bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal niche‐based mechanisms support a stable coexistence of ants and spiders in an extrafloral nectary‐bearing plant community
Authors: Lange Denise , Calixto Eduardo Soares , Del‐Claro Kleber , Stefani Vanessa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Mechanisms promoting stable coexistence allow multiple species to persist in the same trophic level of a given network of species interactions. One of the most common stabilizing mechanisms of coexistence is niche differentiation, such as temporal and spatial patchiness. To understand the limits of coexistence between species we have to understand the limits of competitive interactions which translate in species exclusion or patterns of non‐co‐occurrence.

We evaluated spatiotemporal niche‐based mechanisms that could promote stable coexistence between ants and spiders which forage on extrafloral nectary (EFN)‐bearing plants. We observed co‐occurrence and overlapping patterns between ants and spiders in a temporal and spatial scale in nine different EFN‐bearing plant species in a Neotropical savanna, using both community and species‐level approach.

Ants and spiders showed asynchrony of their abundances over the year with low temporal overlapping patterns between them (temporal niche specialization). Greater abundance of ants occurred between September and March, whereas greater abundance of spiders occurred between March and August, exactly at the time when the abundance of ants decreases on plants. However, there might also be some levels of temporal overlapping, but then individual ants and spiders occupy different branches (spatial segregation). Finally, we also observed a spatial negative effect of the abundance of ants on the presence of spiders.

Our results suggest that spatiotemporal partitioning between ants and spiders may be one of the potential mechanisms behind a stable coexistence between these two groups of organisms that forage on EFN‐bearing plants in the Brazilian savanna.
Cooperative feeding in common dolphins as suggested by ontogenetic patterns in δ15N bulk and amino acids
Authors: Ruiz‐Cooley Rocio I. , Gerrodette Tim , Chivers Susan J. , Danil Kerri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the effect of stage‐specific traits on species feeding habits can reveal how natural selection shapes life strategies. Amino acid (AA) nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) provide multiple proxies of habitat baseline values and diet that can improve our understanding of species feeding strategies relative to their animal metabolism. We evaluated the effect of body length as a proxy for life stage and sex on the feeding habits of the common dolphinDelphinus delphis delphisusing δ13C and δ15N in bulk tissue and AAs δ15N from skin samples collected for almost two decades.For bulk δ13C and δ15N data, we used SIBER analysis to compare isotopic niches by sex and life stage. For AA δ15N data, we developed a hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM) to estimate indices of trophic status (Δ15N and trophic position). The model reflected the natural hierarchical structure of AA data by partitioning variability into three sources: between laboratory replicates, within dolphins and among dolphins.Estimates of Δ15N based on all trophic and source AAs were more precise for each dolphin, less variable among dolphins and on average 2.4‰ higher than indices based on single trophic (Glx) and source (Phe) AAs. Precision was further increased when information was shared among individuals through random effects or regression models. Estimates of trophic position showed similar patterns. Both Δ15N and δ15Nbulkisotopic niches showed no difference by sex, suggesting that males and females have similar feeding habits and may not segregate. However, lower Δ15N values for weaning calves and smaller juveniles discriminate them from adults, whereas δ15N bulk isotopic niches do not. A trophic discrimination factor (TDFTro‐Src) of 3.1‰ was required for reasonable estimates of trophic position for these dolphins.Together, the lack of δ15N differences between sexes, low variation between juveniles and adults and knowledge of common dolphins' social organization support intraspecific feeding cooperation as an important strategy to feed in the highly dynamic marine environment. Our study also presents an efficient way to analyse complex AA δ15N data using HBM to investigate foraging behaviour in long‐lived marine species difficult to study in the wild.
Staffing levels and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes: Umbrella review and qualitative study
Authors: Blume Kai Svane , Dietermann Karina , Kirchner‐Heklau Uta , Winter Vera , Fleischer Steffen , Kreidl Lisa Maria , Meyer Gabriele , Schreyögg Jonas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo derive a comprehensive list of nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes (NSPOs) from published research on nurse staffing levels and from expert opinion.Data Sources/Study SettingPublished literature reviews and their primary studies analyzing the link between nurse staffing levels and NSPOs and interviews with 16 experts on nursing care.Study DesignUmbrella review and expert interviews.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe screened three electronic databases for literature reviews on the association between nurse staffing levels and NSPOs. After screening 430 potentially relevant records, we included 15 literature reviews, derived a list of 22 unique NSPOs from them, and ranked these in a systematic fashion according to the strength of evidence existing for their association with nurse staffing. We extended this list of NSPOs based on data from expert interviews.Principal FindingsOf the 22 NSPOs discussed in the 15 included literature reviews, we rated the strength of evidence for four as high, for five as moderate, and for 13 outcomes as low. Four additional NSPOs that have not been considered in literature were identified through expert interviews.ConclusionsWe identified strong evidence for a significant association between nurse staffing levels and NSPOs. Our results may guide researchers in selecting NSPOs they might wish to prioritize in future studies. In particular, rarely studied NSPOs as well as NSPOs that were only identified through expert interviews but have not been considered in literature so far should be subject to further research.
Effects of yarn size and blood drop size on wicking and bloodstains in textiles
Authors: Baby Ruksana , Michielsen Stephen , Wu Jiaying 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) for stains found on non‐porous surfaces has matured into a powerful forensic science tool based on fluid mechanics principles. The same cannot be said when bloodstains are found on porous substrates, such as textiles. This is partially due to the complex nature of textiles with tens of thousands of different materials in addition to unknown wear characteristics. In this study, three single jersey knit fabrics were manufactured from 100% cotton ring‐spun yarns of linear densities of 12, 20, and 30 Ne (492, 295, and 197 dtex, respectively) and nearly identical twist multipliers. Single drops of porcine blood of 2, 10, 30, and 60 µL were allowed to fall 1 cm (to eliminate the impact of blood velocity) onto each fabric to understand the effects of yarn size on wicking and bloodstains. The size of the stain was then measured and compared for different fabrics and blood drop sizes. Wicking of blood into the fabric was fastest for the largest yarn fabrics, but more extensive wicking occurred on finer yarn fabrics resulting in much larger stains. All stains were highly altered due to wicking of blood. The findings from this paper might help the forensic scientists in understanding wicking in textiles and comparing stains on different textiles to gain a better understanding of bloodstains on textiles.
Review article: Has the implementation of time‐based targets for emergency department length of stay influenced the quality of care for patients? A systematic review of quantitative literature
Authors: Jones Peter , Haustead Daniel , Walker Katie , Honan Bridget , Gangathimmaiah Vinay , Mitchell Robert , Bissett Ian , Forero Roberto , Martini Ella , Mountain David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTime‐based targets (TBTs) for ED stays were introduced to improve quality of care but criticised as having harmful unintended consequences. The aim of the review was to determine whether implementation of TBTs influenced quality of care. Structured searches in medical databases were undertaken (2000–2019). Studies describing a state, regional or national TBTs that reported processes or outcomes of care related to the target were included. Harvest plots were used to summarise the evidence. Thirty‐three studies (n = 34 million) were included. In some settings, reductions in mortality were seen in ED, in hospital and at 30 days, while in other settings mortality was unchanged. Mortality reductions were seen in the face of increasing age and acuity of presentations, when short‐stay admissions were excluded, and when pre‐target temporal trends were accounted for. ED crowding, time to assessment and admission times reduced. Fewer patients left prior to completing their care and fewer patients re‐presented to EDs. Short‐stay admissions and re‐admissions to wards within 30 days increased. There was conflicting evidence regarding hospital occupancy and ward medical emergency calls, while times to treatment for individual conditions did not change. The evidence for associations was mostly low certainty and confidence in the findings is accordingly low. Quality of care generally improved after targets were introduced and when compliance with targets was high. This depended on how targets were implemented at individual sites or within jurisdictions, with important implications for policy makers, health managers and clinicians.
Granulomatous Crohn's disease follows a more aggressive clinical course?
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Ng Sherwin , Burgess Phillip 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to define and compare the clinical course of granulomatous (GCD) vs non‐granulomatous Crohn's disease (NGCD).MethodologyAll consecutive patients who had undergone small or large bowel resection for Crohn's disease from 2000 to 2008 in a District General Hospital were collated retrospectively for histological evidence of GCD vs NGCD. Patients were assessed using the Montreal classification and data were collected for the number of recurrences requiring hospital admissions, re‐operations and septic complications over a follow‐up period of 10 or more years.ResultsFifty‐four patients were included in the study, 28 had GCD and 26 NGCD. The mean follow up for both groups was 13.5 years. No patients were excluded. Patients with GCD were younger but there were no other differences in age, sex, family history and smoking status. In patients with confirmed granulomata on resectional histology, there was an increased incidence of subsequent intra‐abdominal abscess formation after surgery (P < .05), an increased number of subsequent operations (P < .05) and shorter time to recurrences requiring hospital admissions (P < .05). The granulomatous cohort of patients had an apparent but not significant increased incidence of fistulating disease and stoma formation.ConclusionsThis study showed an increased risk of postoperative complications in patients with granulomatous Crohn's disease. Further studies are required to confirm that presence of granulomas in Crohn's disease is predictive of a poor prognosis and the need for more aggressive medical management.
Whistle signal variations among three Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin populations in the South China Sea: a combined effect of the Qiongzhou Strait's geographical barrier function and local ambient noise?
Authors: YUAN Jing , WANG Zhitao , DUAN Pengxiang , XIAO Yousheng , ZHANG Hongke , HUANG Zhixiong , ZHOU Ruichun , WEN Hua , WANG Kexiong , WANG Ding 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGeographic variations in the dolphin whistles could be useful in assessing association and isolation among populations. Whistle of free‐ranging Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) among the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), Leizhou Bei (LZB) and Sanniang Bay (SNB) populations were investigated. A total of 2850 whistles with legible fundamental contour were extracted and 15 acoustic parameters were measured. Contrary to SNB, PRE and LZB had the same relative proportion of tonal type compositions with flat and sine representing the most frequent types. The generalized linear model analysis showed significant acoustic difference among populations and tonal types. All frequency parameters in SNB were significantly higher than those in PRE and LZB, where no significant variation was observed in most of the parameters either at the population level or within each tonal type. Canonical discriminant functions analysis showed a smaller difference between PRE and LZB than between PRE and SNB and between LZB and SNB. Compared with previous recordings, recent recordings demonstrated a consistent pattern of becoming higher in whistle frequency parameters in both LZB and SNB populations, suggesting that noise pollution in LZB and SNB increasing with time according to the acoustic niche hypothesis. Dolphin whistle's geographic variations could be shaped by the combined function of the geographical barrier function of the Qiongzhou strait and local ambient noise. Considering the isolated condition and the relatively smaller population size of the humpback dolphin in the SNB, more effective and proactive conservation actions should be taken to prevent the extinction of small populations.
A novel fluorescence and DNA combination for versatile, long‐term marking of mosquitoes
Authors: Faiman Roy , Krajacich Benjamin J. , Graber Leland , Dao Adama , Yaro Alpha Seydou , Yossi Ousmane , Sanogo Zana Lamissa , Diallo Moussa , Samaké Djibril , Sylla Daman , Coulibaly Moribo , Kone Salif , Goita Sekou , Coulibaly Mamadou B. , Muratova Olga , McCormack Ashley , Gonçalves Bronner P. , Hume Jennifer , Duffy Patrick , Lehmann Tovi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Current mark–release–recapture methodologies are limited in their ability to address complex problems in vector biology, such as studying multiple groups overlapping in space and time. Additionally, limited mark retention, reduced post‐marking survival and the large effort in marking, collection and recapture all complicate effective insect tracking.

We have developed and evaluated a marking method using a fluorescent dye (SmartWater®) combined with synthetic DNA tags to informatively and efficiently mark adult mosquitoes using an airbrush pump and nebulizer. Using a handheld UV flashlight, the fluorescent marking enabled quick and simple initial detection of recaptures in a field‐ready and non‐destructive approach that when combined with an extraction‐free PCR on individual mosquito legs provides potentially unlimited marking information.

This marking, first tested in the laboratory with Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes, did not affect survival (median ages 24–28 days, p‐adj > 0.25), oviposition (median eggs/female of 28.8, 32.5, 33.3 for water, green, red dyes, respectively, p‐adj > 0.44) or Plasmodium competence (mean oocysts 5.56–10.6, p‐adj > 0.95). DNA and fluorescence had 100% retention up to 3 weeks (longest time point tested) with high intensity, indicating marks would persist longer.

We describe a novel, simple, no/low‐impact and long‐lasting marking method that allows separation of multiple insect subpopulations by combining unlimited length and sequence variation in the synthetic DNA tags. This method can be readily deployed in the field for marking multiple groups of mosquitoes or other insects.
The “walled oases” phenomenon. A study of the ramparts in Dūmat al‐Jandal and other pre‐Islamic sites in north‐western Arabia
Authors: Charloux Guillaume , AlMalki Thamer , AlQaeed Ahmed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present article focuses on a long‐lasting phenomenon that has not yet been treated from a regional and comparative perspective, despite its exceptional character: the walled oases of north‐western Arabia. It appears that several oases in the region (Al‐Ḥuwayyiṭ, Dūmat al‐Jandal, Ḥāʾiṭ, Khaybar, Qurayyah and Taymāʾ) were entirely, or in large part, enclosed by outer walls prior to the Islamic era. These compounds comprised not only densely populated areas but the whole oasis territory, including rural zones and sometimes burial grounds. Measuring several kilometres in length, these immense defensive schemes required considerable investment by indigenous populations for their construction and maintenance until their disuse. According to our research, the walled oases phenomenon in north‐western Arabia originated sometime in the late fourth−early third millennium BCE, possibly inspired by Early Bronze Age southern Levant defensive concepts, and further expanded in connection with the emergence of the trans‐Arabian trade and the caravan kingdoms. These conclusions are based on the detailed technological study of the ramparts of the oasis of Dūmat al‐Jandal and on the analysis of satellite imagery and scientific literature on other sites in north‐western Arabia.
HLH‐30‐dependent rewiring of metabolism during starvation in C. elegans
Authors: Dall Kathrine B. , Havelund Jesper F. , Harvald Eva B. , Witting Michael , Færgeman Nils J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne of the most fundamental challenges for all living organisms is to sense and respond to alternating nutritional conditions in order to adapt their metabolism and physiology to promote survival and achieve balanced growth. Here, we applied metabolomics and lipidomics to examine temporal regulation of metabolism during starvation in wild‐type Caenorhabditis elegans and in animals lacking the transcription factor HLH‐30. Our findings show for the first time that starvation alters the abundance of hundreds of metabolites and lipid species in a temporal‐ and HLH‐30‐dependent manner. We demonstrate that premature death of hlh‐30 animals under starvation can be prevented by supplementation of exogenous fatty acids, and that HLH‐30 is required for complete oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids. We further show that RNAi‐mediated knockdown of the gene encoding carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (cpt‐1) only impairs survival of wild‐type animals and not of hlh‐30 animals. Strikingly, we also find that compromised generation of peroxisomes by prx‐5 knockdown renders hlh‐30 animals hypersensitive to starvation, which cannot be rescued by supplementation of exogenous fatty acids. Collectively, our observations show that mitochondrial functions are compromised in hlh‐30 animals and that hlh‐30 animals rewire their metabolism to largely depend on functional peroxisomes during starvation, underlining the importance of metabolic plasticity to maintain survival.
Identifying Patterns of Alcohol Use and Obesity‐Related Factors Among Emerging Adults: A Behavioral Economic Analysis
Authors: Buscemi Joanna , Acuff Samuel F. , Minhas Meenu , MacKillop James , Murphy James G. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAlthough heavy alcohol consumption and maladaptive eating behaviors have been shown to co‐occur among college students, less is known about the co‐occurrence of these behaviors in a more diverse community‐dwelling, emerging adult sample. The purpose of this study was to: (i) identify classes of emerging adults by their reported alcohol consumption patterns, food addiction symptoms, and body mass index; and (ii) determine whether these classes differed on indices of behavioral economic reinforcer pathology (e.g., environmental reward deprivation, impulsivity, alcohol demand).MethodEmerging adult participants were recruited as part of a study on risky alcohol use (n = 602; 47% white, 41.5% Black; mean age = 22.63, SD = 1.03). Participants completed questionnaires on alcohol and food‐related risk factors and underwent anthropometric assessment.ResultsLatent profile analysis suggested a four‐profile solution: a moderate alcohol severity, overweight profile (Profile 1; n = 424, 70.4%), a moderate alcohol severity, moderate food addiction + obese profile (Profile 2; n = 93, 15.4%), a high alcohol severity, high food addiction + obese profile (Profile 3; n = 44, 7.3%), and a high alcohol severity, overweight profile (Profile 4; n = 41, 6.8%). Individuals in Profile 1 reported significantly lower levels of environmental reward deprivation than either Profile 2 or 3, and participants in Profile 3 reported significantly higher environmental reward deprivation than those in Profile 4 (p < 0.001). Profile 4 demonstrated significantly higher alcohol demand intensity and Omax and lower demand elasticity than Profile 1, Profile 2, or Profile 3. Profile 4 also demonstrated significantly greater proportionate substance‐related reinforcement than Profile 1 (p < 0.001) and Profile 2 (p = 0.004).ConclusionMaladaptive eating patterns and alcohol consumption may share common risk factors for reinforcer pathology including environmental reward deprivation, impulsivity, and elevated alcohol demand.
Evaluating the impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on off‐trade alcohol sales in Scotland: an interrupted time–series study
Authors: Robinson Mark , Mackay Daniel , Giles Lucie , Lewsey Jim , Richardson Elizabeth , Beeston Clare 
Published: March 2021

Background and AimsOn 1 May 2018, Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing (MUP), a strength‐based floor price below which alcohol cannot be sold, across all alcoholic beverages. The legislation contains a sunset clause meaning a comprehensive mixed‐methods evaluation of its impact across a range of outcomes will inform whether it will continue beyond its sixth year. In this study, we assessed the impact of MUP on off‐trade alcohol sales (as a proxy for consumption) after its first year.Design, Setting and ParticipantsControlled interrupted time–series regression was used to assess the impact of MUP on alcohol sales among off‐trade retailers in Scotland in the year after it was introduced, with England and Wales (EW) being the control group. In adjusted analyses, we included household disposable income, on‐trade alcohol sales and substitution between beverage categories as covariates.MeasurementsWeekly data on the volume of pure alcohol sold by off‐trade retailers in Scotland and EW between January 2013 and May 2019, expressed as litres of pure alcohol per adult.FindingsThe introduction of MUP in Scotland was associated with a 3.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.2–4.9%] reduction in off‐trade alcohol sales per adult after adjustment for the best available geographical control, disposable income and substitution. In unadjusted analysis, the introduction of MUP was associated with a 2.0% (95% CI = 0.4–3.6%) reduction in off‐trade alcohol sales per adult in Scotland. In EW, there was a 2.4% (95% CI = 0.8–4.0%) increase during the same time‐period. The reduction in off‐trade alcohol sales in Scotland was driven by reduced sales of spirits, cider and perry beverage categories.ConclusionThe implementation of minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland in 2018 appears to have been associated with a reduction in off‐trade alcohol sales after its first year.