bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic plasticity, sexual selection and the evolution of colour patterns
Authors: Price Trevor D. 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYWhen a population comes to occupy a new environment, phenotypically plastic responses alter the distribution of phenotypes, and hence affect both the direction and the intensity of selection. Rates of evolution can be accelerated or retarded compared to what would happen in the absence of plasticity. Plastic responses in one trait result in novel selection pressures on other traits, and this can lead to evolution in completely different directions than predicted in the absence of plasticity. In this paper I use the concept of the adaptive surface in order to identify conditions under which the various different outcomes are expected. I then discuss differences between sexually and naturally selected traits. Sexually selected traits are often expected to be plastic in their expression, with individuals in high condition developing greater elaboration. As examples of sexually selected traits I review the evolution of colour patterns in birds with a view to assessing the magnitude of plastic responses in their development, and to ask how such responses may have influenced genetic evolution. The common colour pigments in birds are carotenoids and melanins. Both are used in social signaling, and consequently are expected to evolve to be phenotypically plastic indicators of an individual's quality. Perhaps partly because they are condition indicators, the quantity of carotenoids in the plumage can be strongly influenced by diet. Examples are described where alterations of carotenoids in the diet are thought to have altered the phenotype, driving genetic evolution in novel directions. Melanin patterns seem to be less affected by diet, but the intensity of melanization after moult is affected by social interactions during the moult and by raising birds in humid conditions. Hormonal manipulations can have dramatic effects on both the kinds of melanin produced (eumelanin or phaeomelanin) as well as the patterns they form. Differences between species in melanin patterns resemble differences produced by environmental manipulations, as well as those produced by simple modulations of parameters in computer simulations of pattern formation. While phenotypic plasticity is one way that genetic change in plumage patterns (and other traits) could be driven, there are others, including the appearance of major mutations and selection on standing variation whose distribution is not altered in the new environment. I consider some evidence for the different alternatives, and ask when they might lead to qualitatively different evolutionary outcomes.
Post-genomic approaches to understanding the mechanisms of environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Cossins Andrew , Fraser Jane , Hughes Margaret , Gracey Andrew 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYPost-genomic techniques offer new and detailed insights into the mechanisms underpinning all biological processes, including phenotypic plasticity and environmentally relevant phenotypes. Although they require access to genomic resources it is now possible to create these for species of comparative or environmental interest even within a modest research project. Here we describe an open transcript screen for genes responding to environmental cold that might account for the acquired cold-specific phenotype in all its complex manifestations. Construction of a cDNA microarray led to a survey of transcript expression levels in seven tissues of carp, as a function of time,and three different extents of cooling. The resulting data delineated a common stress response found in all tissues that comprises genes involved in cellular homeostasis, including energy charge, ATP turnover, protein turnover and stress protein production. These genes respond to kinds of perturbation other than cold and probably form part of a more general stress response common to other species. We also defined tissue-specific response patterns of transcript regulation whose main characteristics were investigated by a profiling technique based on categorisation of gene function. These genes underpin the highly tissue-specific pattern of physiological adaptations observed in the cold-acclimated fish. As a result we have identified a large number of candidate gene targets with which to investigate adaptive responses to environmental challenge.
The evolutionary consequences of ecological interactions mediated through phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Fordyce James A. 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYPhenotypic plasticity describes the capacity of a genotype to exhibit a range of phenotypes in response to variation in the environment. Environmental variation encompasses both abiotic and biotic components of the environment,including interactions among organisms. The strength and outcome of many ecological interactions, ranging from antagonism to mutualism, are mediated through the phenotypically plastic responses of one or more players in the interaction. Herein, three broadly defined, non-mutually exclusive,evolutionary consequences of ecological interactions mediated through phenotypic plasticity are discussed. (1) The predictable plastic response of one partner can favor behaviors, physiological responses, and life history traits of an interacting partner that manipulate, circumvent, or ameliorate the response of that partner. (2) Phenotypic plasticity can generate substantial spatial and temporal variation within and among populations. Such phenotypic variation can depend on the density and identity of interacting players in an ecological community, and can ultimately affect the evolutionary outcome of ecological interactions. (3) Phenotypic plasticity affects the strength and direction of natural selection. Ecological interactions mediated through phenotypic plasticity are ubiquitous in nature, and the potential evolutionary consequences of these interactions illustrate the complexity inherent in understanding evolution in a community context.
Study of single molecules and their assemblies by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Hou J. G. , Wang Kedong 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The recent rapid advances in nanotechnology, especially those based on molecules, are due in large part to our newly acquired abilities to measure and manipulate individual molecules and their assemblies. Among all the approaches for the study of single molecules, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is unique and powerful owing to its ability to accurately probe and control single molecules. High-resolution spatial imaging combined with scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) helps scientists investigate and resolve many chemical and physical problems at the molecular level. In this paper, we review our recent studies of single molecules and their assemblies by combining STM experiments and theoretical simulations based on the density functional theory (DFT).
Peptidomics: A modern approach to biodiversity of peptides
Authors: Ivanov Vadim T. , Yatskin Oleg N. , Sazonova Olga V. , Tolmazova Anna G. , Leontiev Konstantin V. , Philippova Marina M. , Karelin Andrei A. , Blishchenko Elena Yu. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Murine myelomonocytes WEHI-3 and human erythroid leukemia K562 cells were shown to release peptides into the surrounding medium. Four N-terminal sequences of the peptides derived from unknown protein precursors were identified in the conditioned medium of WEHI-3 culture. Twelve N-terminal sequences of the peptides released by K562 cells were established. K562 cells were shown to release long hemoglobin α- and ε-chains fragments, as well as peptides derived from carbonic anhydrase XI, melanophilin, cadherin EGF LAG G-type receptor 2, aldolase A, melastatin 1, peptide homologous to ryanodine receptor fragment, and a few peptides derived from the proteins with unknown function.
Comparative analysis of the peptides released by the intact erythroid leukemia K562 cells and the same cells after differentiation (induced by guanosine monophosphate, GMP, and accompanied by start of hemoglobin biosynthesis), has demonstrated that the level of six components, including all established hemoglobin fragments, carbonic anhydrase fragment, and the fragment of the unknown protein significantly increased in the course of differentiation. The spectrum of the peptides released by K562 cells strongly differed from that of the mature erythrocytes: (1) in contrast to the mature erythrocytes, K562 cells release long α-globin fragments and the fragment of ε-globin; (2) erythrocytes almost exclusively release the products of hemoglobin proteolysis; in the case of K562 cells the fragments of enzymes, receptors, and other functional proteins were found. So, the concentration and the content of the individual peptides released by the cells depend on the differentiation state.
The comparative analysis of the dynamics of peptide secretion by human erythrocytes performed in the presence and the absence of the 3 % glucose has shown that the rate of the peptide release strongly depends on cell metabolism. In summary, peptidomic studies of cell cultures provide valuable information on the mechanisms of peptide pool formation in tissues and the whole organism.
Enhanced P-stereodependent stability of complexes formed by phosphorothioate oligonucleotides due to involvement of sulfur as strong hydrogen bond acceptor
Authors: Guga Piotr , Boczkowska Małgorzata , Janicka Magdalena , Maciaszek Anna , Nawrot Barbara , Antoszczyk Sławomir , Stec Wojciech J. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The antisense or antigene properties are exerted not only by natural oligonucleotides, but also by their different analogs. Among them, phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-DNA), in which the sugar-phosphate backbone is modified due to substitution of the sulfur atom for one of the nonbridging oxygens, are much more resistant toward nucleases and, simultaneously, maintain good hybridization properties. However, the substitution induces the P-chirality of dinucleoside phosphorothioate moiety and even short PS-DNA synthesized using standard chemical methods exist as a mixture of hundreds or thousands of diastereoisomers. Diastereomerically pure oligomers of [PS]-d(CG)4 and [PS]-d(GC)4 series, obtained using the oxathiaphospholane method, were investigated with respect to their ability to adopt the left-handed conformation at high sodium chloride concentration. Obtained data allow us to postulate the formation of a strong intramolecular hydrogen bond with anionic sulfur atom as an acceptor. Homopurine [All-RP-PS]-oligos, but not [All-SP-PS]-oligos, form with the RNA templates extremely stable triplex structures, so far not described in the literature. Most likely, the triplexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds or water bridges with the participation of sulfur atoms of internucleotide linkage. Notably, target RNA molecules are "arrested" by properly designed [All-RP-PS]-DNA probes at submicromolar concentration, and as the result, they are not recognized by reverse transcriptase.
Structure and phase behavior of two-dimensional solids formed at interfaces
Authors: Inaba Akira 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Molecular monolayers adsorbed to solid surfaces such as graphite are distinct from the bulk in their physicochemical properties because of the 2D nature. In most cases, they form a well-defined 2D crystalline solid. We have been investigating such systems of various simple molecules by means of the synergetic use of X-ray diffraction, neutron scattering, and calorimetry. Selected examples illustrate that the reduced dimensionality has important consequences for the structure, dynamics, and phase behavior in the condensed state. In some cases, the similar solid monolayers are formed at the liquid-graphite interfaces, where they also show a rich variety of the structure and phase behavior. For the multicomponent system of those monolayers, mixing behavior is particularly interesting from both the structural and thermodynamic points of view. We also investigated ice crystallization from the solution, where a 2D nature was found in structure in the initial stage of crystallization.
Applications of capillary electrophoresis to high-sensitivity analyses of biomolecules
Authors: Terabe Shigeru , Monton Maria Rowena N. , Le Saux Thomas , Imami Koshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
To increase the detection sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and thereby widen its application to biomolecular analyses, we have developed a number of on-line preconcentration strategies, i.e., techniques to increase sample loading without compromising resolution and efficiency. Two such techniques, namely, dynamic pH junction and field-enhanced sample injection (FESI) are covered in this work. Dynamic pH junction is predicated on a sharp reduction in an analyte's migration velocity following a reversal of its electrophoretic direction from the acidic sample zone to the basic background solution (BGS) zone. FESI, on the other hand, depends on the retardation of analyte velocity as it transits from the low-conductivity sample zone to the high-conductivity milieu of the BGS zone. Their applications to high-sensitivity analyses of peptides and proteins are discussed.
Assessment of Tocopherol Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Familial Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Authors: Clarke Michael W , Hooper Amanda J , Headlam Henrietta A , Wu Jason HY , Croft Kevin D , Burnett John R 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground: Vitamin E supplementation has been recommended for persons with familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL), a rare disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that leads to low serum α-tocopherol and decreased LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) B. We examined the effect of truncated apoB variants on vitamin E metabolism and oxidative stress in persons with FHBL.Methods: We studied 9 individuals with heterozygous FHBL [mean (SE) age, 40 (5) years; body mass index (BMI), 27 (10) kg/m2] and 7 normolipidemic controls [age, 41 (5) years; BMI, 25 (2) kg/m2]. We also studied 3 children—2 with homozygous FHBL (apoB-30.9) and 1 with abetalipoproteinemia—who were receiving α-tocopherol supplementation. We used HPLC with electrochemical detection to measure α- and γ-tocopherol in serum, erythrocytes, and platelets, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to measure F2-isoprostanes and tocopherol metabolites in urine as markers of oxidative stress and tocopherol intake, respectively.Results: Compared with controls, persons with FHBL had significantly lower fasting plasma concentrations of total cholesterol [2.4 (0.2) vs 4.7 (0.2) mmol/L], triglycerides [0.5 (0.1) vs 0.9 (0.1) mmol/L], LDL-cholesterol [0.7 (0.1) vs 2.8 (0.3) mmol/L], apoB [0.23 (0.02) vs 0.84 (0.08) g/L], α-tocopherol [13.6 (1.0) vs 28.7 (1.4) μmol/L], and γ-tocopherol [1.0 (0.1) vs 1.8 (0.3) μmol/L] (all P &lt;0.03). Erythrocyte α-tocopherol was decreased [5.0 (0.2) vs 6.0 (0.3) μmol/L; P &lt;0.005], but we observed no differences in lipid-adjusted serum tocopherols, erythrocyte γ-tocopherol, platelet α- or γ-tocopherol, urinary F2-isoprostanes, or tocopherol metabolites.Conclusion: Taken together, our findings do not support the recommendation that persons with heterozygous FHBL receive vitamin E supplementation.
Realising the developmental potential of Clinical Governance
Authors: Degeling Peter 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTo be effective, Clinical Governance should reach all levels of a healthcare organisation. It requires structures and processes that integrate financial control, service performance, and clinical quality in ways that will engage clinicians and generate service improvements. The Clinical Governance arrangements of many Trusts, however, present several flaws. In particular, the “silos” organisational structure of Clinical Governance is based on generic issues such as risk management, clinical audit, clinical effectiveness and staff development, and it tends to treat clinical work as an undifferentiated aggregate. An alternative model focused on clinical pathways and on a balance between professional autonomy and accountability (responsible autonomy) should be promoted to make Clinical Governance work.
Involvement of patients in Clinical Governance
Authors: Freedman Danielle B. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractClinical Governance is a framework through which the National Health Service (NHS) organisations in the UK are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish. The NHS has moved on from being an organisation that simply delivered services to people, to being a service that is totally patient-led and responds to their needs and wishes. There are numerous national drivers and initiatives for patient involvement, including the
Clinical Governance and Laboratory Medicine: is the Electronic Medical Record our best friend or sworn enemy?
Authors: T. Shaw Nicola 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis review attempts to address the question: is the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) our best friend or sworn enemy in the context of Clinical Governance and Laboratory Medicine? It provides a brief overview of the history and development of Clinical Governance before going on to define an EMR. It considers how EMRs could assist in delivering quality care in laboratory medicine. A number of outstanding issues regarding EMRs and electronic health records (EHRs) are identified and discussed briefly before the author provides a brief outlook on the future of clinical governance and EMRs in laboratory medicine.
Laboratory request appropriateness in emergency: impact on hospital organization
Authors: Trisorio Liuzzi Maria Pia , Attolini Ettore , Quaranta Roberto , Paparella Domenico , Cappabianca Giangiuseppe , Di Serio Francesca , Dell'Erba Alessandro S. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWithin the activities of the Risk Management Unit of the Bari Polyclinic Hospital Corporation, an anomalous trend was found, with excessive requests for urgent laboratory tests being made in the time period between 05:00 and 07:45h. In addition to slowing down laboratory operations, this anomaly suggested the possibility of inappropriate testing, at least in terms of the request mode, if not in absolute terms. An audit was implemented within the facility to check the grounds of this suspicion and to identify any errors and/or critical points. The results gathered are extremely interesting, as they show deficiencies at both the organizational and clinical level. The final objective of the investigation is to draft a common corporate procedure.
Computational Systems Biology Platforms (Computergestützte Systembiologieplattformen)
Authors: Vacheva Ivayla , Eils Roland 
Published: May 2006

SummaryNumerous software platforms in Computational Systems Biology have been developed in the past decade. Each program has its own strengths but their functionality often overlaps significantly. In this article, we review numerous aspects related to the functionality and infrastructure of existing platforms in the context of a selected set of tools. We discuss the biological problems that can be solved with these tools and point out directions for future research in the field.
Comparative analysis of the mechanisms of attack and defense among higher brain animals
Authors: Nathaniel Thomas , Femi Olajuyigbe , Nathaniel Adebobola 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Many studies have investigated different mechanisms of attack and defense in different species of higher brain animals including cats, rats, rodents, mice, and even in some bird species. However, detailed comparative analysis has not been carried out to understand the major similarities in the mechanisms of attack and defense across the different species of vertebrates. Although there are differences, there are also significant similarities as well, which warrant comparative assessment. By considering ethological ideas associated with the motivational defense system, we investigated the motor patterns of attack and defense in cats and rats, using the “resident-intruder” experimental paradigm. Our results reveal specific similarities and differences in the motor patterns of attack and defense in rats and cats. We discuss comparatively the mechanisms of attack and defense across different species of vertebrates, focusing on motor patterns, neuromodulating factors, brains neural substrates, and circuitry.
Unwinding of Continuous Medicaid Coverage Among Pediatric Community Health Center Patients
Authors: Bensken Wyatt P. , Dankovchik Jenine , Fein Hannah L. , Duhon Gabrielle , Sills Marion R. 
Published: February 2025

ImportanceDuring the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency, states provided continuous Medicaid coverage to enrollees. In April 2023, states began to unwind this continuous coverage, prompting concern about the impact of this on pediatric patients.ObjectiveTo examine loss of coverage during the unwinding of continuous Medicaid coverage among pediatric patients seen at community-based health care organizations.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study with statistical analysis in November 2024 included pediatric patients from a multistate network of community-based health care organizations. Participants were aged up to 17 years at both their last Medicaid-insured visit during the continuous coverage period and at their first visit during the unwinding period (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024).ExposuresAge, sex, race and ethnicity, language, and medical complexity.Main Outcome and MeasuresThe main outcome was Medicaid disenrollment to uninsured status during the unwinding period. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of ever being uninsured during unwinding, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the time to uninsured status from the start of unwinding in each patient’s state of residence through the end of March 2024. Associations between age, sex, race and ethnicity, language, and medical complexity and the outcome were assessed.ResultsAmong 450 146 pediatric patients, mean (SD) patient age was 8.11 (5.07) years and 50.1% were male. Overall, 8.7% were disenrolled from Medicaid to uninsured status. Patients aged 12 to 17 years had the highest estimated disenrollment among age groups (10.5%), but after adjustment, all other age groups had lower odds of disenrollment compared with those younger than 1 year. Females had higher odds of disenrollment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.18]; adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.14 [95% CI, 1.12-1.17]) than males. American Indian or Alaska Native patients had higher odds of disenrollment (AOR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.81-2.09]; AHR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.05-3.13]) than White patients, with estimated disenrollment of 17.1% vs 9.4%. Compared with patients with low medical complexity, those with either chronic but noncomplex (AOR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.79-1.88]; AHR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.44-2.27]) or complex chronic (AOR, 1.95 95% CI, 1.89-2.00]; AHR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.67-2.21]) medical complexity had higher odds of disenrollment.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of previously Medicaid-insured pediatric patients seen at community-based health care organizations, a meaningful proportion of patients were disenrolled to uninsured status during the unwinding of continuous Medicaid coverage, with associated differences by demographic and clinical characteristics. This could impact access to care and health outcomes for the patients.