bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The making of a melanocyte: the specification of melanoblasts from the neural crest
Authors: Thomas Aaron J. , Erickson Carol A. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryMelanocytes differentiate from the neural crest (NC), which is a transient population of cells that delaminates from the neural tube and migrates extensively throughout the embryo during vertebrate development. Melanoblast specification from NC precursors is a progressive process during which initially pluripotent cells become restricted to the melanogenic lineage and adopt the gene expression profile and morphology of melanocytes. This specification process is governed primarily by Wnt and BMP signaling molecules, although other signaling pathways, such as those activated by Kit and Endothelin 3, can also stimulate melanogenesis. The transcriptional repressor FoxD3 occupies a central role in melanocyte fate determination by repressing melanogenesis in premigratory NC cells and in other NC lineages.
Diminishing return on investment for biodiversity data in conservation planning
Authors: Grantham Hedley S. , Moilanen Atte , Wilson Kerrie A. , Pressey Robert L. , Rebelo Tony G. , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIt is generally assumed that gathering more data is a good investment for conservation planning. However, the benefits of additional data have seldom been evaluated by analyzing the return on investment. If there are diminishing returns in terms of improved planning, then resources might be better directed toward other actions, depending on their relative costs and benefits. Our aim was to determine the return on investment from spending different amounts on survey data before undertaking a program of implementing new protected areas. We estimated how much protea data is obtained as a function of dollars invested in surveying. We then simulated incremental protection and loss of habitat to determine the benefit of investment in that data on the protection of proteas. We found that, after an investment of only US$100,000 (∼780,000 South Africa Rand [ZAR]), there was little increase in the effectiveness of conservation prioritizations, despite the full data set costing at least 25 times that amount.
Immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery: an analysis of costs and patient value
Authors: Lundström Mats , Albrecht Susanne , Roos Pontus 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare resource utilization of two different strategies for bilateral cataract surgery: immediate sequential cataract surgery (ISCS) versus delayed sequential cataract surgery (DSCS). The purpose was also to analyse the value for the patient of undergoing ISCS versus DSCS.Methods:  Differences in routines and resource utilization between ISCS (n = 17) and DSCS (n = 80) were studied in a cohort of cataract surgery patients at our clinic in Karlskrona, Sweden. Costs were extracted from an earlier publication by the same clinic. The value for the patient was studied using the capability index, based on published data on the benefit to the patient of ISCS or DSCS using the Catquest questionnaire.Results:  Operating both eyes of a patient was 1.14 times more expensive with DSCS than with ISCS including all surgical costs. The value to the patient of undergoing ISCS depended on the time between first‐ and second‐eye surgery in DSCS and the remaining lifetime after both‐eye surgery. A long waiting time for second‐eye surgery and a short remaining lifetime decreased the patient value of DSCS compared to ISCS.Conclusion:  DSCS is 14% more expensive than ISCS. The value for the patient of ISCS compared to DSCS depends on how long the period will be between first‐ and second‐eye surgery in DSCS and also on the patient’s survival time after surgery.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: a major review
Authors: Kumar Sunil 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral, at times asymmetrical, seasonally exacerbated, allergic inflammation of the ocular surface, involving tarsal and/or bulbar conjunctiva. Though the allergic nature of this entity has been accepted for a long time, the accumulation of a large amount of immunological data has proved that the pathogenesis of VKC is much more complex than a mere type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. In the past several years, many clinical and experimental studies about the cells and mediators involved in initiating and perpetuating the ocular allergic inflammation have shown that T helper type 2 cells and their cytokines, corneal fibroblasts and epithelium along with various growth factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of VKC. Based on this information about the pathogenesis of VKC newer, more selective drugs like anti‐chemokine receptor antibodies and leukotriene receptor antagonists are under evaluation. Cyclosporine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of VKC but further randomized control trials are required to establish the minimum effective concentration.
Antigen-Specific T-Cell Responses of Leprosy Patients
Authors: Duthie Malcolm S. , Goto Wakako , Ireton Greg C. , Reece Stephen T. , Sampaio Lucas H. , Grassi A. B. , Sousa Ana Lucia M. , Martelli Celina M. T. , Stefani Mariane M. A. , Reed Steven G. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The identification of human T-cell antigens of
Mycobacterium leprae
could improve treatment and help to disrupt the transmission of leprosy by directing diagnosis and vaccine programs. This study screened a panel of
M. leprae
recombinant proteins for T-cell recall responses, measured by gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, among leprosy patients. After initial studies using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from leprosy patients, we transitioned our studies to simple whole-blood assays (WBA), which are more applicable in field or clinical settings. T-cell responses generated in WBA using blood from individuals in Goiânia, Brazil, demonstrated that several
M. leprae
antigens (ML0276, ML0840, ML1623, ML2044, and 46f) elicited >0.5 IU/ml IFN-γ, and these proteins were classified as immunogenic and leprosy specific. Several of these individual antigens were recognized by cells from >60% of Brazilian paucibacillary (PB) leprosy patients, and ML0276, ML0840, ML1623, and 46f complemented each other such that 82% of PB patients had strong (>1.25 IU/ml IFN-γ) responses to at least one of these proteins. These proteins were also recognized by cells from a significant proportion of the household contacts of multibacillary leprosy patients, but in contrast, few responses were observed in active tuberculosis patients or healthy control groups from areas of endemicity. Our results indicate several potential candidate antigens which may be useful for either leprosy diagnosis or vaccination and demonstrate the utility of leprosy WBA that can be applied broadly in clinical or field settings.
Comparison of Four Molecular Typing Methods for Characterization of
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
and Determination of Transcontinental Spread of
C. diphtheriae
Based on BstEII rRNA Gene Profiles
Authors: De Zoysa Aruni , Hawkey Peter , Charlett Andre , Efstratiou Androulla 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The diphtheria epidemic in the Russian Federation in the 1990s made diphtheria a focus of global concern once again. The development of rapid and reproducible typing methods for the molecular characterization of
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
has become a priority in order to be able to monitor the spread of this important pathogen on a global scale. We report on a comparison of four molecular typing methods (ribotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE], random amplification of polymorphic DNA [RAPD], and amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP]) for the characterization of
C. diphtheriae
strains. Initially, 755 isolates originating from 26 countries were analyzed by ribotyping. One strain of each ribotype was then randomly chosen and characterized by PFGE, RAPD, and AFLP. In order to ascertain whether the Eastern European epidemic ribotype could be further discriminated, 10 strains of ribotype D1 (the epidemic ribotype) from different geographical regions were randomly chosen and subjected to analysis by PFGE, RAPD, and AFLP. The results revealed that ribotyping is highly discriminatory and reproducible and is currently the method of choice for typing
C. diphtheriae
. PFGE and AFLP were less discriminatory than ribotyping and RAPD. An assessment of the transcontinental spread of the organism showed that several genotypes of
C. diphtheriae
circulated on different continents of the world and that each outbreak was caused by a distinct clone. The ribotypes seen in Europe appeared to be distinct from those seen elsewhere, and certain ribotypes appeared to be unique to particular countries.
Identification of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci by Using the BD Phoenix System in the Low-Inoculum Mode
Authors: Brigante Gioconda , Menozzi Maria Grazia , Pini Beatrice , Porta Rosaria , Somenzi Pietro , Sciacca Agata , Spanu Teresa , Stefani Stefania 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The new “low-inoculum” mode of the Phoenix system was evaluated to identify clinical coagulase-negative staphylococci. API ID32 Staph panels were used as comparators, and discrepancies were resolved by 16S rRNA and
tuf
gene analysis. The system correctly identified 90.5% of isolates, with a mean time of 10.2 h. Accuracy was satisfactory for
Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. saprophyticus
, and
S. haemolyticus
.
Validation of an Automated Detection Platform for Use with the Roche Linear Array Human Papillomavirus Genotyping Test
Authors: Stevens Matthew P. , Garland Suzanne M. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
An automated platform (BeeBlot) was evaluated in parallel with the recommended protocol for the hybridization and detection steps of the Roche Linear Array human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping test using DNA from 143 cervical specimens. Genotyping profiles showed 100% concordance between the methods, suggesting that automation could complement the Roche Linear Array for enhanced speed and reproducibility.
Use of
Bordetella pertussis
BP3385 To Establish a Cutoff Value for an IS
481
-Targeted Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Guthrie J. L. , Seah C. , Brown S. , Tang P. , Jamieson F. , Drews S. J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

This study utilized the
Bordetella pertussis
single-copy PCR target BP3385 as a means of confirming IS
481
PCR-positive reactions with cycle threshold (

C
T

) values of >35. IS
481
PCRs with

C
T

values of >35 cycles may represent PCR conditions where there is <1 CFU of
B. pertussis
per PCR.
Progress in combating cigarette smuggling: controlling the supply chain
Authors: Joossens L , Raw M 
Published: September 2008

Background:The illicit tobacco trade results in huge losses of revenue to governments, estimated at $US40–50 billion in 2006, and in increased consumption and thus health problems because it makes tobacco available more cheaply. On 20 October 2008 the second meeting of the International Negotiating Body (INB2) on the illicit trade protocol of WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will discuss measures to tackle the illicit trade in tobacco products.Methods:This paper presents the experience over the last decade of three countries, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, which shows that tobacco smuggling can be successfully tackled.Conclusion:The evidence strongly suggests that the key to controlling smuggling is controlling the supply chain, and that the supply chain is controlled to a great extent by the tobacco industry.
On Coincidence and Fixed-Point Theorems in Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Cho Seong-Hoon , Lee Gwang-Yeon , Bae Jong-Sook 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe give an axiom (C.C) in symmetric spaces and investigate the relationships between (C.C) and axioms (W3), (W4), and (H.E). We give some results on coinsidence and fixed-point theorems in symmetric spaces, and also, we give some examples for the results of Imdad et al. (2006).
Vocalizations of East African Monkeys
Authors: Marler P. 
Published: September 2008

Sound spectrographic analysis of recordings of vocalizations of red colobus, Colobus badius, made on two brief visits to the Kibale Forest, Uganda, reveals a graded sound system as described by Hill and Booth [1957], Within 300 calls analyzed, three categories of sounds were discerned (fig. 1-3), all connected by intermediate forms (fig. 4 and 5).
The extensive grading of the sounds contrasts with vocalizations of Colobus guereza and C. polykomos most of which are discrete rather than graded. This difference may be attributable to emphasis on vocal communication between troops in the black and white colobus and emphasis on intra-troop communication in the larger groups of the red colobus.
Peri-Menstrual Sexual Behavior Among Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Loy J. 
Published: September 2008

During a behavioral study of free-ranging rhesus monkeys, non-pregnant females were observed to show sexual behavior both at mid-menstrual cycle and peri-menstrually. The basis of the dual estrous periods appears to be dual maxima in estrogen secretion.
Peri-menstrual estrus may be an evolutionary vestige from a tupaiid-type sexual cycle. The occurrence of sexual behavior proximal to menstruation forces a redefinition of the term ‛es-trus.’
Preliminary Observations of the Mentawai Islands Gibbon, Hylobates klossii
Authors: Tenaza R. R. , Hamilton W. J. 
Published: September 2008

Observations of Hylobates klossii were made during a one-week expedition to the offshore Mentawai Islands in western Sumatra. The 4 groups observed appeared to be monogamous families. Locomotive behavior of H. klossii seemed intermediate between that of H. syndactylus and H. tar. Animals were seen eating figs and berries. Protracted calling sessions were heard in the morning and evening; these may be suppressed by rain.
The indigenous Mentawai people selectively log forests around their villages and occasionally hunt H. klossii for food with bow and arrow; these old established practices may reduce local population levels around villages, but probably have little effect upon the total species population. Some animals are captured for the pet and export trades, but the most serious threat to H. klossii is commercial logging by foreign companies which may be imminent on the Mentawai Islands.
The Pituitary Gland of the North Indian Langur (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufrèsne)
Authors: David G. F. X. , Ramaswami L. S. 
Published: September 2008

The hypophysis of the langur, Presbytis e. entellus has its axis antero-posteriorly oriented with the recessus hypophyseus extending upto the base of the hypophyseal stalk. The adenohypophysis comprises partes tuberalis, intermedia and distalis. The basophil (zona tuberalis) and acidophil zones are recognised in the pars distalis.
By the tinctorial and morphological criteria 6 types of cells have been identified in the pars distalis. Based on the changes noticed in the granules of these cells and the cells themselves under reproductive phases and experimental conditions, an attempt is made to enumerate their role in hormone secretion.
Territories and Movements of Sykes Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kolbi Neuman) in Kenya
Authors: Vos A. De , Omar A. 
Published: September 2008

The movement pattern and territories of troops of sykes monkeys is compared in two areas in relation to plantations of exotic softwood.
Monkey troops showed similar patterns of movement which was governed by the availability of food resources.
Sykes monkeys are territorial in behaviour. The sizes of the territories vary from 13.2 to 16.0 ha.
The possible explanations of the factors that led other troops to do damage to forests of exotic trees is discussed.
The Occurrence of Baboon-Type IgG Subclass Antigenic Determinants within the Order Primates
Authors: Damian R. T. , Luker Mary F. , Greene N. D. , Kalter S. S. 
Published: September 2008

Sera from a large variety of nonhuman primates were tested for baboon-type IgG subclass determinants by immune-electrophoresis. Specific rabbit antisera to savanna baboon γ-chains, unreactive with human IgG, and capable of differentiating 4 baboon IgG subclasses were used in this study.
Frosimian and ceboid IgG’s were unreactive, as were the IgG’s of the great apes (chimpanzee, gorilla, and orang-utan). Cercopithecid Primates monkeys fell into species groups, according to the extent of their IgG correspondence to baboon IgG, with langur monkey IgG being the most dissimilar. A sharing of subclass determinants between gibbon IgG and baboon IgG was revealed. Evidence for multiple IgG(B2) determinants was also found.
The phylogenetic distribution of baboon-type and human-type IgG subclass determinants within the primate order is traced.
Intergroup Behavior of Free-Ranging Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Hausfater G. 
Published: September 2008

A 1-year study of the intergroup behavior of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, was begun in September 1968. Intergroup contacts occurred between entire groups, parts of groups, and single individuals and varied in intensity from violent chases and squabbling to play, matings, and other social behaviors. A series of analytical categories based on the number of individuals participating in the interaction and the nature of the interaction, e.g. aggressive, nonaggressive, sexual, are proposed and discussed.
Rates of aggressive group-level interaction did not change significantly between the mating and nonmating season, while wounding, branch-shaking, and male stalks show a monthly distribution with peaks during transition months between seasons. Aggressive intergroup interactions were most frequent from 08.00-09.00 h with a lesser peak from 15.00-16.00 h. Participation in intergroup behaviors by the members of a single social group, group F, is analyzed and an attempt made to infer the ontogeny of participation in intergroup behaviors, thereby relating observed behavior to the life cycles of individuals.
Parental Care in a Group of Free-Ranging Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta )Parental Care in a Group of Free-Ranging Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta )
Authors: Ann Breuggeman Judith 
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this paper is to describe and explore the significance of parental activities among Macaca mulatta. The phylogeny of care-giving behavior and the terminology that has been used in reference to it are discussed briefly.The focus of the paper is the presentation of original data from a continuous 15-month study of a free-ranging social group of rhesus monkeys in which the birth date and the mother of most individuals were known. Care giving was ubiquitous in the social group. Sex differences were minimal and, for the most part, quantitative rather than qualitative.
The purpose of this paper is to describe and explore the significance of parental activities among Macaca mulatta. The phylogeny of care-giving behavior and the terminology that has been used in reference to it are discussed briefly.The focus of the paper is the presentation of original data from a continuous 15-month study of a free-ranging social group of rhesus monkeys in which the birth date and the mother of most individuals were known. Care giving was ubiquitous in the social group. Sex differences were minimal and, for the most part, quantitative rather than qualitative.
Quantitative Changes in the Fundamental Structural Pattern of the Diencephalon among Primates and Insectivores
Authors: Baron Georg 
Published: September 2008

The volumes of the main components of the diencephalon from 10 basal insectivores, 12 prosimians, and 15 simians including man were compared. The comparison of the percentage composition within the diencephalon shows that the thalamus and the subthalamus increase whereas the epithalamus and the hypothalamus decrease in relative size among primates. The allometric analysis reveals that, in spite of a relative reduction, the epithalamus and the hypothalamus are also progressive structures. However, their allometric size increase, being especially accentuated in earlier phyletic phases, is small in comparison to that of the thalamus and the subthalamus. These latter two components are characterized by a continuous phylogenetic growth from the basal insectivores to the simians. The correlation analysis shows that the strongest correlations and, in many cases, that isometric size increase exist between structures which belong to the same functional system.
These findings indicate the existence of at least two major developmental gradients in the quantitative development of the diencephalon, a neencephalic and a limbic one.
Mangabey (Cercocebus albigena)
Authors: Freeland W.J 
Published: September 2008

Data are presented on the feeding behavior and activities of mangabeys (Cercocebus albigena) in the Ngogo study area, Kibale Forest, Uganda. Mangabeys spend 47% of activity observations feeding, 27% moving, and the remainder of the activity observations is accounted for by grooming, playing, vocalizing, copulating, etc. Feeding on fruit constitutes 58% of feeding records, arthropods 25%, young leaves and flowers 10%, cambium 5% and rare and unidentified items 2%. 29 tree species are used as sources of vegetable food and 31 tree species are used as substrate for arthropod search. Mangabeys move an average distance of 1,299 m per day, and use an average of 28,50 × 50 m quadrats per day. The activity patterns, the types and number of food species, the daily distances traveled, and the number of quadrats used per day, are not significantly different from those found in the literature for mangabeys in the Kanyawara research area, Kibale Forest, Uganda. Mangabey population density in Ngogo is approximately 1.46 times that of the Kanyawara mangabeys. The difference in density is associated with Ngogo exhibiting a greater mangabey. food tree density than is found at Kanyawara.
The higher mangabey density in Ngogo is associated with an average group size similar to that at Kanyawara, and an increase in the number of groups per unit area. The greater number of goups is accommodated by the mangabey having smaller home ranges, and less home range overlap than do the Kanyawara mangabeys. I suggest that these results are compatible with an interpretation based on disease control via regulation of group size, and social and spatial isolation between groups. The role of food availability in regulation of group size, or determining land tenure systems remains uncertain.
The Demise of Adam in the Qisas al-Anbiyā: The Symbolic Politics of Death and Re-Burial in the Islamic "Stories of the Prophets"
Authors: Lybarger Loren 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper explores how death and burial narratives — particularly those associated with Adam, the paradigmatic first human being, in the Islamic religious literature known as qisas al-anbiyā ("stories of the [Biblical] prophets") — relate to the discursive processes through which religious communities articulate lines of inclusion and exclusion in the formation of their collective identities. In conversation with Katherine Verdery (The Political Lives of Dead Bodies), who examines reburials of political figures in Eastern Europe following the 1989 collapse of the Soviet Union, this paper argues that Islamic narratives regarding the death and burial of biblical figures like Adam serve to re-appropriate, re-situate, and re-define boundaries of identity and difference both among Muslims (e.g.male/public vs. female/private; Sunni vs. Shi'a; ālim (scholar) vs. populist preacher) and between Muslims and non-Muslim monotheists, Jews and Christians, principally. Grounding the discussion, empirically, are a series of close analyses of various renditions of the story of Adam's demise as found in a range of mostly Sunni qisas al-anbiyā materials. From these analyses, the paper offers an expanded understanding of how religious communities, specifically, develop multiple and competing claims in an effort to "monopolize the practices associated with death" (Verdery).