bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous electron microscopic study of sclerodermia diffusa in childhood
Authors: Tabata Hideyuki , Ohtsuka Shun , Yamakage Akio , Yamazaki Soji 
Published: December 2004

A 9‐year‐old Japanese boy presented in July 1994 with gradual skin sclerosis of the extremities and Raynaud's phenomenon of 10 months duration. He had been treated with oral prednisolone after the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the pediatric clinic. He had skin sclerosis with luster on his trunk and extremities (Fig. 1A). His skin score was III and IV, with the exception of his face (I, normal; II, edema; III, edematous sclerosis; IV, skin sclerosis; V, skin atropy). His hands showed finger contracture and he had reticular pigmentation on the back of both hands (Fig. 1B). He had no symptoms of digestive and respiratory organs.Laboratory findings were as follows. Full blood count was almost normal, with the exception of hyper‐eosinophilia (eosinophil, 10%) and anemia (hemoglobin (Hb), 10.1 g/dL). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (24 mm/h) was slightly elevated, but C‐reactive protein was normal. Serum gammaglobulin (32.2%) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) (2960 mg/dL) were at high levels. Creatine kinase was normal (60 IU/L). An immunologic profile showed anti‐nuclear antibody (ANA) × 10,240 and rheumatoid arthritis test × 160. All other immunologic auto‐antibodies were negative. A chest X‐ray and chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed no pulmonary fibrosis. X‐Ray films of the extremities showed no abnormal findings of the joints. The inner pressure of the esophagus was within the normal range. Thermography of the hands showed no abnormal findings. Electromyography was normal. In siaolography, the apple tree sign was positive. A skin biopsy was prepared from his forearm. Fibrotic changes, including massiveness and homogenization of the collagen fibers in the dermis, were observed (Fig. 2A). Colloidal iron stain showed increased acid mucopolysaccharides in intercollagenous spaces. In the fascia under the fatty tissue, the same hypertrophic change in the collagen fibers and lymphocytic infiltration were seen (Fig. 2B). With an elastica stain, elastic fibers in the dermis and those in the fascia showed different distribution patterns. In the dermis, elastic fibers seemed to be reduced in size, granulated, and fragmented (Fig. 2C). In contrast, in the fascia, they were hypertrophic and band‐like (Fig. 2D). From the clinical findings, laboratory profile, and histologic characteristics, our patient was diagnosed as having sclerodermia diffusa (SDD) with sclerodermatous fasciitis (SF).In order to examine the morphologic abnormality of the fragmented elastic fibers in the dermis, we observed them electron microscopically. Their structures were coarse and rough. Microfibrils were irregularly arranged and amorphous materials were not homogeneous (Fig. 3A). They showed vacuolization and irregular deposition of microfibrillar dense zones (Fig. 3B). Other noticeable findings were network‐like structures observed in the dermis (Fig. 3C).
Nevus lipomatosus superficialis on the face
Authors: Park Hong Jin , Park Chul Jong , Yi Jong Yuk , Kim Tae Yoon , Kim Chung Won 
Published: December 2004

A 17‐year‐old woman presented with asymptomatic, multiple plaques around the right mandibular area of the face extending from the cheek to the neck. These lesions had gradually increased in size and number for 8 years, and then were stationary. When she came to us, there were a few skin‐colored or pale yellowish papules and plaques ranging from 0.2 to 1 cm in diameter (Fig. 1). The patient stated that initially the papules developed discretely, and then these papules were confluent and grouped slowly with new lesions. The most recent lesions were skin‐colored papules which were soft to the touch, the older lesions were yellowish plaques with firm consistency and a smooth shiny surface. The patient's general condition had been good at the initial visit and the laboratory findings including blood cell counts, urinalysis, and routine blood chemistry tests were all within normal limits. A roentgenogram of the mandibular area did not reveal any significant findings. The presumptive clinical diagnosis of connective tissue nevus was made.Histologic examination of biopsy specimen taken from the neck showed lobules of fat cells embedded among the collagen bundles at the level of papillary dermis and collagen bundles were proliferated irregularly (Fig. 2). The individual fat cells were mature and of normal size. The lobules were not encapsulated and did not communicate with the subcutaneous fat tissue. The epidermal changes of the lesions consisted of mild hyperkeratosis with follicular plugging and slightly increased numbers of capillaries were observed around the dermal fat cells (Fig. 3). Therefore, it was diagnosed as nevus lipomatosus superficialis (NLS) which developed multiple lesions very rarely on the face. After surgical removal of the lesion, no evidence of recurrence has been observed 1 year postoperatively.
A consultation with Canadian rural women with breast cancer
Authors: Gray Ross E. , James Pamela , Manthorne Jackie , Gould Judy , Fitch Margaret I. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  Relatively little research has been carried out on the health and supportive care needs of rural women living with breast cancer. In this study, results from a Canadian focus group study are used to highlight issues of importance to rural women.Setting and participants  A total of 276 rural women with breast cancer divided into 17 focus groups participated in the study conducted across Canada. A standardized protocol for discussion was employed. Issues of access to information, support and services were discussed, with women describing their experiences in trying to find appropriate programmes and services.Main results  The major theme identified through analysis of qualitative data was ‘becoming aware of and/or gaining access to health care information, support and services.’ Other major themes included: (1) dealing with isolation; (2) having to travel; (3) feeling the financial burden and (4) coping with changing work.Conclusions  Rural women with breast cancer have supportive care challenges related to their circumstances. A series of recommendations were generated through the consultation process which are contributing to the development of a national strategy focusing on the development and extension of programmes for rural women with breast cancer. Although the research on the project was not to specified standards, and suffered from less attention than community capacity building and advocacy, it proved to be of worth and revealed potential benefits from collaborations between researchers and community organizations.
Patient‐friendly hospital environments: exploring the patients’ perspective
Authors: Douglas Calbert H. , Douglas Mary R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  To investigate the perceptions and attitudes of patients to the built environments of NHS Trust hospitals, in order to inform design excellence so as to make future hospitals places and spaces responsive to patient needs.Design  An exploratory study of patients perceptions based on qualitative semi‐structured personal interviews.Setting and participants  Fifty one‐to‐one interviews held with hospital in‐patients across the four directorates of surgery, medicine, care of the elderly and maternity at Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford, UK.Results  The research found that there was much similarity in the priorities, issues and concerns raised by patients in each of the four directorates. Patients perceived the built environment of the hospital as a supportive environment. Their accounts in each area pointed to the significance of the factors that immediately impacted on them and their families. Patients identified having a need for personal space, a homely welcoming atmosphere, a supportive environment, good physical design, access to external areas and provision of facilities for recreation and leisure. Responses suggest that patient attitudes and perceptions to the built environment of hospital facilities relates to whether the hospital provides a welcoming homely space for themselves and their visitors that promotes health and wellbeing.Conclusions  The findings have important implications for capital development teams, clinical staff, managers and NHS Estates personnel. Although the study has immediate relevance for Salford Royal Hospitals Trust, findings and recommendations reported provide NHS Estates and other relevant stakeholders with evidence‐based knowledge and understanding of patients’ perceptions and expectations of and preferences for particular facilities and estates provision in NHS hospitals.
The influence of variation and of developmental constraints on the rate of multivariate phenotypic evolution
Authors: Wagner G. P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA model of multivariate phenotypic evolution is analysed under the assumption that all characters have the same variance or at least constant ratios of variance. The rate of evolution is examined as a function of the amount of phenotypic variance in a variety of adaptive landscapes (fitness functions). It is demonstrated that the effect of variation depends on the type of adaptive landscape. In “well behaved” adaptive landscapes the rate of evolution can theoretically increase without limits, depending on the amount of heritable phenotypic variation. However, in other adaptive landscapes there are upper limits to the rate of evolution which cannot be exceeded if phenotypic variation is developmentally unconstrained, i. e. if it is the same for all characters. Further it is shown that the maximal rate of evolution becomes small if the number of characters becomes large. Fitness functions of this type are called malignant. It is argued that malignant fitness functions are more adequate models for the evolution of typical organismic systems, because they are models of functionally interdependent characters. It is concluded that there are upper limits to the rate of phenotypic evolution if the variation of functionally interdependent characters is developmentally unconstrained. The possible role of developmental constraints in adaptive phenotypic evolution is discussed.
Recombination and the immortality of the germ line
Authors: Bell Graham 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAsexual populations irreversibly accumulate mildly deleterious mutations through the occasional stochastic loss of their least‐loaded line, a process known as “Muller's Ratchet”. This paper explores the dynamics of this process, and the role of recombination in halting the Ratchet. Simulation studies show that an optimal class comprising no individuals is lost in about 10no generations, implying that adaptedness may deteriorate rather rapidly in geological time. Asexual organisms will persist only if they are very numerous, or if they have very small genomes, or if there is extensive negative interaction among nonallelic mutations. Otherwise, long‐term persistence requires that unloaded genomes be continually generated by recombination. An approximate expression for the rate of recombination needed to halt the Ratchet is developed, and shows that substantial recombination is necessary in populations of fewer than about 1010 individuals. A further complication is introduced by mutations in sequences which specify proofreading enzymes. Since these will reduce the fidelity of their own replication, a process of positive feedback leading to an ever‐accelerating loss of function is conceivable.
Reproductive correlates of mating system variation in Eichhornia paniculata (Spreng.) Solms (Pontederiaceae)
Authors: Morgan Martin T. , Barrett Spencer C. H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractComparative studies of related plant species indicate that evolutionary shifts in mating systems are accompanied by changes in reproductive attributes such as flower size, floral morphology, and pollen/ovule ratio. Recent theoretical work suggests that patterns of investment in reproduction should also change with the mating system. In a glasshouse study, we investigated the extent to which mating system differences among populations of Eichhornia paniculata (Pontederiaceae) were correlated with changes in allocation to male and female function, floral display, and the regulation of investment in reproduction through fruit and ovule abortion.Significant differences in the amount of biomass allocated to reproductive structures were evident among six populations of E. paniculata. As predicted by sex allocation theory, the proportion of dry weight allocated to male function decreased with the outcrossing rate of populations. Six of the eight attributes used to characterize floral display also differed significantly among populations. However, with the exception of two attributes describing the number of flowers produced by inflorescences, these were not correlated with outcrossing rate. Levels of fruit and ovule abortion were determined in two populations with contrasting mating systems under different nutrient and pollination treatments. Virtually all fruits initiated by plants from a self‐fertilizing population were matured, while the amount of fruit abortion in an outcrossing population increased with flower production. Ovule abortion was low in both populations. Our results demonstrate that the evolution of self‐fertilization in E. paniculata is associated with changes in investment to reproduction that normally distinguish selfing and outcrossing species.
Density limits and survival of local populations in 64 carabid species with different powers of dispersal
Authors: Den Boer P. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPatterns of density fluctuations and survival times were estimated for the 64 most abundant carabid species, sampled continuously over 23 years with pitfalls in 89 sites in Drenthe (The Netherlands). I show that for most carabid populations density fluctuated between years, either randomly or between wider bounds than expected with random fluctuations. This was true for all groups, not just those occupying temporary habitats. I discuss the selective processes connected with dispersal (flight) abilities inside and outside populations of species occupying different kinds of habitat, and conclude that under natural conditions the powers of dispersal usually favour an optimal chance of survival of the species; this fits Wright's shifting balance model. Under cultivation, stable habitats have been drastically reduced and fragmented, so that local populations have become highly isolated and the risk of extinction is no longer spread over local groups. This has accelerated selection against dispersal features in isolated populations, so that species with low powers of dispersal apparently can no longer compensate for population extinctions by (re)foundings. Without adequate measures such species are doomed in these areas. Our work leads us to the conclusion that the current ideas on regulation of numbers and on group selection do not adequately describe the situation.
Evolutionary changes of heterogametic sex in the phylogenetic history of amphibians
Authors: Hillis David M. , Green David M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA survey of sex‐determining systems in amphibians revealed widespread variation in the heterogametic sex and the extent of sex chromosome differentiation. Systems of sex determination have now been resolved in 63 species of salamanders and frogs. Species with ZW female heterogamety, OW female heterogamety, and XY male heterogamety have all been reported. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that the ancestral state for amphibians was female heterogamety. XY/XX sex determination has evolved independently at least seven times, whereas there is only one case in which the data suggest that male heterogamety has subsequently reversed to female heterogamety. Differentiation of heteromorphic sex chromosomes in Amphibia has occured repeatedly. A model of an ancestral two‐locus sex‐determination mechanism, based on the findings of the phylogenic analysis and the condition found in the primitive frog Leiopelma hochstetteri, allows a recessive mutation to result in the eventual acquisition of male heterogamety. Reversal to female heterogamety requires de novo evolution of a functional control locus under the model. The model is consistent with all information on sex determination in amphibians, and explains the observed bias in evolution from ZW/ZZ to XY/XX systems.
Multi‐residue gaps, a class of molecular characters with exceptional reliability for phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Lloyd David G. , Calder Victoria L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractQualitative methods of obtaining phylogenies seek distinct classes of characters that collectively are common, yet individually are insufficiently improbable that they provide reliable indications of monophyly. Multi‐residue gaps (insertions or deletions) in DNA and protein sequences are easily recognised and are available in diverse organisms and loci. They are likely to experience few homoplasies, because these require two separate events to be matched in both starting position and length. Two tests of the ability of multi‐residue gaps to recognise clades are conducted. (1) Among the 10.76 kb of noncoding DNA sequences from the ψη‐globin region of 5 primates, there are 7 analysable multi‐nucleotide gaps. These provide a corroborated and noncontradictory, fully resolved gene tree of hominoids. (2) Among the 35 amino acid sequences of globin chains available in 1978, there are 9 nonoverlapping multi‐amino acid gaps. These indicate 8 noncontradictory divisions that agree with recognised taxa and gene categories. In the 412 realigned globin sequences available in 1989, 8 of the gaps are still analysable. These show a maximum of two homoplasies among the 8 × 412 = 3296 species‐characters. Multi‐residue gaps have a high potential to indicate clades. They could be used to reduce the computing labour required in a quantitative study or pooled from different data sets to examine particularly important or difficult phylogenetic questions.
Sex differences in recombination
Authors: Burt Austin , Bell Graham , Harvey Paul H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOne of the stronger empirical generalizations to emerge from the study of genetic systems is that achiasmate meiosis, which has evolved 25–30 times, is always restricted to the heterogametic sex in dioecious species, usually the male. Here we collate data on quantitative sex differences in chiasma frequency from 54 species (4 hermaphroditic flatworms, 18 dioecious insects and vertebrates and 32 hermaphroditic plants) to test whether similar trends hold. Though significant sex differences have been observed within many species, only the Liliaceae show a significant sexual dimorphism in chiasma frequency across species, with more crossing over in embryo mother cells than in pollen mother cells; chiasma frequencies are unrelated to sex and gamety in all other higher taxa studied. Further, the magnitude of sexual dimorphism, independent of sign, does not differ among the three main ecological groups (dioecious animals, plants, and hermaphroditic animals), contrary to what would be expected if it reflected sex‐specific selection on recombination. These results indicate that the strong trends for achiasmate meiosis do not apply to quantitative sex differences in recombination, and contradict theories of sex‐specific costs and benefits. An alternative hypothesis suggests that sex differences may be more‐or‐less neutral, selection determining only the mean rate of recombination. While male and female chiasma frequencies are more similar than would be expected under complete neutrality, a less absolute form of the hypothesis is more difficult to falsify. In female mice the sex bivalent has more chiasmata for its length than the autosomes, perhaps compensating for the absence of recombination in males. Finally, we observe that chiasma frequencies in males and females are positively correlated across species, validating the use of only one sex in comparative studies of recombination.
Floral variation in Eichhornia paniculata (Spreng.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) II. Effects of development and environment on the formation of selfing flowers
Authors: Barrett Spencer C. H. , Harder Lawrence D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractGenotypes of the mid‐styled morph of tristylous Eichhornia paniculata (Spreng.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) exhibit developmental instability in the position of short‐level stamens under both field and glasshouse conditions. Elongation of one of the stamens to a position adjacent to the stigma results in automatic self‐pollination of flowers. This modification initiates subsequent changes to floral morphology leading to the evolution of predominant self‐fertilization in E. paniculata. The influence of genetic, developmental and environmental factors on the expression of stamen instability was investigated in experiments with genotypes from two populations from northeast Brazil and interpopulation hybrids. Genotypes from the three sources differed significantly in the degree and pattern of stamen instability expressed under uniform growing conditions. Significant position effects in the production of modified flowers were detected among genotypes using logistic regression techniques. Modified flowers were most frequently produced on later inflorescence branches in the flowering sequence and at proximal flower positions within an inflorescence branch. However, these patterns were complex, varying among genotypes and experimental conditions. Stamen modification increased in clones grown under water stress or at high temperature, demonstrating a significant environmental component to floral instability.
Morphological and growth rate differences among outcrossing and self‐pollinating races of Arenaria uniflora (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Hill J. P. , Lord E. M. , Shaw R. G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPopulations of Arenaria uniflora exhibit intraspecific variation in floral size and degree of protandry in association with the evolution of self‐pollination. Heterochrony, or a simple change in the absolute timing or rate of developmental events, is proposed as the evolutionary mechanism underlying the origin of the small, self‐pollinating flowers from their large, outcrossing progenitors. Inflorescence growth in two autogamous populations and their related outcrossing progenitors was studied to provide the temporal data necessary for testing the hypothesis of heterochrony. All four races showed significant variation in the growth and mature length of inflorescence organs. Inflorescences of selfing races were smaller, and had slower relative growth rates and a two‐fold increase in the plastochron relative to outcrossing populations. The large‐flowered races were both significantly protandrous. A more detailed growth analysis of flower development in two races indicated that the selfing flowers develop at a slower rate and for a longer duration relative to outcrossing flowers. The implications of these temporal changes in floral ontogeny for the heterochronic origin of self‐pollinating floral forms are considered.