bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular ecology of global change
Authors: REUSCH THORSTEN B. H. , WOOD TROY E. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractGlobal environmental change is altering the selection regime for all biota. The key selective factors are altered mean, variance and seasonality of climatic variables and increase in CO2 concentration itself. We review recent studies that document rapid evolution to global climate change at the phenotypic and genetic level, as a response to shifts in these factors. Among the traits that have changed are photoperiod responses, stress tolerance and traits associated with enhanced dispersal. The genetic basis of two traits with a critical role under climate change, stress tolerance and photoperiod behaviour, is beginning to be understood for model organisms, providing a starting point for candidate gene approaches in targeted nonmodel species. Most studies that have documented evolutionary change are correlative, while selection experiments that manipulate relevant variables are rare. The latter are particularly valuable for prediction because they provide insight into heritable change to simulated future conditions. An important gap is that experimental selection regimes have mostly been testing one variable at a time, while synergistic interactions are likely under global change. The expanding toolbox available to molecular ecologists holds great promise for identifying the genetic basis of many more traits relevant to fitness under global change. Such knowledge, in turn, will significantly advance predictions on global change effects because presence and polymorphism of critical genes can be directly assessed. Moreover, knowledge of the genetic architecture of trait correlations will provide the necessary framework for understanding limits to phenotypic evolution; in particular as lack of critical gene polymorphism or entire pathways, metabolic costs of tolerance and linkage or pleiotropy causing negative trait correlations. Synergism among stressor impacts on organismal function may be causally related to conflict among transcriptomic syndromes specific to stressor types. Because adaptation to changing environment is always contingent upon the spatial distribution of genetic variation, high‐resolution estimates of gene flow and hybridization should be used to inform predictions of evolutionary rates.
The cysteine bond in the Escherichia coli FimH adhesin is critical for adhesion under flow conditions
Authors: Nilsson Lina M. , Yakovenko Olga , Tchesnokova Veronika , Thomas Wendy E. , Schembri Mark A. , Vogel Viola , Klemm Per , Sokurenko Evgeni V. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryCysteine bonds are found near the ligand‐binding sites of a wide range of microbial adhesive proteins, including the FimH adhesin of Escherichia coli. We show here that removal of the cysteine bond in the mannose‐binding domain of FimH did not affect FimH–mannose binding under static or low shear conditions (≤ 0.2 dyne cm−2). However, the adhesion level was substantially decreased under increased fluid flow. Under intermediate shear (2 dynes cm−2), the ON‐rate of bacterial attachment was significantly decreased for disulphide‐free mutants. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the lower ON‐rate of cysteine bond‐free FimH could be due to destabilization of the mannose‐free binding pocket of FimH. In contrast, mutant and wild‐type FimH had similar conformation when bound to mannose, explaining their similar binding strength to mannose under intermediate shear. The stabilizing effect of mannose on disulphide‐free FimH was also confirmed by protection of the FimH from thermal and chemical inactivation in the presence of mannose. However, this stabilizing effect could not protect the integrity of FimH structure under high shear (> 20 dynes cm−2), where lack of the disulphide significantly increased adhesion OFF‐rates. Thus, the cysteine bonds in bacterial adhesins could be adapted to enable bacteria to bind target surfaces under increased shear conditions.
The detection of the very low amplitude 16.2-min pulsation in individual lines of first ionization stage of rare earth elements in the roAp star β CrB
Authors: Kurtz D. W. , Elkin V. G. , Mathys G. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
With high precision spectroscopic data obtained with Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) we detect radial velocity pulsation with a period of 16.2 min and with amplitudes of about 30 m s−1 in individual lines of the first ionization stage of rare earth elements, and in Hα, with typical precision in the range 2–8 m s−1 for a single line, and better than 1 m s−1 for some ensembles of lines. The second ionization stages of rare earth elements show weak or no detectable pulsation, while lines of Fe i or Fe ii show no signal at high precision. An abundance analysis shows the rare earth elements to be overabundant by about 1 dex, rather than the 2–3 dex often seen in other rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, and it shows the presence of the ionization disequilibrium for Nd and Pr that is typical of most roAp stars. The pulsational radial velocity curve reaches maximum for the lines of the rare earth elements before it does for Hα which is opposite to the case for most other roAp stars with implications for the stratification level of the rare earth elements. Similarities between β CrB and the longest period roAp star, HD 116114, suggest that many more low-amplitude roAp stars await detection, with implications for understanding the pulsation driving mechanism and mode selection mechanism in these stars.
Depositional environments in an extensive tide‐influenced delta plain, Middle Devonian Gauja Formation, Devonian Baltic Basin
Authors: PONTÉN ANNA , PLINK‐BJÖRKLUND PIRET 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe Middle Devonian Gauja Formation in the Devonian Baltic Basin preserves tide‐influenced delta plain and delta front deposits associated with a large southward prograding delta complex. The outcrops extend over 250 km from southern Estonia to southern Lithuania. The succession can be divided into 10 facies associations recording distributary channel belts that became progressively more tide influenced when traced southwards towards the palaeo‐shoreline, separated by muddy intra‐channel areas where deposition was characterized by crevasse splays, delta plain lakes, abandoned channel deposits and tidal gullies. Tidal currents influenced deposition over the entire delta plain, extending up to 250 km from the contemporary shoreline. Tidal facies on the upper delta plain differ from those on the lower delta plain and delta front. In the former case, deposition from river currents was only occasionally interrupted by tidal currents, e.g. during spring tides, resulting in mica and mudstone drapes, and distinctive graded cross‐stratification. The lower delta plain was dominated by tidal facies and tidal currents regularly influenced deposition. There was a change from progradation to aggradation from the lower to the upper part of the Gauja Formation coupled with a vertical decrease in tidal influence and a decrease in coarse‐grained sediment input. The Gauja Formation contrasts with established models for tide‐influenced deltas as the active delta plain was not restricted by topography. The shape of the delta plain, the predominant southward (basinward)‐directed palaeocurrents, and the thick sandstone succession, show that although tidal currents strongly influenced deposition at bed scale, rivers still controlled the overall morphology of the delta and the larger‐scale bedforms. In addition, there are no signs of wave influence, indicating very low wave energy in the basin. The widespread tidal influence in the Devonian Baltic Basin is explained by changes in the wider basin geometry and by local bathymetrical differences in the basin during progradation and aggradation of the delta plain, with changes in tidal efficiency accompanying the change in basin geometry produced by shoreline progradation.
Geodynamic impact on the stable isotope signatures in a shallow epicontinental sea
Authors: Harzhauser Mathias , Piller Werner E. , Latal Christine 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAnalyses were made of a mollusc‐based meta dataset of 859 δ13C and δ18O data of Miocene nearshore settings in the European Paratethys Sea and its descendant Lake Pannon. The observed trends document a strong tie to geodynamics, which are largely decoupled from Miocene open ocean isotope curves. Semi‐ to fully enclosed, initially marine water bodies such as the Paratethys Sea are prone to switching seawater isotope signatures because they respond rapidly to changes in the evaporation/precipitation ratio. Two phases of positive deviations of oxygen isotope values of water (relative to the modern ocean value, SMOW) occurred during the Middle Miocene; both were initiated by tectonic constrictions of the seaways and became amplified by global warming and regionally decreasing precipitation. With the final disintegration of the Paratethys, the marine isotope signatures vanish. Instead, the observed isotope trends suggest a comparably simple system of an alkaline lake with steadily declining salinity. The ‘ocean‐derived’ Paratethys Sea may thus act as a key for understanding isotope trends in epicontinental seas.
TECHNICAL ADVANCE: EVE (external variance estimation) increases statistical power for detecting differentially expressed genes
Authors: Wille Anja , Gruissem Wilhelm , Bühlmann Peter , Hennig Lars 
Published: August 2007

SummaryAccurately identifying differentially expressed genes from microarray data is not a trivial task, partly because of poor variance estimates of gene expression signals. Here, after analyzing 380 replicated microarray experiments, we found that probesets have typical, distinct variances that can be estimated based on a large number of microarray experiments. These probeset‐specific variances depend at least in part on the function of the probed gene: genes for ribosomal or structural proteins often have a small variance, while genes implicated in stress responses often have large variances. We used these variance estimates to develop a statistical test for differentially expressed genes called EVE (external variance estimation). The EVE algorithm performs better than the t‐test and LIMMA on some real‐world data, where external information from appropriate databases is available. Thus, EVE helps to maximize the information gained from a typical microarray experiment. Nonetheless, only a large number of replicates will guarantee to identify nearly all truly differentially expressed genes. However, our simulation studies suggest that even limited numbers of replicates will usually result in good coverage of strongly differentially expressed genes.
Prevalence of allergy, patterns of allergic sensitization and allergy risk factors in rural and urban children
Authors: Majkowska–Wojciechowska B. , Pełka J. , Korzon L. , Kozłowska A. , Kaczała M. , Jarzębska M. , Gwardys T. , Kowalski M. L. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  We aimed to compare the prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitization in children living in urban and rural areas and to identify potential risk/protection factors associated with allergy.Methods:  School children 12–16 years old, from urban community (n = 201) and rural area (n = 203) were recruited. The data obtained by questionnaire were referred to doctors’ diagnosis, skin prick tests (SPTs), and serum specific and total IgE assessment.Results:  The prevalence of allergic diseases in urban children was significantly higher as compared with rural children [asthma 16.42%vs 1.97% (P < 0.001) allergic rhinitis 38.81%vs 10.84% (P < 0.001)]. Positive SPTs to at least one allergen was found in 63.7% of urban and 22.7% rural children (P < 0.001). Significantly higher percentage of allergic rural than urban children were monosensitized or sensitized to 2–4 allergens, but almost a fourfold higher percentage of allergic urban children was found to be sensitized to five or more allergens (P < 0.0001). The history of frequent upper respiratory factor (URT) infections, antibiotic therapy, tonsiltectomy/adenoidectomy were positively associated with development of atopy and sensitization.Conclusion:  Our findings confirm that residence of rural area is associated with a significant lower prevalence of allergic sensitization and symptoms in school children. Several risk and protective factors related to environment and style of life could be identified in both environments.
Long‐term safety of fluticasone furoate nasal spray in adults and adolescents with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Rosenblut A. , Bardin P. G. , Muller B. , Faris M. A. , Wu W. W. , Caldwell M. F. , Fokkens W. J. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Fluticasone furoate is a novel‐enhanced affinity glucocorticoid and its long‐term safety must be assessed. This study was designed to assess the safety and tolerability of 12‐month intranasal administration of fluticasone furoate in adult and adolescent patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).Methods:  In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study, 806 patients with PAR were randomized to once daily (od) fluticasone furoate nasal spray 110 μg (n = 605) or vehicle placebo nasal spray (n = 201) for 12 months, following a 7‐ to 14‐day screening period. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs), 24‐h urinary cortisol excretion, nasal and ophthalmic examinations, electrocardiograms and clinical laboratory tests. Plasma concentrations of fluticasone furoate were determined from blood samples.Results:  Fluticasone furoate was well tolerated. The incidence of most AEs was similar to that observed with placebo, with the exception of epistaxis, which was more frequently reported on active treatment. There were no clinically meaningful differences between fluticasone furoate and placebo in terms of safety assessments, including mean changes in ophthalmic parameters and 24‐h urine cortisol excretion. Plasma concentrations of fluticasone furoate were not quantifiable in the majority of patients following intranasal administration.Conclusions:  Long‐term (12‐month) administration of fluticasone furoate 110 μg od revealed an AE profile typical of the intranasal corticosteroid class in both adult and adolescent patients with PAR, with no evidence of clinically relevant systemic corticosteroid exposure.
Once daily fluticasone furoate nasal spray is effective in seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by grass pollen
Authors: Fokkens W. J. , Jogi R. , Reinartz S. , Sidorenko I. , Sitkauskiene B. , Van Oene C. , Faris M. A. , Ellsworth A. , Caldwell M. F. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Fluticasone furoate is a new enhanced‐affinity glucocorticoid with a unique combination of pharmacodynamic and physicochemical properties suitable for topical activity.Methods:  In this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study, patients [adults and adolescents ≥12 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR)] received once‐daily (od) treatment for 2 weeks with either fluticasone furoate nasal spray 110 μg (n = 141) or placebo nasal spray (n = 144) administered in a unique, side‐actuated device. Efficacy measures included total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and total ocular symptom score (TOSS). Patients also reported their overall response to therapy and rated their quality of life using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ).Results:  Fluticasone furoate significantly improved the mean change from baseline in daily reflective TNSS compared with placebo (treatment difference of −1.757; P < 0.001). Fluticasone furoate was also significantly more effective in improving the morning predose instantaneous TNSS (treatment difference of −1.898; P < 0.001) and daily reflective TOSS (treatment difference of −0.741; P = 0.001). A significant treatment effect was observed as early as day 1. Compared with placebo‐treated patients, fluticasone furoate‐treated patients showed significantly greater improvements in overall evaluation of response to therapy (P < 0.001), as well as in overall RQLQ score (P < 0.001). Fluticasone furoate was well tolerated.Conclusion:  Fluticasone furoate nasal spray 110 μg od was effective in improving the nasal symptoms of SAR. It also produced significant improvements in ocular symptoms.
Characterization of mouse CD229 (Ly9), a leukocyte cell surface molecule of the CD150 (SLAM) family
Authors: Sintes J. , Vidal‐Laliena M. , Romero X. , Tovar V. , Engel P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMouse CD229 (Ly9) is a cell surface molecule of the CD150 (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule) family. This family consists of nine leukocyte receptors of the immunoglobulin superfamily that are involved in leukocyte activation. CD229 binds to SAP, a protein encoded by the gene for X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease. In this study, mouse CD229 expression was assessed with a new CD229‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) (Ly9.ab3), raised using CD229‐transfected cells. CD229 was expressed on Sca‐1+c‐kit+Lin− hematopoietic stem cells, and this expression increased during lymphocyte maturation. Virtually, all T and B cells expressed high levels of CD229. CD229 was absent on granulocytes, bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells, platelets, and red blood cells (RBCs). However, it was expressed at significant levels on monocytes, indicating that it is also expressed on mouse myeloid cells. We also show that natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, and B1 cells express very high levels of this molecule. In vitro functional experiments showed that ligation of CD229 inhibited the expression of the activation markers CD69 and CD25 on T lymphocytes in response to anti‐CD3 stimulation. Moreover, this reduced activation was concurrent with a reduction in cytokine production. Our results show that CD229 is a pan‐lymphocyte marker and indicate that mAbs against CD229 are able to down‐modulate T‐cell activation.
Improved detection of acute parvovirus B19 infection by immunoglobulin M EIA in combination with a novel antigen EIA
Authors: Corcoran A. , Kerr S. , Elliott G. , Koppelman M. , Doyle S. 
Published: August 2007

Background and Objectives  Although parvovirus B19 is a significant blood product contaminant, few methods other than polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been developed to detect the presence of the virus.Material and Methods  A B19 antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA) has been developed and the sensitivity of detection is ascertained using dilutions of the B19 capsid protein VP2 and 10‐fold dilutions of B19 viraemic serum. Once the assay cut‐off was established, a panel of viraemic donations (n = 70) was screened by the antigen EIA. The B19 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG status of these specimens was also determined. During screening of blood donor units by quantitative PCR, 70 individuals were identified with levels of B19 DNA greater than 106 IU/ml at the time of blood donation.Results  The sensitivity of the B19 antigen EIA was estimated to be equivalent to between 108 and 109 IU/ml B19 DNA or 1–10 pg/ml of recombinant capsid protein. B19 detection was significantly enhanced when viraemic specimens were pretreated with a low pH proprietary reagent. Unlike other virus‐detection assays, detection of the B19 antigen was not affected by the presence of B19 IgM or IgG antibodies. In addition, the assay was capable of detecting all three genotypes of human erythrovirus. Combined specimen analysis by the B19 antigen assay and a B19 IgM assay facilitated the detection of 91% of acute B19 infections in the test population.Conclusion  In combination with B19 IgM detection, application of the B19 antigen EIA is a flexible and efficient method of detecting recent B19 infection and can be used as an alternative to PCR.
Epidemiology of tinea capitis in Europe: current state and changing patterns
Authors: Ginter‐Hanselmayer Gabriele , Weger Wolfgang , Ilkit Marcit , Smolle Josef 
Published: August 2007

SummaryTinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is the most common dermatophyte infection of the scalp affecting mainly children and rarely adults. The epidemiology of tinea capitis varies within different geographical areas throughout the world. It may occur sporadically or epidemically and an increase in its incidence has been noted over the last few decades. The aim of the study is to obtain a general overview of the current state and changing pattern of tinea capitis in Europe. According to the literature, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of tinea capitis and a change in the pattern of infectious agents in particular. Microsporum canis, a zoophilic dermatophyte, is still the most common reported causative agent of tinea capitis in Europe. The countries reporting the highest incidence of M. canis infections are mainly in the Mediterranean but also bordering countries like Austria, Hungary, Germany and Poland. Besides the increase in Microsporum‐induced tinea capitis, there is a shift towards anthrophilic tinea capitis mainly in urban areas in Europe. The largest overall increase with anthropophilic dermatophytes has been noted with Trichophyton tonsurans mainly in the UK and with Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum audouinii in France. The occurrence of anthropophilic infections seems to be geographically restricted and is possibly linked to the immigration from African countries. Children (aged 3–7 years with no predilection of gender) remain the most commonly affected, but recently an increase of tinea capitis has been observed in adults and in the elderly. The results of the study clearly demonstrate the importance of diagnosing and proper treatment of mycotic scalp infection in the Europe. If not diagnosed and treated properly, its prevalence might reach epidemic proportions in the near future. Therefore, an increased level of surveillance (screening in schools), and a highly effective interdisciplinary cooperation among general practitioners, mycologists, veterinarians and dermatologists are strongly recommended.
Tinea faciei incognito due to Trichophyton rubrum as a result of autoinoculation from onychomycosis
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Mügge Claudia , Herrmann Jürgen , Keller Ulrike 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe localisation of a dermatophytosis on the face is rare. Differential diagnoses include a broad range of dermatological disorders, e. g. contact dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, seborrhoeic dermatitis, demodicosis, and polymorphic photo eruptions. Two patients suffering from tinea faciei incognito caused by Trichophyton rubrum are presented. Diagnosis was based on mycological diagnostics of skin scrapings using Calcofluor preparation and cultivation of the causative dermatophyte. Both patients were suffering from tinea pedis and tinea unguium caused by the same dermatophyte species. An infection caused by Trichophyton rubrum of the face always occurs following autoinoculation from a pre‐existing tinea pedis and tinea unguium of feet and toenails, sometimes of the fingernails.
Widespread tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton rubrum with non‐typical cultural characteristics – diagnosis via PCR
Authors: Seyfarth Florian , Ziemer Mirjana , Gräser Yvonne , Elsner Peter , Hipler Uta‐Christina 
Published: August 2007

SummaryFrom the epidemiological point of view, Trichophyton rubrum is the most important dermatophyte in the Western world. Mostly, the lesions of fungal infections of the skin are restricted and circumscribed. Immunodeficiency, diabetes or treatment with steroids, however, favour widespread disease involving the entire integument. In the present study, we describe a patient without immunodeficiency or diabetes presenting with widespread tinea corporis caused by T. rubrum. The fungal isolate showed atypical morphological features. Moreover, the typical metabolic features (negative urease test, production of red pigment on potato dextrose agar) were expressed with delay after 6 weeks of cultivation. Thus, sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal DNA was applied to identify the fungal isolate and led us to the correct diagnosis, before conventional mycological methods were successful.