington W. G. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA stochastic model of western tent‐caterpillar populations on southern Vancouver Island was used to assess conditions leading to outbreaks. Three qualitatively different populations‐declining, minimal, and recovering‐were exposed to six‐year climatic sequences incorporating various combinations of good, bad, and mediocre spring weather. Starting populations were either distributed randomly or concentrated in and around small‐, medium‐, or large refuges.The results showed that virtually any type of population could temporarily increase in numbers during two highly favorable springs. Only a very few vigorous populations, however, could sustain the momentum required to surge to outbreak proportions. No low‐quality population could do so. And even vigorous populations could not achieve outbreak status unless they were initially concentrated in a sufficiently large refuge that was close enough to potentially suitable habitats to permit rapid immigration into such places as soon as their local climates improved.The concept of “climatic release” of insect populations is discussed in the light of these findings. The results demonstrate that climatic release is inextricably linked with a population's qualitative profile and spatial distribution.
Accuracy and precision of the topological mapping procedure for estimating within‐tree populations of bark beetles
Authors: Pulley Paul E. , Coulson Robert N. , Kelly Claude L. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe accuracy and precision of the topological mapping procedure for estimating within‐tree populations of bark beetles was investigated for a variety of different sampling conditions. Simulation techniques were used to define the mean and standard deviation of proportional errors encountered in estimation under different sampling intensities. The number of samples collected at a particular height and the vertical spacing between heights were varied. Information presented should aid in developing sampling plans for studies of bark beetle populations and will permit the reexamination and/or recovery of historical data sets on bark beetle populations.
Number of generations necessary to attain eradication of an insect pest with sterile insect release method: A model study
Authors: Itô Yosiaki , Kawamoto Hitoshi 
Published: October 2006

SummarySimulation of the sterile insect release process was carried out based on a system which consisted of a logistic population model and Poisson‐binomial model for normal, sterile and combined matings. From the results, relationship between the intrinsic rate of natural increase and the sterile vs. normal ratio necessary to attain eradication of the target pest species were presented. The effects of weakened sperm competitiveness and the increased number of matings per female were not so strong. On the other hand, a given rate of immigration could be a cause of failure of the eradication. A simple method to calculate relationship between hatchability and sterile vs. normal ratio was presented.
Comparative population studies of three Pieris butterflies, P. rapae, P. melete and P. napi, living in the same area
Authors: Ohsaki Naota 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe adult populations of three Pieris butterflies, P. rapae, P. melete and P. napi, were studied in an area of their coexistence throughout the flight seasons by using the mark‐and‐recapture method. The study area, about 3×1.5 km, was set up in a farm village surrounded by the mountainous area in Inabu, Aichi Prefecture.The habitats were qualified by the four factors, i. e., oviposition plants, adult nector plants, roosting‐sites and light conditions. Between P. rapae and P. napi, there were sharp differences with regards to overall habitat preferences. P. melete had the widest preferences for all the habitat resources, which overlapped greately with requirements of P. rapae and P. napi. P. melete and P. rapae showed similar preferences for oviposition plants, but the former preferred shaded habitats while the latter preferred sunny places. P. melete and P. napi, having similar preferences for shaded situations, showed differences in the preferences for oviposition plants. Moreover, three species of Pieris were different in their preferences for adult nector plants. Thus, they were more likely to partition habitat resources rather than competing for them.The habitat structures of each species in respect of time, space and stability to weather changes were much different each other in the same area. The habitat of P. rapae was temporary, localized and unstable. While, that of P. melete was more permanent, widespread and stable than that of P. rapae. P. napi seemed to live in the intermediate habitat, i. e., permanent, localized and stable one.
Dispersal and reproductive properties of sugarcane bugs, Cavelerius saccharivorus
Authors: Murai Minoru 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe distribution of sugarcane bugs, Cavelerius saccharivorus is remarkably patchy at time of the peak emergence of the first generation adult in early summer. In population near carrying capacity 70% of adults become macropterous, and they move to sparse populations or vacuum areas.The experiment on the reproductive difference between females from field populations with different densities, showed that the overcrowding restricted their oviposition. On the further experiment it was shown that reproductive ability of macropterous adults or dispersers was not much inferior to that of brachypterous from sparse populations. Overcrowding at time of the peak emergence is reduced by the dispersal. Hence the intraspecific competition is a transient condition. The oviposition is at first restricted in residents of dense populations as compared with brachypterous adults of sparse populations, but the difference becomes small as the former density decreases by the emigration.The last section considers the relation of the reproductive rate and dispersal risk to the rate of dispersal with the simple model, which explains the characteristic dispersal of this species.
Intrastriatal hypoxanthine administration affects Na+,K+‐ATPase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities in striatum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats
Authors: Bavaresco Caren Serra , Chiarani Fabria , Wajner Moacir , Netto Carlos Alexandre , de Souza Wyse Angela Terezinha 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single intrastriatal injection of hypoxanthine, the major metabolite accumulating in Lesch–Nyhan disease, on Na+,K+‐ATPase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities in striatum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats at different post‐infusion periods. Adult Wistar rats were divided in two groups: (1) vehicle‐injected group (control) and (2) hypoxanthine‐injected group. For Na+,K+‐ATPase activity determination, the animals were sacrificed 3 h, 24 h and 7 days after drug infusion. For the evaluation of acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities, the animals were sacrificed 30 min, 3 h, 24 h and 7 days after hypoxanthine infusion. Results show regional and time dependent effects of hypoxanthine on Na+,K+‐ATPase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities. The in vitro effect of hypoxanthine on the same enzymes in striatum was also investigated. Results showed that hypoxanthine inhibited Na+,K+‐ATPase, but not the activities of acetylcholinesterase and catalase in rat striatum. We suggest that these modification on cerebral biochemical parameters (Na+,K+‐ATPase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities) induced by intrastriatal administration of hypoxanthine in all cerebral structures studied, striatum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex, could be involved in the pathophysiology of Lesch–Nyhan disease.
Inception of the Northern European ice sheet due to contrasting ocean and insolation forcing
Authors: Risebrobakken Bjørg , Dokken Trond , Otterå Odd Helge , Jansen Eystein , Gao Yongqi , Drange Helge 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAbout 115,000 yr ago the last interglacial reached its terminus and nucleation of new ice-sheet growth was initiated. Evidence from the northernmost Nordic Seas indicate that the inception of the last glacial was related to an intensification of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in its northern limb. The enhanced AMOC, combined with minimum Northern hemisphere insolation, introduced a strong sea–land thermal gradient that, together with a strong wintertime latitudinal insolation gradient, increased the storminess and moisture transport to the high Northern European latitudes at a time when the Northern hemisphere summer insolation approached its minimum.
A correlative study of NF-κB activity and cytokines expression in human chronic nasal sinusitis
Authors: Xu R , Xu G , Shi J , Wen W 
Published: October 2006

A growing body of literature suggests that cytokines play an important part in the pathogenesis of chronic nasal sinusitis. However, the mechanism by which the expression of cytokines in chronic nasal sinusitis is upregulated has not been well documented. The present study investigated the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in upregulating the expression of interleukin-5, -6 and -8 (IL-5, IL-6 and IL-8). We titrated the levels of IL-5, IL-6 and IL-8 in nasal mucosa in 52 cases of chronic nasal sinusitis and 12 normal subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to whether allergic rhinitis was associated or not, we subdivided the patients into the AR group (with allergic rhinitis) and the NAR group (without allergic rhinitis). Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate expression and activation of NF-κB P50 and P65 subunits in nasal mucosa. The correlation between activities of P50 and P65 and cytokines expression was analysed. Our results showed that IL-5, IL-6 and IL-8 in both the AR and NAR groups were strikingly elevated in comparison with the control group (all p < 0.01 for AR group; p < 0.05, 0.05, 0.01, respectively, for NAR group); and they were even higher in the AR group than those in the NAR group (p < 0.01, 0.05, 0.01, respectively). P50 and P65 mRNA levels in both AR and NAR groups were markedly greater than those in the control group (all p < 0.01); and the AR group had further higher levels as compared with the NAR group (both p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical study revealed that nucleus-positive rates of P50 and P65 in both AR and NAR groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (all p < 0.01), and they were much greater in the AR group in comparison with the NAR group (all p < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that P50 and P65 nucleus-positive rates were closely correlated with IL-6 and IL-8 levels, but not IL-5, with a correlation coefficient of 0.49 for P50 and IL-6, 0.54 for P50 and IL-8, 0.61 for P65 and IL-6, and 0.66 for P65 and IL-8 (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, upregulated expression and activation of NF-κB P50 and P65 might be one of the mechanisms for induction of IL-6 and IL-8 expression in chronic nasal sinusitis. Association of allergic rhinitis with chronic nasal sinusitis further enhanced NF-κB activity, and subsequently lead to even stronger expression of IL-6 and IL-8. IL-5 expression appeared to be independent of NF-κB pathway in chronic nasal sinusitis.
Management of surgical airway emergencies by junior ENT staff: a telephone survey
Authors: Awad Z , Pothier D D 
Published: October 2006

Objective: To determine levels of confidence in the management of surgical airway emergencies by junior ENT staff.Design: Telephone survey.Participants: 100 Senior House Officers (SHOs) from 100 hospitals in the UK, providing 24 hour first on-call emergency ENT cover.Method: A list of questions was put to participants. The effects of different variables on confidence with airway emergencies and what SHOs considered to be adequate training were compared.Results: Most SHOs provided cover for the management of surgical airway emergencies. Many of the participants were not confident to handle airway emergencies or felt that their training was inadequate. As expected, the amount of previous experience in ENT and the ability to perform advanced airway procedures gave SHOs greater confidence, but attendance at airway courses did not.Conclusion: Confidence in the management of airway problems is variable and does not correlate well with perceived adequacy of training. We suggest that systems of training in airway management are improved. Training issues may be better approached at an individual level, where deficiencies can be addressed.
Localization of the Isthmus in Reentrant Circuits by Analysis of Electrograms Derived from Clinical Noncontact Mapping During Sinus Rhythm and Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: CIACCIO EDWARD J. , CHOW ANTHONY W. , DAVIES D. WYN , WIT ANDREW L. , PETERS NICHOLAS S. 
Published: October 2006

Introduction: New methods for electrogram analysis accurately estimated reentrant circuit isthmus location and shape in a canine model. It was hypothesized that these methods also would locate reentrant circuits causing clinical ventricular tachycardia (VT). Methods and Results: Intracardiac electrogram recordings, obtained with a noncontact mapping system, were analyzed retrospectively from 14 patients with reentrant VT who had undergone successful radiofrequency ablation for prevention of VT initiation. Unipolar electrograms from 256 uniformly distributed endocardial sites were reconstructed by mathematical transformation. Twenty‐seven tachycardias were mapped; 15 (in 11 patients) had a complete endocardial reentrant circuit with a figure‐of‐eight conduction pattern. During sinus rhythm, the location and axis of the slowest and most uniform conduction in the region of latest endocardial activation (the primary axis), the limits of which were defined as boundaries with >15 ms difference in electrogram duration between contiguous recordings, identified the location and shape of the reentrant circuit isthmus with a mean sensitivity compared with activation mapping of 79.3% and a mean specificity of 97.6%. The midpoint of a theoretical “estimated best ablation line” drawn perpendicular to the primary axis of activation, spanning the estimated isthmus location was within 1.3 ± 0.2 cm (mean distance ± SD) of the actual ablation site that terminated tachycardia. Analysis of VT electrograms, based on time shifts in the far‐field component of the local electrogram when cycle length changed (piecewise linear adaptive template matching [PLATM] method) in 5 of the cases, accurately estimated the time interval between activation at the recording site and the circuit isthmus slow conduction zone where the effective ablation lesion had been placed, which is proportional to the distance between the two locations (mean difference compared with activation mapping: ±37.3 ms). Conclusion: In selected patients with VT who have a complete endocardial circuit, isthmus location and shape can be discerned by analysis of sinus rhythm or tachycardia electrograms, and an effective ablation site can be predicted without the need to construct activation maps of reentrant circuits. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 27‐36, January 2004)
Meisetz and the birth of the KRAB motif
Authors: Birtle Zoë , Ponting Chris P. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The largest family of transcription factors in mammals is of Cys2His2 zinc finger-proteins, each with an NH2-terminal KRAB motif. Extensive expansions of this family have occurred in separate mammalian lineages, with ∼400 such genes known in the human genome. Despite their widespread occurrence, the evolutionary provenance of the KRAB motif is unclear since previously it has not been found outside of the tetrapod vertebrates. Here, we show that homologues of the histone methyltransferase Meisetz are present within the sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) genome. Sea urchin and mammalian Meisetz sequences each contain an N-terminal KRAB motif, which thereby establishes an early origin of the KRAB motif prior to the divergence of echinoderm and chordate lineages. Finally, we present evidence that KRAB motifs derive from a novel family of KRI (KRAB Interior) motifs that were present in the last common ancestor of animals, plants and fungi.
Contact: chris.ponting@anat.ox.ac.uk
Supplementary information: Supplementary data for this article are available at Bioinformatics online.
KGraph: a system for visualizing and evaluating complex genetic associations
Authors: Kelly Reagan J. , Jacobsen Douglas M. , Sun Yan V. , Smith Jennifer A. , Kardia Sharon L. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSummary: The KGraph is a data visualization system that has been developed to display the complex relationships between the univariate and bivariate associations among an outcome of interest, a set of covariates, and a set of genetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It allows for easy viewing and interpretation of genetic associations, correlations among covariates and SNPs, and information about the replication and cross-validation of the associations. The KGraph allows the user to more easily investigate multicollinearity and confounding through visualization of the multidimensional correlation structure underlying genetic associations. It emphasizes gene–environment and gene–gene interaction, both important components of any genetic system that are often overlooked in association frameworks.Availability: Contact: reagank@umich.eduSupplementary information: A description of system requirements and a full user manual are available at
CD34+ stem cell top‐ups without conditioning after initial haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for correction of incomplete haematopoietic and immunological recovery in severe congenital immunodeficiencies
Authors: Booth Claire , Ribeil Jean‐Antoine , Audat Françoise , Dal‐Cortivo Liliane , A Veys Paul , J Thrasher Adrian , Davies E. Graham , Lefrère François , Fischer Alain , Cavazzana‐Calvo Marina , Bobby Gaspar H. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryHaematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be limited by ineffective haematopoiesis and poor immune recovery. A CD34+ cell infusion without conditioning has the potential to improve stem cell function with limited toxicity. Eighteen patients with congenital immunodeficiencies received CD34+ boosts for various defects. When given <1 year after the original graft, six of seven cytopenic patients achieved transfusion independence. A second cohort (n = 11) received boosts >1 year after the original graft; only minimal changes in immune function or chimaerism were noted. Unconditioned stem cell boosts have limited toxicity but should be given early after the original graft to be effective.
Human leucocyte antigen‐C in B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Montes‐Ares Olga , Moya‐Quiles M. Rosa , Montes‐Casado María , Guerra‐Pérez Natalia , Campillo J. Antonio , González Consuelo , López‐Bermejo Antonio , Tamayo Manuel , Majado M. Juliana , Parrado Antonio , Muro Manuel , Marín Luis , Álvarez‐López M. Rocío 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThis study aimed at characterising the distribution of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐C alleles in a large group of patients with B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia from Southeastern Spain. Ninety‐eight adult patients and 194 geographically and ethnically matched controls were studied. HLA‐C was determined by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) and PCR‐sequence‐specific oligonucleotides (SSO) methods. The HLA‐Cw*16 allele frequency was found to be significantly increased amongst patients compared with controls in our population (27·6% vs. 12·4%, P = 0·0012, Pc = 0·016). HLA‐C dimorphism was also analysed but no association was found.
Why do we need a diagnosis? A qualitative study of parents’ experiences, coping and needs, when the newborn child is severely disabled
Authors: Graungaard A. H. , Skov L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Communication with parents who are realizing their child is severely disabled is a difficult task for professionals. Parents are experiencing great emotional stress during the diagnostic process and dissatisfaction with disclosure is widespread. The aim of this study was to investigate parents’ reactions when realizing their child’s disability, the impact of the diagnosis and parents’ ways of coping.Methods  This was a qualitative, longitudinal study, using in‐depth interviews with 16 parents of a physically and mentally disabled child who had recently been diagnosed as such. Children’s age at inclusion ranged from 1 to 27 months. Half of the children had an unknown diagnosis. Data were analysed using the Grounded Theory method. Results were validated and approved by the interviewed parents.Results  The certainty of the diagnosis was central for parents’ experiences. First, the emotional reaction of the parents is highly influenced by the diagnostic process. Second, parents needed possibilities for taking action, and third they found difficulty in coping with an uncertain future. These three themes all related to the meaning that parents ascribed to the stating of a diagnosis. Parents’ needs in relation to communication were identified as equality in co‐operation with doctors, an empathic professional approach, and the child being seen with possibilities despite his or her disabilities.Conclusions  Parents’ process of realization was related to the diagnostic process, and information and communication should be individualized accordingly. Parents wanted to co‐operate and they needed possibilities for active coping with their situation.
Major histocompatibility complex class II (DR) antigen and costimulatory molecules on in vitro and in vivo activated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils
Authors: Sandilands Gavin P. , McCrae Jame , Hill Kathryn , Perry Martin , Baxter Derek 
Published: October 2006

SummaryWe have previously shown that normal human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) contain cytoplasmic ‘stores’ of three key molecules normally associated with antigen presentation and T‐cell costimulation, i.e. major histocompatibility complex class II (DR) antigen, CD80 (B7‐1) and CD86 (B7‐2). These cytoplasmic molecules were found to translocate to the cell surface within a few minutes following cross‐linking (X‐L) of Mac‐1: an early neutrophil activation signal. In this study we have compared X‐L of Mac −1 in parallel with four other well documented in vitro neutrophil activators: phorbol myristate acetate, N‐formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine, lipopolysaccharide, and phagocytosis of immunoglobulin G–Latex particles. In addition, we have used paired samples of neutrophils obtained from peripheral blood (as a control) and synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis as a source of in vivo activated cells. With the exception of phagocytosis, all activators resulted in the rapid (within 30 min) generation of two populations of activated neutrophils (designated P1 and P2) based on flow‐cytometry measurements of size, granularity and phenotype. Significant up‐regulation of DR and costimulatory molecules was observed, predominantly on P2 cells, with all activators except phagocytosis. CD80 and CD86 were noted to respond to the various activation signals in a different pattern suggesting that their intracellular granule location may be different. Dual‐staining confocal laser microscopy studies showed that CD80 is largely confined to secretory vesicles (SVs) while CD86 appears to have a much wider distribution being found in SVs and within secondary (specific) and primary (azurophilic) granules. Increased surface expression of these antigens was also observed on P2 synovial fluid neutrophils appearing as large heterogeneous clusters on the cell surface when visualized by confocal laser microscopy.