bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The need for integrative approaches to understand and conserve migratory ungulates
Authors: Bolger Douglas T. , Newmark William D. , Morrison Thomas A. , Doak Daniel F. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractOver the last two centuries overhunting, anthropogenic barriers and habitat loss have disrupted many ungulate migrations. We review the literature on ungulate migration disruptions and find that for many species the disruption of migratory routes causes a rapid population collapse. Previous research has focused on the proximal ecological factors that might favour migration, particularly spatiotemporal variation in resources and predation. However, this does not provide an adequate basis for understanding and mitigating anthropogenic effects on migratory populations. Migration is a complex behaviour and we advocate an integrative approach that incorporates population dynamics, evolution, genetics, behaviour and physiology, and that borrows insights and approaches from research on other taxa. We draw upon research on avian migration to illustrate research approaches that might also be fruitful in ungulates. In particular, we suggest that the migratory cycle should be evaluated in the context of seasonal population limitation, an approach we highlight with a preliminary demographic perturbation analysis of the Serengeti wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) population. We provide suggestions for avenues of future research and highlight areas where we believe rapid progress can be made by applying recent advances in theory, technology and analytical approaches.
Rapidly evolving CRISPRs implicated in acquired resistance of microorganisms to viruses
Authors: Tyson Gene W. , Banfield Jillian F. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryRecent experimental evidence has demonstrated that bacteria acquire resistance to viruses by incorporation of short transcribed nucleotide sequences into regions of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). We have analysed community genomic data from acidophilic microbial biofilms and discovered that evolution of the CRISPR regions in two distinct Leptospirillum group II bacteria occurs fast enough to promote individuality in otherwise nearly clonal populations. Comparative genomics strongly indicates very recent lateral transfer of the CRISPR locus between these populations, followed by significant loss of spacer sequences and locus expansion by unidirectional heterogeneous addition of new spacer sequences. Diversification of the CRISPR region is inferred to be a population‐level response to the rapidly changing selective pressure of phage predation. Results reinforce the importance of phage–host interactions in shaping microbial ecology and evolution over very short time scales.
Arsenite oxidation by a chemoautotrophic moderately acidophilic Thiomonas sp.: from the strain isolation to the gene study
Authors: Duquesne Katia , Lieutaud Aurélie , Ratouchniak Jeanine , Muller Daniel , Lett Marie‐Claire , Bonnefoy Violaine 
Published: September 2007

SummaryAn autotrophic bacterium able to gain energy from the oxidation of arsenite was isolated from arsenite‐containing acid mine drainage waters. It belongs to the genus Thiomonas as shown by DNA–DNA hybridization experiments, 16S rRNA gene sequence, quinone and fatty acid content analyses. Carboxysomes were observed and the cbbSL genes encoding the ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase were detected, confirming that this bacterium is able to fix CO2. Arsenite oxidation was catalysed by a membrane‐bound enzyme, and this activity was detected essentially in cells grown in the presence of arsenite. The genes encoding the two subunits of the arsenite oxidase of the Thiomonas isolate have been sequenced. The small subunit has a characteristic Tat signal sequence and contains the residues binding the [2Fe‐2S] Rieske‐type cluster. The large subunit has the [3Fe‐4S] cluster‐binding motif as well as the residues proposed to bind arsenite. In addition, most of the residues interacting with the molybdenum cofactor are conserved. The genes encoding both subunits belong to an operon, likely with a gene encoding a cytochrome c. The expression of this operon is greater in cells grown in the presence than in the absence of arsenite, in agreement with a transcriptional regulation in the presence of this metalloid.
Approaches to integrating paediatric diabetes care and structured education: experiences from the Families, Adolescents, and Children's Teamwork Study (FACTS)
Authors: Murphy H. R. , Wadham C. , Rayman G. , Skinner T. C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims  The Families, Adolescents and Children's Teamwork Study (FACTS) is a family‐centred structured education programme for children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. It aims to integrate group‐based diabetes education into routine care, enhance parental responsibility for self management and improve glycaemic control.Methods  A randomized wait‐list control group study allocated participants to either the immediate (four educational sessions during year 1) or delayed intervention (four educational sessions during year 2). In both groups, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured 3‐monthly and participants completed the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID) and Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire (DFRQ) before and after the intervention.Results  Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed no significant difference in HbA1c or parental responsibility between participants randomized to the immediate or delayed programme. However, during 12 months’ follow‐up, families who attended ≥ 2 sessions reported increased parental involvement (P = 0.01), and in children/adolescents who attended ≥ 2 sessions HbA1c fell by 0.29% compared with an increase of 0.11% in non‐attenders (P = 0.04).Conclusion  This family‐centred education programme has been integrated into paediatric diabetes care with potential benefits on parental involvement and glycaemic control, but further study is warranted before routine application into clinical care.
Gastric bypass alters the dynamics and metabolic effects of insulin and proinsulin secretion
Authors: Johansson H‐E. , Öhrvall M. , Haenni A. , Sundbom M. , Edén Engström B. , Karlsson F. A. , Zethelius B. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims  Hyperproinsulinaemia is associated with obesity and is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. We explored the dynamics of proinsulin and insulin and postprandial effects on glucose and lipids in subjects who had undergone gastric bypass (GBP) surgery compared with morbidly obese (MO) subjects and normal weight control subjects (NW).Methods  Subjects free from diabetes were recruited: 10 previously MO subjects [body mass index (BMI) ± sd, 34.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2] who had undergone GBP surgery, 10 MO subjects (BMI 44 ± 3.1 kg/m2) and 12 NW control subjects (BMI 23.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2). After an overnight fast, a standard meal (2400 kJ) was ingested and glucose, proinsulin, insulin free fatty acids and triglycerides were determined up to 180 min.Results  Fasting proinsulin was similar in the GBP group and NW control subjects, but threefold increased in MO subjects (P < 0.05). Postprandial AUC for glucose was similar in the three groups and AUC for proinsulin was high in MO, intermediate in the GBP group and lowest in NW control subjects (P for trend = 0.020). Postprandial proinsulin at 60 min was similar in the GBP group and MO subjects and twofold higher than in NW control subjects. Postprandial proinsulin at 180 min was normal in the GBP group, but fivefold increased in MO subjects (P = 0.008). Insulin increased rapidly at 30 min in the GBP group and was normal at 90 min, whereas insulin was still increased at 90–180 min in the MO subjects (P < 0.001).Conclusions  MO subjects, free from diabetes, have elevated proinsulin concentrations in the fasting as well as the postprandial phase. After GBP surgery markedly lower fasting and postprandial proinsulin concentrations were observed, although BMI was higher compared with NW control subjects.
Stroke prediction and stroke prevention with atorvastatin in the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS)
Authors: Hitman G. A. , Colhoun H. , Newman C. , Szarek M. , Betteridge D. J. , Durrington P. N. , Fuller J. , Livingstone S. , Neil H. A. W. ,   on behalf of the CARDS Investigators
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims  Patients with Type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk of stroke. The role of lipid levels and diabetes‐specific factors in risk prediction of stroke is unclear, and estimates of efficacy of lipid‐lowering therapy vary between trials. We examined predictors of stroke and the effect of atorvastatin on specific stroke subtypes in Type 2 diabetes in the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS) [a trial of 2838 participants with mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol < 4.14 mmol/l, no history of macrovascular disease and randomized to atorvastatin 10 mg daily or placebo].Methods  Median follow‐up was 3.9 years. Cox regression models were used to estimate the effect of atorvastatin on stroke rate and risk of stroke associated with baseline risk factors. Risk factors that predicted stroke in univariate models were examined in a multivariable model.Results  Independent risk factors predicting stroke were age [10‐year increments; hazard ratio (HR) 2.3, P < 0.001], microalbuminuria (albumin : creatinine ratio > 2.5 mg/mmol; HR 2.0, P = 0.007) and glycaemic control (HbA1c > 10%; HR 2.7, P = 0.007). Women were at lower risk of stroke (HR 0.3, P = 0.004). Lipids did not predict stroke. Of 60 first strokes, 47 were non‐haemorrhagic, 13 were indeterminate and none was definitely haemorrhagic. Atorvastatin treatment was associated with 50% reduction in non‐haemorrhagic stroke (95% confidence interval 9%–72%P = 0.024), similar to the 48% reduction (11%–69%) for all strokes combined.Conclusions  Diabetes‐specific risk factors are important predictors of stroke in Type 2 diabetes. Despite the lack of association between baseline lipids and first stroke, there was a reduction of 50% of non‐haemorrhagic strokes associated with atorvastatin treatment in the CARDS population.
Multiple Imputation: An Alternative to Top Coding for Statistical Disclosure Control
Authors: An Di , Little Roderick J. A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryTop coding of extreme values of variables like income is a common method of statistical disclosure control, but it creates problems for the data analyst. The paper proposes two alternative methods to top coding for statistical disclosure control that are based on multiple imputation. We show in simulation studies that the multiple-imputation methods provide better inferences of the publicly released data than top coding, using straightforward multiple-imputation methods of analysis, while maintaining good statistical disclosure control properties. We illustrate the methods on data from the 1995 Chinese household income project.
Small Area Estimates of Labour Force Participation Under a Multinomial Logit Mixed Model
Authors: Molina Isabel , Saei Ayoub , José Lombardía M. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryA new methodology is developed for estimating unemployment or employment characteristics in small areas, based on the assumption that the sample totals of unemployed and employed individuals follow a multinomial logit model with random area effects. The method is illustrated with UK labour force data aggregated by sex–age groups. For these data, the accuracy of direct estimates is poor in comparison with estimates that are derived from the multinomial logit model. Furthermore, two different estimators of the mean-squared errors are given: an analytical approximation obtained by Taylor linearization and an estimator based on bootstrapping. A simulation study for comparison of the two estimators shows the good performance of the bootstrap estimator.
Early adolescent outcomes of institutionally deprived and non‐deprived adoptees. III. Quasi‐autism
Authors: Rutter Michael , Kreppner Jana , Croft Carla , Murin Marianna , Colvert Emma , Beckett Celia , Castle Jenny , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Some young children reared in profoundly depriving institutions have been found to show autistic‐like patterns, but the developmental significance of these features is unknown.Methods:  A randomly selected, age‐stratified, sample of 144 children who had experienced an institutional upbringing in Romania and who were adopted by UK families was studied at 4, 6, and 11 years, and compared with a non‐institutionalised sample of 52 domestic adoptees. Twenty‐eight children, all from Romanian institutions, for whom the possibility of quasi‐autism had been raised, were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) at the age of 12 years.Results:  Sixteen children were found to have a quasi‐autistic pattern; a rate of 9.2% in the Romanian institution‐reared adoptees with an IQ of at least 50 as compared with 0% in the domestic adoptees. There were a further 12 children with some autistic‐like features, but for whom the quasi‐autism designation was not confirmed. The follow‐up of the children showed that a quarter of the children lost their autistic‐like features by 11. Disinhibited attachment and poor peer relationships were also present in over half of the children with quasi‐autism.Conclusions:  The findings at age 11/12 years confirmed the reality and clinical significance of the quasi‐autistic patterns seen in over 1 in 10 of the children who experienced profound institutional deprivation. Although there were important similarities with ‘ordinary’ autism, the dissimilarities suggest a different meaning.
Social maturity and theory of mind in typically developing children and those on the autism spectrum
Authors: Peterson Candida C. , Slaughter Virginia P. , Paynter Jessica 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Results of several studies using the Vineland scale to explore links between social behavior and theory of mind (ToM) have produced mixed results, especially for children on the autism spectrum. The present pair of studies developed a psychometrically sound, age‐referenced measure of social maturity to explore these issues further.Method:  In Study 1, 37 typically developing preschoolers took a battery of standard false belief tests of ToM and were rated by their teachers on a newly developed age‐referenced social maturity scale with 7 items. In Study 2, a further group of 43 children aged 4 to 12 years (13 with autism, 14 with Asperger's disorder and 16 with typical development) took part in the same procedure.Results:  In Study 1, ToM was found to predict typical preschoolers’ social maturity independently of age and verbal maturity. In Study 2, children with autism scored below age‐matched and younger typical developers in both ToM and social maturity. Those with Asperger's disorder did well on ToM but poorly on social maturity. Study 2 replicated Study 1’s finding (for typical children and for the full sample) that ToM was linked with social maturity independently of age and verbal ability, although the link was not independent of autism diagnosis.Conclusions:  Teachers are capable of rating children's social behavior with peers as advanced, on‐time or delayed for their age. Suggestive links between these ratings and ToM require further investigation, especially among children on the autism spectrum.
Isolation of polymorphic tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the highly endangered Baw Baw frog (Philoria frosti)
Authors: WHEATON LEANNE , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C. , GARDNER MICHAEL G. , HOLLIS GREGORY J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe isolated 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Baw Baw frog, Philoria frosti, from a genomic library enriched for (AAC)n and (AAAG)n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranges from two to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.96.
Cardiac MRI: accuracy of simultaneous measurement of left and right ventricular parameters using three different sequences
Authors: Koskenvuo Juha W. , Karra Henna , Lehtinen Jaakko , Niemi Pekka , Pärkkä Jussi , Knuuti Juhani , Hartiala Jaakko J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryBackground and aim:  We evaluated a value of Qp/Qs (left‐to‐right shunt measurement) using volumetric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) cardiac output (CO) measurements. We defined intraobserver, interobserver variability and reproducibility of left and right ventricular parameters by CMR. Furthermore, we studied whether shortened acquisition time has an effect on the accuracy of left and right ventricular parameters both in healthy volunteers and in patients with cardiovascular disease.Methods:  Sixteen subjects were enrolled in this study. Group A (n = 8, five males) consisted of healthy volunteers with a mean age of 25·9 years (range 24–30). Group B (n = 8, four males) was heterogenic consisting of patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, hypertension or coronary artery disease with their mean age of 56·3 years (range 38–70).Results:  The measured Qp/Qs as calculated from the right and LV CO was 0·87 ± 0·13. Overall variability [as presented with the lowest coefficient of variation (CV)%– the highest CV % of intraobserver, interobserver variability or reproducibility] of LV parameters were for ejection fraction (EF) 1·5–2·8%, stroke volume (SV) 1·3–3·2%, CO 1·4–3·2%, end‐diastolic volume 0·5–3·0%, end‐systolic volume 1·8–6·2% and LV mass 1·1–2·6%. Corresponding values for right ventricular parameters were for EF 1·1–4·2%, SV 1·9–8·2%, CO 1·9–7·6%, end‐diastolic volume 2·1–7·6%, end‐systolic volume 2·8–10·2% and right ventricle mass 2·9–8·3%. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of different sequences.Conclusions:  The CMR allows accurate Qp/Qs observation but the absolute value is at slightly different level compared with reference methods. Both left and right ventricular parameters are highly reproducible and even small clinically relevant changes can be measured with CMR. The shortened acquisition does not affect significantly to the accuracy of CMR‐derived parameters.
Evaluation of the temperature of different refrigerant sprays used as a pulpal test
Authors: De Morais Carlos Alberto Herrero , Bernardineli Norberti , Lima Walter Moreira , Cupertino Rogério Rodrigues , Guerisoli Danilo Mathias Zanello 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe temperature of different refrigerant sprays (Endo‐Ice, Endo‐Frost, Coolermatic and Sprayon Contact and Tuner Cleaner) used as pulpal tests were evaluated in vitro. A thermocouple placed inside the pulp chamber of a maxillary central incisor was used to register the temperature changes when the refrigerant sprays were applied with a cotton swab, for 10 s. Results indicate that Endo‐Ice and Endo‐Frost presented the lowest temperatures among the refrigerant sprays tested. Temperatures measured inside the pulp chamber, however, were statistically similar in all groups.
Comparison of four hematology analyzers, CELL‐DYN Sapphire, ADVIA 120, Coulter LH 750, and Sysmex XE‐2100, in terms of clinical usefulness
Authors: KANG S.‐H. , KIM H. K. , HAM C. K. , LEE D. S. , CHO H.‐I. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryWe evaluated the clinical usefulness (leukocyte distribution classification, morphologic classification, and morphologic flags) of the following four hematology analyzers: CELL‐DYN Sapphire (CD‐Sapphire) (Abbott Diagnostics, Santa Clara, CA, USA), ADVIA 120 (Bayer Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY, USA), Beckman Coulter LH 750 (Beckman Coulter, Miami, FL, USA), and Sysmex XE‐2100 (TOA Medical Electronics Co., Kobe, Japan). Four hundred thirty samples from patients and 100 samples from healthy individuals were analyzed. For distributional classification, the sensitivity rates of CD‐Sapphire, ADVIA 120, LH 750, and XE‐2100 were 93.1, 95.9, 94.9, and 94.9%, respectively, and the efficiency rates were 80.7, 81.6, 84.1, and 84.2%, respectively. For morphologic classification, the sensitivity rates of CD‐Sapphire, ADVIA 120, LH 750, and XE‐2100 were 88.6, 93.2, 77.3, and 94.3%, respectively, and the efficiency rates were 80.9, 73.0, 79.5, and 74.2%, respectively. Comparing the findings in different morphologic flags, XE‐2100 showed the highest sensitivity for Blasts flag (90.9%); CD‐Sapphire showed the highest sensitivity for Immature granulocytes and/or Left‐shift flag (85.5%); ADVIA 120 showed the highest sensitivity for Atypical lymphocytes flag (60.0%); and LH 750 showed the highest sensitivity for Nucleated RBC flag (75.0%). Our results demonstrate that the four analyzers are comparable in overall performance.
Increased metabolic potential of Rhizobium spp. is associated with bacterial competitiveness
Authors: Wielbo Jerzy , Marek-Kozaczuk Monika , Kubik-Komar Agnieszka , Skorupska Anna 
Published: September 2007

Of 105 rhizobial isolates obtained from nodules of commonly cultivated legumes, we selected 19 strains on the basis of a high rate of symbiotic plant growth promotion. Individual strains within the species Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii , R. leguminosarum bv. viciae , and Rhizobium etli displayed variation not only in plasmid sizes and numbers but also in the chromosomal 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer. The strains were tagged with gusA gene and their competitiveness was examined in relation to an indigenous population of rhizobia under greenhouse conditions. A group of 9 strains was thus isolated that were competitive in relation to native rhizobia in pot experiments. Nineteen selected competitive and uncompetitive strains were examined with respect to their ability to utilize various carbon and energy sources by means of commercial Biolog GN2 microplate test. The ability of the selected strains to metabolize a wide range of nutrients differed markedly and the competitive strains were able to utilize more carbon and energy sources than uncompetitive ones. A major difference concerned the utilization of amino and organic acids, which were metabolized by most of the competitive and only a few uncompetitive strains, whereas sugars and their derivatives were commonly utilized by both groups of strains. A statistically significant correlation between the ability to metabolize a broad range of substrates and nodulation competitiveness was found, indicating that metabolic properties may be an essential trait in determining the competitiveness of rhizobia.
Phenotypic and genetic analysis of Enterobacter spp. from a Brazilian oligotrophic freshwater lake
Authors: Pontes Daniela Santos , Lima-Bittencourt Cláudia Iracema , Azevedo Marcela Santiago Pacheco , Chartone-Souza Edmar , Nascimento Andréa Maria Amaral 
Published: September 2007

We characterized a population of Enterobacter spp. of the Enterobacter cloacae complex isolated from an oligotrophic lake; most isolates were identified as E. cloacae. Fingerprinting polymerase chain reaction (PCR), along with morphological, biochemical, physiological, and plasmid profiles analyses, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, were performed on 22 environmental isolates. Misidentification occurred when using the API 20E identification system. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequences confirmed the close relatedness between species of the E. cloacae complex. The tDNA PCR allowed the differentiation and identification of the E. cloacae isolates. Evaluation of genetic diversity by 16S rDNA sequence, tDNA, internal transcribed spacers, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic concensus profiles revealed nearly identical isolates, although they exhibited different physiological and antimicrobial resistance profiles. Among the Enterobacter isolates, 96% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial; multiple resistance was also found at a high frequency (86%). The antimicrobials against which resistance was found most frequently were β-lactams, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin. Plasmids were found in 21 of the 22 Enterobacter isolates. This confirms the conception that antibiotic resistance can occur in oligotrophic freshwater lake bacteria, which has important implications for public health.