bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of fish species richness in China's lakes
Authors: Zhao Shuqing , Fang Jingyun , Peng Changhui , Tang Zhiyao , Piao Shilong 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To document the patterns of fish species richness and their possible causes in China's lakes at regional and national scales.Location  Lakes across China.Methods  We compiled data of fish species richness, limnological characteristics and climatic variables for 109 lakes across five regions of China: East region, Northeast region, Southwest region, North‐Northwest region, and the Tibetan Plateau. Correlation analyses, regression models and a general linear model were used to explore the patterns of fish species richness.Results  At the national scale, lake altitude, energy availability (potential evapotranspiration, PET) and lake area explained 79.6% of the total variation of the lake fish species richness. The determinants of the fish richness pattern varied among physiographic regions. Lake area was the strongest predictor of fish species richness in the East and Southwest lakes, accounting for 22.2% and 82.9% of the variation, respectively. Annual PET explained 68.7% of the variation of fish richness in the Northeast lakes. Maximum depth, mineralization degree, and lake area explained 45.5% of the fish variation in the lakes of the North‐Northwest region. On the Tibetan Plateau, lake altitude was the first predictor variable, interpreting 32.2% of the variation.Main conclusions  Lake altitude was the most important factor explaining the variation of fish species richness across China's lakes, and accounted for 74.5% of the variation. This may stem in part from the fact that the lakes investigated in our study span the largest altitudinal range anywhere in the world. The effects of the lake altitude on fish species richness can be separated into direct and indirect aspects due to its collinearity with PET. We also found that the fish diversity and its determinants were scale‐dependent. Fish species richness was probably energy‐determined in the cold region, while it was best predicted by the lake area in the relatively geologically old region. The independent variables we used only explained a small fraction of the variations in the lake fish species richness in East China and the Tibetan Plateau, which may be due to the effects of human activity and historical events, respectively.
Towards an integrated computational tool for spatial analysis in macroecology and biogeography
Authors: Rangel Thiago Fernando L. V. B. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Bini Luis Mauricio 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTBecause most macroecological and biodiversity data are spatially autocorrelated, special tools for describing spatial structures and dealing with hypothesis testing are usually required. Unfortunately, most of these methods have not been available in a single statistical package. Consequently, using these tools is still a challenge for most ecologists and biogeographers. In this paper, we present sam (Spatial Analysis in Macroecology), a new, easy‐to‐use, freeware package for spatial analysis in macroecology and biogeography. Through an intuitive, fully graphical interface, this package allows the user to describe spatial patterns in variables and provides an explicit spatial framework for standard techniques of regression and correlation. Moran's I autocorrelation coefficient can be calculated based on a range of matrices describing spatial relationships, for original variables as well as for residuals of regression models, which can also include filtering components (obtained by standard trend surface analysis or by principal coordinates of neighbour matrices). sam also offers tools for correcting the number of degrees of freedom when calculating the significance of correlation coefficients. Explicit spatial modelling using several forms of autoregression and generalized least‐squares models are also available. We believe this new tool will provide researchers with the basic statistical tools to resolve autocorrelation problems and, simultaneously, to explore spatial components in macroecological and biogeographical data. Although the program was designed primarily for the applications in macroecology and biogeography, most of sam's statistical tools will be useful for all kinds of surface pattern spatial analysis. The program is freely available at http://www.ecoevol.ufg.br/sam (permanent URL at http://purl.oclc.org/sam/).
Sick of Being Unemployed? Interactions between Unemployment and Sickness Insurance
Authors: Larsson Laura 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the incentive effects of interactions between unemployment insurance (UI) and sickness insurance (SI), two important components of Sweden's social insurance system. The main topic is how the sickness‐report rate among the unemployed is affected by (i) the limit of 300 workdays for UI benefits, and (ii) the difference in maximum compensation between UI and SI benefits. Results obtained by duration analysis suggest that sick reports increase as the UI benefit expiration date approaches. There is also evidence of an incentive effect on the sick‐report rate because SI offers higher compensation than UI.
The dazzle reflex: electrophysiological signals from ocular muscles reveal strong binocular summation effects
Authors: Plainis S. , Murray I. J. , Carden D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractUnder dark adapted or dim conditions the mammalian visual system is carefully programmed to respond rapidly to the sudden onset of bright lights. This response, called the dazzle reflex, is controlled from sub‐cortical structures of the brain. It is known anecdotally that exposure to a bright light when dark adapted induces an instinctive closure of one eye to reduce the pain associated with dazzle. This binocular summation of the dazzle response has not previously been reported. The dazzle reflex can be measured in human subjects by recording the electrical activity from surface electrodes located near the muscles around the eye. In this paper we report an investigation of the apparent binocular summation of the dazzle reflex using this technique. The data reveal a clear difference between monocular and binocular stimulation, with the binocular response being much larger than the monocular response. Furthermore this monocular/binocular difference arises only if the stimulus duration is longer than approximately 1 s. These observations are interpreted in terms of the known physiology of blink mechanisms.
Toward a CIE supplementary system of photometry: brightness at any level including mesopic vision
Authors: Sagawa Ken 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPhotometry for brightness at any level including mesopic vision is described on the basis of the work conducted towards the development of a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) supplementary system of photometry in CIE technical committees. Several critical items in developing such a system are discussed: (1) how to scale brightness using the concept of equivalent luminance; (2) the basic vision model of brightness perception; (3) a description of the chromatic contribution to brightness at the photopic as well as at the mesopic level; (4) formulation of an adaptation coefficient for rod–cone interaction. A possible photometric model for brightness is described based on these considerations, together with a quantitative evaluation of the model using experimental data.
Spectral discomfort glare sensitivity under low photopic conditions
Authors: Fekete J. , Sik‐Lányi C. , Schanda J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCar headlamp manufacturers have to optimise the headlamp spectrum to produce maximum visibility and minimal glare. There are very few investigations on the best spectrum for mesopic visibility and even less data on the spectrum of discomfort glare. We have performed pilot measurements to determine the spectral discomfort glare sensitivity under situations similar to night‐driving conditions and conclude that it is not a simple additivity of the V(λ) and the V′ (λ) functions.
Mesopic spectral sensitivity functions based on visibility and recognition contrast thresholds
Authors: Várady Géza , Bodrogi Peter 
Published: May 2006

AbstractHuman vision works in a complex way in the mesopic luminance range which is not yet clearly understood, although several important visual tasks are performed at these luminance levels. In this study, spectral data for detection visibility and recognition contrast sensitivity were obtained in visual experiments. From our data it appears that chromatic channels also influence mesopic contrast sensitivity. An achromatic model of spectral sensitivity is fitted to our experimental data and the remaining chromatic components are discussed.
Taxation and Economic Growth
Authors: MYLES GARETH D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe development of endogenous growth theory has opened an avenue through which the effects of taxation on economic growth can be explored. Explicit modelling of the individual decisions that contribute to growth allows the analysis of tax incidence and the prediction of growth effects. This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical evidence to assess whether a consensus arises as to how taxation affects the rate of economic growth. It is shown that the theoretical models isolate a number of channels through which taxation can affect growth and that these effects may be very substantial. Although empirical tests of the growth effect face unresolved difficulties, the empirical evidence points very strongly to the conclusion that the tax effect is very weak.
Voxel‐based Optimized Morphometry (VBM) of Gray and White Matter in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) with and without Mesial Temporal Sclerosis
Authors: Mueller Suzanne G. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Cashdollar Nathan , Buckley Shannon , Paul Crystal , Weiner Michael W. 
Published: May 2006

Summary:  Purpose: In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with evidence of hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS) volumetric gray (GM) and white (WM) matter abnormalities are not restricted to the hippocampus but also are found in extrahippocampal structures. Less is known about extrahippocampal volumetric abnormalities in TLE without hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐no). In this study, we used optimized voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) with and without modulation with the following aims: (a) to identify WM and GM abnormalities beyond the hippocampus in TLE‐MTS and TLE‐no; and (b) to determine whether extratemporal WM and GM abnormalities differ between TLE‐MTS and TLE‐no. Methods: Optimized VBM of GM and WM with and without modulation was performed in 26 TLE‐MTS (mean age, 35.6 ± 9.7 years), 17 TLE‐no (mean age, 35.6 ± 11.1 years), and 30 healthy controls (mean age, 30.3 ± 11.1 years). Results: In TLE‐MTS, GM/WM volume and concentration reductions were found in the ipsilateral limbic system, ipsi‐ and contralateral neocortical regions, thalamus, cerebellum, internal capsule, and brainstem when compared with controls. In contrast, no differences of GM/WM volumes/concentrations were found between TLE‐no and controls or between TLE‐no and TLE‐MTS. Conclusions: In TLE‐MTS, optimized VBM showed extensive GM and WM volume reductions in the ipsilateral hippocampus and in ipsi‐ and contralateral extrahippocampal regions. In contrast, no GM/WM volume or concentration reductions were found in TLE‐no. This further supports the hypothesis that TLE‐no is a distinct clinicopathologic entity from TLE‐MTS and probably heterogeneous in itself.
Altered Seizure Susceptibility in Mice Lacking the Cav2.3 E‐type Ca2+ Channel
Authors: Weiergräber Marco , Henry Margit , Krieger Andreas , Kamp Marcel , Radhakrishnan Kayalvizhi , Hescheler Jürgen , Schneider Toni 
Published: May 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Recently the Cav2.3 (E/R‐type) voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC) has turned out to be not only a potential target for different antiepileptic drugs (e.g., lamotrigine, topiramate) but also a crucial component in the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy, human juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and epileptiform activity in CA1 neurons. The aim of our study was to perform an electroencephalographic analysis, seizure‐susceptibility testing, and histomorphologic characterization of Cav2.3−/− mice to unravel the functional relevance of Cav2.3 in ictogenesis. Methods: Generalized and brain‐specific Cav2.3 knockout animals were analyzed for spontaneous epileptiform discharges by using both electrocorticographic and deep intracerebral recordings. In addition, convulsive seizure activity was induced by systemic administration of either 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP; 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 80 mg/kg, s.c.) to reveal possible alterations in seizure susceptibility. Besides histomorphologic analysis, expression studies of other voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels in Cav2.3−/− brains were carried out by using semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Results: Both electrocorticographic and deep intrahippocampal recordings exhibited no spontaneous epileptiform discharges indicative of convulsive or nonconvulsive seizure activity during long‐term observation. Gross histology and expression levels of other voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels remained unchanged in various brain regions. Surprisingly, PTZ‐induced seizure susceptibility was dramatically reduced in Cav2.3‐deficient mice, whereas 4‐AP sensitivity remained unchanged. Conclusions: Cav2.3 ablation results in seizure resistance, strongly supporting recent findings in CA1 neurons that Cav2.3 triggers epileptiform activity in specialized neurons via plateau potentials and afterdepolarizations. We provide novel insight into the functional involvement of Cav2.3 in ictogenesis and seizure susceptibility on the whole‐animal level.
Phage‐derived monoclonal anti‐Lua
Authors: Richard Martine , Perreault Josée , Gane Pierre , El Nemer Wassim , Cartron Jean‐Pierre , St‐Louis Maryse 
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are gradually replacing human polyclonal sera as typing reagents. Many blood group specificities, however, are not amenable to classic hybridoma technology. The phage display technology, aimed at isolating peptides or antibody fragments, offers an alternative strategy. Recombinant antibodies derived from this technology would greatly facilitate phenotyping and decrease analysis cost.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A human single‐chain Fv (scFv) phage‐displayed library was panned on red blood cells (RBCs) in an attempt to isolate clones recognizing human RBC specificities. Three rounds of biopanning were performed. Enrichment was monitored by phage titration, and selected phage populations were analyzed further.RESULTS:  Three major clones were identified by clone diversity analysis. One of them showed a specificity for Lua. This scFv was reconstructed into a human IgG1 by recombinant DNA methods. The reactivity of the reconstructed human IgG1 toward Lua is indistinguishable from its parent scFv. Moreover, the specificity of the antibody was confirmed by serologic assays, flow cytometry, and biochemical analysis with RBCs of different Lu phenotypes and a recombinant cell line expressing Lu glycoproteins.CONCLUSION:  With phage display and standard recombinant DNA methods, isolation of a scFv of Lua specificity was successful, from which a complete human IgG1 MoAb of equivalent reactivity was reconstructed. To our knowledge, this is the first MoAb specific for Lua.
Potential use of autologous umbilical cord blood red blood cells for early transfusion needs of premature infants
Authors: Jansen Marijke , Brand Anneke , Von Lindern Jeannette S. , Scherjon Sicco , Walther Frans J. 
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  This prospective study investigated whether the odds of receiving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in premature infants can be predicted at birth and for whom of these infants harvesting of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for autologous transfusion within 30 days after birth would be worthwhile.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Characteristics were evaluated from 288 premature infants with a gestational age between 24 and 36 weeks and who were admitted to our neonatal center. In 144 (63%) of these infants UCB collection was attempted and the early transfusion needs could be compared with the amount of UCB available for transfusion.RESULTS:  Sixty‐nine of 114 (61%) inborn infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks received one or more RBC transfusions of 10 mL per kg within 30 days after birth. Apgar score at 1 minute of less than 6 and gestational age of less than 32 weeks were independently associated with the chance of receiving a transfusion in this group. In 31 of 69 (46%) infants, at least 15 mL of UCB per kg of birth weight was collected and in 28 of 69 (41%) this would have been sufficient to cover their early transfusion needs.CONCLUSION:  The decision to collect UCB for postnatal transfusion can be made just after labor, based on Apgar score and gestational age. The collection of UCB is most effective and efficient for premature infants between 29 and 31 weeks of gestation. For infants less than 29 weeks of gestation, the technical aspects of UCB collection need improvement. This pilot study requires a prospective clinical study to evaluate the proportion of premature infants that can be fully or substantially supported with autologous UCB.
The Local Drivers of Land Degradation in South‐East Asia
Authors: DOUGLAS IAN 
Published: May 2006

AbstractEconomic globalisation has led to a huge increase in demand for food, goods and services by expanding urban middle class populations. These demands cause environmental changes that in turn feed back upon the urban environment and human population. While the global changes are well researched, the cumulative significance of local environmental changes is less well known. Yet, the local changes may have greater impact on the decisions which individuals make that affect soil erosion and land degradation. People respond to family circumstances and to local economic opportunities in ways that most suit the needs of their families and households. Several demonstration projects that were not adopted offer lessons in understanding how people make their land‐use decisions. An understanding of people's past experiences, present needs and views of the future helps those seeking to improve environmental management to promote policies and actions that are likely to succeed by being acceptable to those involved.
Immunochromatographic Test for Simultaneous Serodiagnosis of
Babesia caballi
and
B. equi
Infections in Horses
Authors: Huang Xiaohong , Xuan Xuenan , Verdida Rodolfo A. , Zhang Shoufa , Yokoyama Naoaki , Xu Longshan , Igarashi Ikuo 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

An immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of
Babesia caballi
- and
B. equi
-specific antibodies (BceICT) was developed using a recombinant
B. caballi
48-kDa rhoptry protein (rBc48) and a recombinant truncated
B. equi
merozoite antigen 2 (rEMA-2t). An evaluation of the ability of the BceICT to detect antibodies in sera from uninfected horses and experimentally infected horses showed high sensitivities and specificities of 83.3% (10/12 sera) and 92.9% (52/56 sera), respectively, for the anti-
B. caballi
antibody and 94.1% (16/17 sera) and 88.2% (45/51 sera), respectively, for the anti-
B. equi
antibody. Results from the detection of antibodies in field-collected sera indicated that the BceICT results corresponded with those of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), showing 91.8% correspondence (67/73 sera) for
B. caballi
and 95.9% correspondence (70/73 sera) for
B. equi
, and that the BceICT results also corresponded with the ICT for
B. caballi
and for
B. equi
, both of which were 98.2% (55/56 sera). The comparable results of the ICT and ELISA and the simplicity and rapidity of the performance of the ICT suggest that the BceICT would be a feasible test for the simultaneous serodiagnosis of both agents of equine babesiosis in the field.
Regulatory Genes Controlling Fatty Acid Catabolism and Peroxisomal Functions in the Filamentous Fungus
Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Hynes Michael J. , Murray Sandra L. , Duncan Anna , Khew Gillian S. , Davis Meryl A. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

The catabolism of fatty acids is important in the lifestyle of many fungi, including plant and animal pathogens. This has been investigated in
Aspergillus nidulans
, which can grow on acetate and fatty acids as sources of carbon, resulting in the production of acetyl coenzyme A (CoA). Acetyl-CoA is metabolized via the glyoxalate bypass, located in peroxisomes, enabling gluconeogenesis. Acetate induction of enzymes specific for acetate utilization as well as glyoxalate bypass enzymes is via the Zn
2
-Cys
6
binuclear cluster activator FacB. However, enzymes of the glyoxalate bypass as well as fatty acid beta-oxidation and peroxisomal proteins are also inducible by fatty acids. We have isolated mutants that cannot grow on fatty acids. Two of the corresponding genes,
farA
and
farB
, encode two highly conserved families of related Zn
2
-Cys
6
binuclear proteins present in filamentous ascomycetes, including plant pathogens. A single ortholog is found in the yeasts
Candida albicans
,
Debaryomyces hansenii
, and
Yarrowia lipolytica
, but not in the
Ashbya
,
Kluyveromyces
,
Saccharomyces
lineage. Northern blot analysis has shown that deletion of the
farA
gene eliminates induction of a number of genes by both short- and long-chain fatty acids, while deletion of the
farB
gene eliminates short-chain induction. An identical core 6-bp in vitro binding site for each protein has been identified in genes encoding glyoxalate bypass, beta-oxidation, and peroxisomal functions. This sequence is overrepresented in the 5′ region of genes predicted to be fatty acid induced in other filamentous ascomycetes,
C. albicans
,
D. hansenii
, and
Y. lipolytica
, but not in the corresponding genes in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The SUMO Pathway Is Developmentally Regulated and Required for Programmed DNA Elimination in
Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: Matsuda Atsushi , Forney James D. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Extensive
genome-wide remodeling occurs during the formation of the somatic
macronuclei from the germ line micronuclei in ciliated protozoa. This
process is limited to sexual reproduction and includes DNA
amplification, chromosome fragmentation, and the elimination of
internal segments of DNA. Our efforts to define the pathways regulating
these events revealed a gene encoding a homologue of ubiquitin
activating enzyme 2 (
UBA2
) that is upregulated at the onset of
macronuclear development in
Paramecium tetraurelia
. Uba2
enzymes are known to activate the protein called small
ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) that is covalently attached to target
proteins. Consistent with this relationship, Northern analysis showed
increased abundance of
SUMO
transcripts during sexual
reproduction in
Paramecium
. RNA interference (RNAi) against
UBA2
or
SUMO
during vegetative growth had little
effect on cell survival or fission rates. In contrast, RNAi of mating
cells resulted in failure to form a functional macronucleus. Despite
normal amplification of the genome, excision of internal eliminated
sequences was completely blocked. Additional experiments showed that
the homologous
UBA2
and
SUMO
genes in
Tetrahymena
thermophila
are also upregulated during conjugation. These results
provide evidence for the developmental regulation of the SUMO pathway
in ciliates and suggest a key role for the pathway in controlling
genome
remodeling.