bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of psychiatric disorder and the wish to hasten death
among terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: KELLY BRIAN J. , PELUSI DAN , BURNETT PAUL C. , VARGHESE FRANCIS T. 
Published: April 2005

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of psychiatric
disorder among a group of terminally ill cancer patients with or without a
wish to hasten death (WTHD).Methods: Consecutive patient referrals to a hospice inpatient
unit, home palliative care service, and hospital palliative
care-consulting service were recruited. A group of these patients
(n = 56) consented to participate in a structured clinical
interview (SCID) to identify the presence of psychiatric diagnoses.
Patients were categorised into those with or without a wish to hasten
death.Results: Current major depressive episode and adjustment
disorder were the most prevalent disorders in this group of patients.
Patients with a high WTHD were significantly more likely to have a current
major depressive episode compared to patients with no WTHD. Patients with
a high WTHD were also significantly more likely to have a past major
depressive episode compared to patients with no WTHD.Significance of results: These results support the view that
terminally ill patients with a high WTHD are significantly more likely to
be suffering from a depressive disorder as assessed by a structured
clinical interview. This has important clinical implications for those
caring for dying patients who may make a request to hasten death.
Common chromosomal fragile site FRA16D mutation in cancer cells
Authors: Finnis Merran , Dayan Sonia , Hobson Lynne , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Friend Kathryn , Ried Karin , Venter Deon , Woollatt Erica , Baker Elizabeth , Richards Robert I. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Neither the molecular basis for common fragile site DNA instability nor the contribution of this form of chromosomal instability to cancer is clearly understood. Fragile site FRA16D (16q23.2) is within regions of frequent loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) in breast and prostate cancers, is associated with homozygous deletions in various adenocarcinomas and t(14;16) chromosomal translocations in multiple myeloma. The FOR (WWOX) gene spans FRA16D and encodes a partner of p53 that also has a role in apoptosis. Previously untested 53 cancer cell lines were screened for deletions within the FOR/WWOX gene. Deletions were detected in Co115, KM12C and KM12SM. Homozygous deletions in these and two previously identified tumour cell lines were intragenic on both alleles, indicating a distinct mutation mechanism from that causing LOH. Identical FRA16D deletions in two cell lines (one derived from the primary carcinoma and the other from a secondary metastasis) demonstrate that FRA16D DNA instability can be an early, transient event. Sequence analysis across one deletion locates one endpoint within a polymorphic AT-dinucleotide repeat and the other adjacent to an AT-rich mini-satellite repeat implicating AT-rich repeats in FRA16D DNA instability. Another deletion is associated with de novo repetition of the 9 bp AT-rich sequence at one of the deletion endpoints. FRA16D deleted cells retain cytogenetic fragile site expression indicating that the deletions are susceptible sites for breakage rather than regions that confer fragility. Most cell lines with FRA16D homozygous deletions also have FRA3B deletions, therefore common fragile sites represent highly susceptible genome-wide targets for a distinct form of mutation.
Cone topography and spectral sensitivity in two potentially trichromatic marsupials, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) and quenda (Isoodon obesulus)
Authors: Arrese Catherine A , Oddy Alison Y , Runham Philip B , Hart Nathan S , Shand Julia , Hunt David M , Beazley Lyn D 
Published: April 2005

The potential for trichromacy in mammals, thought to be unique to primates, was recently discovered in two Australian marsupials. Whether the presence of three cone types, sensitive to short- (SWS), medium- (MWS) and long- (LWS) wavelengths, occurs across all marsupials remains unknown. Here, we have investigated the presence, distribution and spectral sensitivity of cone types in two further species, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) and quenda (Isoodon obesulus). Immunohistochemistry revealed that SWS cones in the quokka are concentrated in dorso-temporal retina, while in the quenda, two peaks were identified in naso-ventral and dorso-temporal retina. In both species, MWS/LWS cone spatial distributions matched those of retinal ganglion cells. Microspectrophotometry (MSP) confirmed that MWS and LWS cones are spectrally distinct, with mean wavelengths of maximum absorbance at 502 and 538 nm in the quokka, and at 509 and 551 nm, in the quenda. Although small SWS cone outer segments precluded MSP measurements, molecular analysis identified substitutions at key sites, accounting for a spectral shift from ultraviolet in the quenda to violet in the quokka.The presence of three cone types, along with previous findings in the fat-tailed dunnart and honey possum, suggests that three spectrally distinct cone types are a feature spanning the marsupials.
Measuring the extent and effectiveness of protected areas as an indicator for meeting global biodiversity targets
Authors: Chape S , Harrison J , Spalding M , Lysenko I 
Published: April 2005

There are now over 100 000 protected areas worldwide, covering over 12% of the Earth's land surface. These areas represent one of the most significant human resource use allocations on the planet. The importance of protected areas is reflected in their widely accepted role as an indicator for global targets and environmental assessments.However, measuring the number and extent of protected areas only provides a unidimensional indicator of political commitment to biodiversity conservation. Data on the geographic location and spatial extent of protected areas will not provide information on a key determinant for meeting global biodiversity targets: ‘effectiveness’ in conserving biodiversity. Although tools are being devised to assess management effectiveness, there is no globally accepted metric.Nevertheless, the numerical, spatial and geographic attributes of protected areas can be further enhanced by investigation of the biodiversity coverage of these protected areas, using species, habitats or biogeographic classifications.This paper reviews the current global extent of protected areas in terms of geopolitical and habitat coverage, and considers their value as a global indicator of conservation action or response. The paper discusses the role of the World Database on Protected Areas and collection and quality control issues, and identifies areas for improvement, including how conservation effectiveness indicators may be included in the database to improve the value of protected areas data as an indicator for meeting global biodiversity targets.
Putting your sons in the right place: the spatial distribution of fig wasp offspring inside figs
Authors: Zavodna M. , Compton S. G. , Biere A. , Gilmartin P. M. , Van Damme J. M. M. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract. 1. Pollinating fig wasps (Hymenoptera, Agaonidae) display sex ratio adjustment, producing less female‐biased combined sex ratios as the number of ovipositing females (foundresses) inside a fig increases. Because males have low mobility, the oviposition sites (galled ovules) chosen by each foundress are likely to have consequences for the mating structure of wasp populations within the figs.2. In this study, the spatial location of male and female progeny of the pollinating fig waspLiporrhopalum tentacularisdeveloping within figs of its host plantFicus montanawas examined to investigate two questions: (i) are male and/or female wasp offspring clustered together or interspersed? and (ii) is their distribution affected by whether one or two foundresses are present? Microsatellite markers were used to identify the progeny of different foundresses in dual‐foundress figs.3. More offspring developed in the central part of the figs, compared with the ostiolar and basal parts, irrespective of foundress number. Neither male nor female wasp offspring were clustered within a fig.4. The sons of the second foundress to enter a fig were positioned at similar minimum distances to both sibling and non‐sibling females, whereas the sons of the first foundress were closer to their sibling females than to non‐sibling females. If male wasps mate predominantly with females in adjacent galls, then the positioning of sons by the second foundresses is beneficial for them both in terms of reduced sibling mating and because they are provided with ready access to the female progeny of the first foundress.
Does intraspecific size variation in bumblebees allow colonies to efficiently exploit different flowers?
Authors: Peat J. , Tucker J. , Goulson D. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract.  1. It has long been known that foraging bumblebee workers vary greatly in size, within species, and within single nests. This phenomenon has not been adequately explained. Workers of their relatives within the Apidae exhibit much less size variation.2. For the bumblebee Bombus terrestris size, as measured by thorax width, was found to correspond closely with tongue length, so that larger bees are equipped to feed from deeper flowers.3. The mean size of worker bees attracted to flowers was found to differ between plant species, and larger bees with longer tongues tended to visit deeper flowers.4. Finally, handling time depended on the match between corolla depth and tongue length: large bees were slower than small bees when handling shallow flowers, but quicker than small bees when handling deep flowers.5. Size variation within bumblebees may be adaptive, since it enables the colony as a whole to efficiently exploit a range of different flowers. Possible explanations for the marked differences in size variation exhibited by bumblebees compared with Apis species and stingless bees (Meliponinae) are discussed.
Patterns of species richness for blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions
Authors: McCreadie John W. , Adler Peter H. , Hamada Neusa 
Published: April 2005

Abstract.  1. Patterns of simuliid species richness were examined over a variety of scales at 532 stream sites in the Nearctic (394) and Neotropical (138) regions. In Nearctic streams, species richness of immature blackflies both within and across ecoregions and over two seasons was examined. Stream variables at each site included seston, width, depth, velocity, discharge, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, dominant streambed‐particle size, canopy cover, and riparian vegetation. These variables were subjected to a principal component analysis and derived principal components were related back to richness, using regression analysis. At the level of the stream reach, richness was not highly correlated with single‐point measurements of stream conditions.2. Using data from both Nearctic and Neotropical sites, the effect of regional richness on local richness was examined. As regional richness increased, local diversity reached an asymptote in which further increases in regional richness were not matched by increases in local richness. Hence, simuliid communities are best described as saturated (type II) communities, consistent with the current view of lotic communities as non‐equilibrium systems.3. The well‐established pattern of greater species richness in tropical regions was not observed in this study. To the contrary, blackfly richness is higher in temperate streams than in tropical streams at both local and regional scales.
Indomethacin‐induced ileitis is associated with tensiometric, vascular and oxidative changes in the experimental rat model
Authors: Piepoli A. L. , De Salvatore G. , De Salvia M. A. , Mitolo C. I. , Siro‐Brigiani G. , Marzullo A. , Grattagliano I. , Mitolo‐Chieppa D. , Palasciano G. , Portincasa P. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Indomethacin‐induced enteritis is a model of inflammatory bowel disease.Materials and methods  To further characterize this model, rats received two injections of indomethacin (7·5 mg kg−1) 24 h apart and histological damage of intestinal mucosa, oxidative stress, alterations of intestinal motility and mesenteric vascular bed (MVB) reactivity were investigated after 5 days.Results  The results show that indomethacin caused several histological and functional changes at the ileal level. In particular, response to carbachol as well as the nonadrenergic‐noncholinergic inhibitory response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) was lower in the treated than control rats. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO)‐component of the inhibitory response was higher in the treated than control rats. Mesenteric vessels preparations from the treated rats showed increased noradrenaline (NA)‐induced perfusion pressure, whereas relaxant responses to acetylcholine, although not significantly reduced in the treated rats, had a higher nitrergic component. This finding suggests that vascular dysfunction may contribute to chronic inflammation. Indomethacin injection also determined acute and severe oxidative stress in ileum mucosa.Conclusions  In conclusion, our study contributes to further characterize the rat model of indomethacin‐induced enteritis and suggests that it is suitable for drug screening in rats, as this model can be obtained in a very short period and is simple and reproducible.
Does C‐reactive protein identify a subclinical metabolic disease in healthy subjects?
Authors: Bo S. , Gambino R. , Uberti B. , Mangiameli M. P. , Colosso G. , Repetti E. , Gentile L. , Cassader M. , Pagano G. F. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels are significant predictors of subsequent diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MS). Owing the strong correlations between components of the MS and obesity with hs‐CRP levels, previous studies about the associations of hs‐CRP with insulin resistance might have been confounded by the inclusion of overweight or dysmetabolic subjects.Design  Our aim was to evaluate the associations between hs‐CRP levels and fasting insulin and insulin resistance (evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment: HOMA IR) in a subgroup of subjects with normal body mass index (BMI) and without any metabolic abnormalities. Out of a cohort of 1658 middle‐aged subjects, representative of the local sanitary districts of the province of Asti (north‐western Italy) enrolled for metabolic screening: 241 (14·5%) showed normal BMI, glucose tolerance, blood pressure and waist values and no dyslipidaemia.Results  In this subgroup of subjects, those with hs‐CRP levels ≥ 3 mg L−1 showed significantly higher median insulin and HOMA‐IR values (respectively: 20·4 vs. 6·0 pmol L−1, and 0·8 vs. 0·2 µU mL−1× mmol L−1). In a multiple regression model, insulin and insulin resistance remained significantly and independently related to hs‐CRP levels, after adjustments for age, sex, BMI, waist, alcohol consumption, level of physical activity and smoking habits. Very few individuals within lower fasting insulin quartiles showed hs‐CRP values ≥ 3 mg L−1 when compared with approximately 60% of those within the highest quartile.Conclusions  The novel finding is that a state of low‐grade systemic inflammation is present in normal BMI subjects who show subclinical insulin resistance but no other metabolic abnormalities.
Cancer immunotherapy by fusions of dendritic and tumour cells and rh‐IL‐12
Authors: Homma S. , Kikuchi T. , Ishiji N. , Ochiai K. , Takeyama H. , Saotome H. , Sagawa Y. , Hara E. , Kufe D. , Ryan J. L. , Ohno T. , Toda G. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Vaccination with fusion cells (FCs) comprising dendritic cells and tumour cells as well as administration of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) showed a significant therapeutic effect against established tumours in mouse experimental models. We conducted immunotherapy against various malignant tumours using the FCs and rhIL‐12, and investigated the safety and efficacy of the therapy.Materials and methods  Patients’ DCs were mixed with autologous irradiated tumour cells and treated with 50% polyethylene glycol to generate FCs. The FCs were inoculated intradermally, and then 30 ng kg−1 of rhIL‐12 was injected at the same sites 2 and 6 days later. This process was carried out as one cycle, and three of these cycles were repeated at 1‐week intervals to comprise one course. After completing the course, its safety and therapeutic effects were estimated.Results  The most frequently observed adverse event was fever, observed in 26% of patients in the first cycle. Decrease in white blood cell and an increase in serum ALT were observed in 28% and 25%, respectively. Three out of 12 patients with a malignant brain tumour (25%) achieved a partial response (PR), but other patients with a malignant tumour showed no regression of their tumours. Thirteen out of 16 patients with a brain tumour (81%) showed cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity responses. However, only one of 16 patients (6%) with a malignant tumour other than a brain tumour developed such responses.Conclusions  Immunotherapy using a FC vaccine and rhIL‐12 induced no serious adverse reactions, and provided good therapeutic responses in some of the patients with a brain tumour.
A new statistical tool to predict phenology under climate change scenarios
Authors: Gienapp Phillip , Hemerik Lia , Visser Marcel E. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractClimate change will likely affect the phenology of trophic levels differently and thereby disrupt the phenological synchrony between predators and prey. To predict this disruption of the synchrony under different climate change scenarios, good descriptive models for the phenology of the different species are necessary. Many phenological models are based on regressing the observed phenological event against temperatures measured over a fixed period. This is problematic, especially when used for future predictions because the paradoxical situation could arise that the phenological event occurs before the period over which temperature is measured. Such models are unable to predict population variation in phenology. Here, we propose a ‘proportional hazards model’ to describe phenology and illustrate it with an example from breeding time in birds. This type of model circumvents the above‐mentioned problems and is generally applicable for describing phenology, which is essential when assessing the ecological impact of climate change.
The response of Alaskan arctic tundra to experimental warming: differences between short‐ and long‐term responses
Authors: Hollister Robert D. , Webber Patrick J. , Tweedie Craig E. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGlobal climate models predict continued rapid warming for most of the Arctic throughout the next century. To further understand the response of arctic tundra to climate warming, four sites in northern Alaska were warmed for five to seven consecutive growing seasons using open‐top chambers. Sites were located in dry heath and wet meadow communities near Barrow (71°18′N, 156°40′W) and Atqasuk (70°29′N, 157°25′W). Change in plant community composition was measured using a point frame method. During the period of observation, species richness declined in control plots by up to 2.7 species plot−1. Responses to warming varied by site but similar trends included increased canopy height (−0.1 to 2.3 cm) and relative cover of standing dead plant matter (1.5–6.0%) and graminoids (1.8–5.8%) and decreased species diversity (0.1–1.7 species plot−1) and relative cover of lichens (0.2–9.1%) and bryophytes (1.4–4.6%) (parentheses enclose the range of average values for the sites). The response to warming was separated into an initial short‐term response assessed after two growing seasons of warming and a secondary longer‐term response assessed after an additional three to five growing seasons of warming. The initial responses to warming were similar in the four sites, while the secondary responses varied by site. The response to warming was greater at Barrow than Atqasuk because of a greater initial response at Barrow. However, the long‐term response to warming was projected to be greater at Atqasuk because of a greater secondary response at Atqasuk. These findings show that predictions of vegetation change due to climate warming based on manipulative experiments will differ depending on both the duration and plant community on which the study focuses.
Vegetation responses in Alaskan arctic tundra after 8 years of a summer warming and winter snow manipulation experiment
Authors: Wahren C.‐H. A. , Walker M. D. , Bret‐Harte M. S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractWe used snow fences and small (1 m2) open‐topped fiberglass chambers (OTCs) to study the effects of changes in winter snow cover and summer air temperatures on arctic tundra. In 1994, two 60 m long, 2.8 m high snow fences, one in moist and the other in dry tundra, were erected at Toolik Lake, Alaska. OTCs paired with unwarmed plots, were placed along each experimental snow gradient and in control areas adjacent to the snowdrifts. After 8 years, the vegetation of the two sites, including that in control plots, had changed significantly. At both sites, the cover of shrubs, live vegetation, and litter, together with canopy height, had all increased, while lichen cover and diversity had decreased. At the moist site, bryophytes decreased in cover, while an increase in graminoids was almost entirely because of the response of the sedgeEriophorum vaginatum. These community changes were consistent with results found in studies of responses to warming and increased nutrient availability in the Arctic. However, during the time period of the experiment, summer temperature did not increase, but summer precipitation increased by 28%. The snow addition treatment affected species abundance, canopy height, and diversity, whereas the summer warming treatment had few measurable effects on vegetation. The interannual temperature fluctuation was considerably larger than the temperature increases within OTCs (<2°C), however. Snow addition also had a greater effect on microclimate by insulating vegetation from winter wind and temperature extremes, modifying winter soil temperatures, and increasing spring run‐off. Most increases in shrub cover and canopy height occurred in the medium snow‐depth zone (0.5–2 m) of the moist site, and the medium to deep snow‐depth zone (2–3 m) of the dry site. At the moist tundra site, deciduous shrubs, particularlyBetula nana, increased in cover, while evergreen shrubs decreased. These differential responses were likely because of the larger production to biomass ratio in deciduous shrubs, combined with their more flexible growth response under changing environmental conditions. At the dry site, where deciduous shrubs were a minor part of the vegetation, evergreen shrubs increased in both cover and canopy height. These changes in abundance of functional groups are expected to affect most ecological processes, particularly the rate of litter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and both soil carbon and nitrogen pools. Also, changes in canopy structure, associated with increases in shrub abundance, are expected to alter the summer energy balance by increasing net radiation and evapotranspiration, thus altering soil moisture regimes.