bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate and atmospheric change impacts on sap‐feeding herbivores: a mechanistic explanation based on functional groups of primary metabolites
Authors: Ryalls James M. W. , Moore Ben D. , Riegler Markus , Bromfield Lisa M. , Hall Aidan A. G. , Johnson Scott N. 
Published: July 2016

Summary

Global climate and atmospheric change are widely predicted to affect many ecosystems. Herbivorous insects account for 25% of the planet's species so their responses to environmental change are pivotal to how future ecosystems will function. Atmospheric change affects feeding guilds differently, however, with sap‐feeding herbivores consistently identified as net beneficiaries of predicted increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (eCO2). The mechanistic basis for these effects remains largely unknown, and our understanding about how multiple environmental changes, acting in tandem, shape plant–insect interactions is incomplete.

This study investigated how increases in temperature (eT) and eCO2 affected the performance of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) via changes in amino acid concentrations in the model legume, lucerne (Medicago sativa).

Aphid performance increased under eCO2 at ambient temperatures, whereby aphid fecundity, longevity, colonization success and rm increased by 42%, 30%, 25% and 21%, respectively. eT negated the positive effects of eCO2 on both fecundity and rm, however, and performance was similar to when aphids were reared at ambient CO2.

We identified discrete functional groups of amino acids that underpinned the effects of climate and atmospheric change, in addition to plant genotype, on aphid performance. Effects of eT and eCO2 held true across five M. sativa genotypes, demonstrating the generality of their effects.

Combining this knowledge with amino acid profiles of existing cultivars raises the possibility of predicting future susceptibility to aphids and preventing outbreaks of a global pest. Moreover, environmentally induced changes in the nutritional ecology of aphids have the capacity to change life‐history strategies of aphids and their direct and indirect interactions with many other organisms, including mutualists and antagonists.

A Lay Summary is available for this article.
Spatial targeting of habitat creation has the potential to improve agri‐environment scheme outcomes for macro‐moths
Authors: Alison Jamie , Duffield Simon J. , van Noordwijk Catharina G. E. , Morecroft Michael D. , Marrs Rob H. , Saccheri Ilik J. , Hodgson Jenny A 
Published: July 2016

Summary

Agri‐environment scheme (AES) interventions are a major avenue for habitat creation and restoration across Europe. To maximize benefits for biodiversity, AES interventions are sometimes spatially targeted relative to existing semi‐natural habitat (SNH). However, the evidence base for effective spatial targeting is deficient; studies until now have collated data across several taxa and regions, resulting in non‐specific advice that is only useful at the regional scale.

We present a field study using macro‐moths (Lepidoptera) to test (i) the impact of creating grassland habitat on arable field margins, (ii) how the impact of this type of AES intervention varies according to species specialism and (iii) the potential impact of spatially targeting AES interventions for proximity to semi‐natural chalk grassland (CG). We surveyed macro‐moths on arable fields with and without AES interventions across a range of levels of connectivity to CG. We also surveyed macro‐moths on CG habitat.

Macro‐moth abundance was highest on CG and lowest on arable field centres. The benefits of AES interventions were largest for grassland‐associated macro‐moths: abundance was ∼1·4 times higher on AES margins than on control margins for this group.

Chalk grassland‐associated macro‐moths only benefited from AES interventions that were close (<1 km) to large areas (>10 ha) of CG habitat. We estimate that clustering AES interventions around CG could lead to a ∼17% increase in CG macro‐moth abundance on arable margins across our sampled region, leading to an overall increase of 2·6% within the sampled region.

Synthesis and applications. We provide evidence that for conservation of species associated with a specific type of semi‐natural habitat (SNH), agri‐environment scheme (AES) interventions are most effectively positioned close to that habitat. Our study on macro‐moths in arable fields with and without AES interventions across a range of levels of connectivity to chalk grassland represents a template for the production of tailored spatial targeting advice. We show that optimal positioning of AES habitat creation depends on the extent of SNH in the surrounding landscape as well as the ecology and life history of species being conserved.
Plant species response to variation in soil nutrient saturation gradients in Zaraninge Forest, Tanzania
Authors: Mligo Cosmas 
Published: July 2016

AbstractZaraninge is a former forest reserve which is now included as part of the Saadani National Park in Bagamoyo District Coast Region. The influence of soil mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Mg and Na) on the pattern of plant species distributions was determined, and transect method was used for data collection. Plant species composition and abundance followed variation in soil nutrient gradients within Zaraninge Forest. Canonical correspondence analysis of soil and plant data showed that calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were the mineral nutrients that significantly influenced the distribution plant species (P < 0.05) while other nutrients had no significant effects. Data from this study provide evidence of the existing variation in soil nutrient saturation gradients to which plant species distribution responds within the forest. A successful conservation of Zaraninge Forest biodiversity requires protecting the soil which is the necessary habitat for the plant species.
Partial bivoltinism and emergence patterns in the North African endemic damselfly Calopteryx exul: conservation implications
Authors: Khelifa Rassim 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCalopteryx exul is an endemic endangered damselfly that suffers considerable habitat degradation and local extinctions throughout its geographic range. Although recent studies have investigated its distribution, ecology and larval systematics, the life history of the species is still unknown. In this study, a field survey was conducted to determine larval development, temporal pattern of emergence and teneral spatial distribution of the species in the Seybouse watershed, north‐east Algeria. Larval growth was investigated in two populations: one at about 200 m (low‐elevation population) and the second at 600 m of elevation (high‐elevation population). The species showed partial bivoltine life cycle in both low‐ and high‐elevation population. The temporal pattern of emergence of the first flight season of the year at low‐elevation population was asynchronous with an emergence season lasting 46 days and half of the population emerging in 15 days. The second flight season was shorter with a most likely smaller population size. Sex ratio at emergence was slightly male biased. After ecdysis, tenerals stayed next to the water within a mean distance of 4.76 ± 4.35 m (± SD) with no significant difference between sexes. Conservation measures that should be taken into account in the elaboration of future management plans for the species are discussed.
Sequence effects of combined resistance exercises with step choreography in the same session in women's oxygen uptake during and postexercise
Authors: Vilaça‐Alves José , Regado Ana , Marinho Daniel , Neves Eduardo Borba , Rosa Claudio , Saavedra Francisco , Reis Victor M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe combination of step choreography (SC) with resistance training exercises (RE) in the same session is common in class fitness rooms populated mainly by women to increase energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the exercise oxygen uptake and postexercise between two different combinations of resistance training exercises and step choreography, regarding the order of execution. Thirteen active women (30·31 ± 4·42 years, 62·02 ± 5·37 kg, 162·65 ± 4·40 cm, 19·14 ± 3·29% body fat) performed two combinations: step choreography before resistance training, where resistance training was divided into two blocks of analysis (10 min each); and step choreography divided into three equal blocks (10 min for each block), before, in the middle and after resistance exercise. There were significant differences (P<0·05) between the two sessions in oxygen uptake postexercise in the period of 0–5 min. A significant increase (P<0·0001) in the oxygen uptake absolute and relative in the heart rate between blocks 1 and 2 of resistance exercise in the two sessions was observed. In the step choreography in blocks, a significant (P = 0·001) decrease between blocks 2 and 3 in the step choreography before resistance exercise and a significant (P<0·05) increase in the heart rate in both sessions between blocks were observed. The combination of step choreography and resistance exercises during the same exercise session is a good strategy to promote an elevation of women's oxygen uptake during and after an exercise session, independent of the sequence used.
Circadian and ultradian patterns of epileptiform discharges differ by seizure‐onset location during long‐term ambulatory intracranial monitoring
Authors: Spencer David C. , Sun Felice T. , Brown Sarah N. , Jobst Barbara C. , Fountain Nathan B. , Wong Victoria S. S. , Mirro Emily A. , Quigg Mark 
Published: July 2016

SummaryObjectivePrevious studies reporting circadian patterns of epileptiform activity and seizures are limited by (1) short‐term recording in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) with altered antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and sleep, or (2) subjective seizure diary reports. We studied circadian patterns using long‐term ambulatory intracranial recordings captured by the NeuroPace RNS System.MethodsRetrospective study of RNS System trial participants with stable detection parameters over a continuous 84‐day period. We analyzed all detections and long device–detected epileptiform events (long episodes) and defined a subset of subjects in whom long episodes represented electrographic seizures (LE‐SZ). Spectrum resampling determined the dominant frequency periodicity and cosinor analysis identified significant circadian peaks in detected activity. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare subjects grouped by region of seizure onset.ResultsIn the 134 subjects, detections showed a strongly circadian and uniform pattern irrespective of region of onset that peaked during normal sleep hours. In contrast, long episodes and LE‐SZ patterns varied by region. Neocortical regions had a monophasic, nocturnally dominant rhythm, whereas limbic regions showed a more complex pattern and diurnal peak. Rhythms in some individual limbic subjects were best fit by a dual oscillator (circadian + ultradian) model.SignificanceEpileptiform activity has a strong 24 h periodicity with peak nocturnal occurrence. Limbic and neocortical epilepsy show divergent circadian influences. These findings confirm that circadian patterns of epileptiform activity vary by seizure‐onset zone, with implications for treatment and safety, including SUDEP.
Evidence of evolutionary homogenization of bird communities in urban environments across Europe
Authors: Morelli Federico , Benedetti Yanina , Ibáñez‐Álamo Juan Diego , Jokimäki Jukka , Mänd Raivo , Tryjanowski Piotr , Møller Anders Pape 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimThe process of urbanization can lead to specialist species being replaced by generalist species in space and time, increasing similarity among bird communities. This phenomenon is termed biotic homogenization and is directly related to taxonomic and functional diversity. However, the effects of urbanization on phylogenetic diversity remain unclear. Our study addresses the effects of the process of urbanization on the evolutionary distinctiveness (a quantitative measure of the genetic or evolutionary uniqueness of species) of bird communities.LocationEurope.MethodsMixed models were used to compare the effects of urbanization on the evolutionary distinctiveness of bird communities in rural and urban environments in six different European cities from different ecoregions.ResultsOur study presents unique large‐scale evidence of a negative impact of urban environments on the evolutionary uniqueness of birds. Compared with bird communities in rural environments, bird communities in urban environments have lower average evolutionary distinctiveness in all countries, independent of ecoregion, and these values are unrelated to the taxonomic diversity present in each country.Main conclusionsOur findings provide important information on the spectrum of effects on global biodiversity of changes in land use related to the process of urbanization. Therefore, urban environments are a factor of concern for maintaining diversity across the tree of life of birds, and we suggest that urbanization planning could help buffer against extreme loss of phylogenetic diversity caused by this process.
Effect of elastic band‐based high‐speed power training on cognitive function, physical performance and muscle strength in older women with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yoon Dong Hyun , Kang Dongheon , Kim Hee‐jae , Kim Jin‐Soo , Song Han Sol , Song Wook 
Published: July 2016

AimThe effectiveness of resistance training in improving cognitive function in older adults is well demonstrated. In particular, unconventional high‐speed resistance training can improve muscle power development. In the present study, the effectiveness of 12 weeks of elastic band‐based high‐speed power training (HSPT) was examined.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned into a HSPT group (n = 14, age 75.0 ± 0.9 years), a low‐speed strength training (LSST) group (n = 9, age 76.0 ± 1.3 years) and a control group (CON; n = 7, age 78.0 ± 1.0 years). A 1‐h exercise program was provided twice a week for 12 weeks for the HSPT and LSST groups, and balance and tone exercises were carried out by the CON group.ResultsSignificant increases in levels of cognitive function, physical function, and muscle strength were observed in both the HSPT and LSST groups. In cognitive function, significant improvements in the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were seen in both the HSPT and LSST groups compared with the CON group. In physical functions, Short Physical Performance Battery scores were increased significantly in the HSPT and LSST groups compared with the CON group. In the 12 weeks of elastic band‐based training, the HSPT group showed greater improvements in older women with mild cognitive impairment than the LSST group, although both regimens were effective in improving cognitive function, physical function and muscle strength.ConclusionsWe conclude that elastic band‐based HSPT, as compared with LSST, is more efficient in helping older women with mild cognitive impairment to improve cognitive function, physical performance and muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 765–772.
Attitudes towards lung cancer screening in socioeconomically deprived and heavy smoking communities: informing screening communication
Authors: Quaife Samantha L. , Marlow Laura A. V. , McEwen Andy , Janes Samuel M. , Wardle Jane 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhile discussion continues over the future implementation of lung cancer screening, low participation from higher risk groups could limit the effectiveness of any national screening programme.ObjectivesTo compare smokers’ beliefs about lung cancer screening with those of former and never smokers within a low socioeconomic status (SES) sample, to explore the views of lower SES smokers and ex‐smokers in‐depth, and to provide insights into effective engagement strategies.Design, setting and participantsUsing proactive, community‐based recruitment methods, we surveyed 175 individuals from socioeconomically deprived communities with high smoking prevalence and subsequently interviewed 21 smokers and ex‐smokers. Participants were approached in community settings or responded to a mail‐out from their housing association.ResultsInterviewees were supportive of screening in principle, but many were doubtful about its ability to deliver long‐term survival benefit for their generation of “heavy smokers.” Lung cancer was perceived as an uncontrollable disease, and the survey data showed that fatalism, worry and perceived risk of lung cancer were particularly high among smokers compared with non‐smokers. Perceived blame and stigma around lung cancer as a self‐inflicted smokers’ disease were implicated by interviewees as important social deterrents of screening participation. The belief that lungs are not a treatable organ appeared to be a common lay explanation for poor survival and undermined the potential value of screening.ConclusionsAttitudes towards screening among this high‐risk group are complex. Invitation strategies need to be carefully devised to achieve equitable participation in screening.
Delivering compassionate care in intensive care units: nurses' perceptions of enablers and barriers
Authors: Jones Jenny , Winch Sarah , Strube Petra , Mitchell Marion , Henderson Amanda 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundCompassion is core to nursing practice. Nurses' expression of compassion is a complex interaction informed by the nurse, the patient and the practice environment.AimThe aim of this study was to identify personal, professional and organizational factors, intensive care nurses, in a major metropolitan facility in Australia, identified as enabling or disabling them to be compassionate.DesignIntensive care nurses (n = 171) reflected on their experiences during ‘compassion cafés’ conducted in 2015.MethodQualitative, reflexive methods were used to explore ICU nurses' perceptions of enablers and barriers. Nurses documented their perceptions, which were thematically analysed. Meanings were subsequently verified with participants.ResultsThe findings identified multiple factors both inside and outside the workplace that constrained or enabled nurses' ability to be compassionate. Two main factors inside the workplace were culture of the team, in particular, support from colleagues and congruency in work practices and decision‐making, and connections with patients and families. Outside the workplace, nurses were influenced by their values about care and lifestyle factors such as family demands.ConclusionsNurses capacity to be compassionate is a complex interplay between nursing knowledge and expectations, organizational structures and lifestyle factors.ImplicationsThe responsibility for ‘compassionate’ care is a shared one. Nurses need to be cognizant of factors that are enabling or inhibiting their ability to be compassionate. Healthcare leaders have a responsibility to provide structural support (staffing, education and space) that assist nurses to deliver compassionate care and where appropriate cater for nurses needs so that they are better able to be compassionate.
Intra‐family stressors among adult siblings sharing caregiving for parents
Authors: Ngangana Pamela C. , Davis Bertha L. , Burns Dorothy P. , McGee Zina T. , Montgomery Arlene J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe a Neuman Systems Model–guided study of perceptions of family stressors experienced by adult siblings who share caregiving for their parents and the influence of these stressors on adult siblings’ relationships.BackgroundThe task of providing informal care for disabled parents is often shared by adult siblings. Family stressors experienced as part of caregiving may affect the sibling relationship.DesignA mixed‐method study design was used.MethodsData were collected during 2013–2014 from 84 adult sibling caregivers. Seventy‐two caregivers provided quantitative data for the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale and the Zarit Burden Scale and 79 provided qualitative data for the open‐ended question.ResultsAdult siblings experienced mild‐to‐moderate levels of burden from family stressors when they share parental caregiving. The amount of burden from intra‐family stressors was negatively related to the adult sibling relationship. Beneficial and noxious stressors were evident in the participants’ responses to an open‐ended question.ConclusionThe health of the parents affected the lives of adult siblings in both negative and positive ways. Although the majority of the adult siblings expressed a willingness to care for their parent(s) in an attempt to reciprocate the care, they had received from them, challenges emerged from dealing with family stressors.
Strategies for recruiting South Asian women to cancer screening research and the lessons learnt
Authors: Chan Dorothy N.S. , So Winnie K.W. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to describe and discuss the recruitment strategies used in a research study of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women, the challenges encountered and the lessons learnt from the experience.BackgroundEthnic minority populations face different barriers to participating in research studies. Strategies have been developed to recruit this population to health‐related research in Western countries, but there is little information about such research in the Asian region.DesignDiscussion paper.Data sourcesThe discussion is based on our previous experience. The source of this experience is the recruitment strategies used, their results and the challenges encountered during the process.Implications for nursingCulturally, relevant strategies and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders improved participant recruitment. Familiarity with South Asians’ traditional calendar – when cultural and religious festivals are held every year – would aid the setting up of appropriate schedules for participant recruitment, either before or after the periods when they cannot be reached, such as Ramadan. South Asian women are often busy with childcare and housework. This is their major responsibility in the family and any failure to fulfil such duties is a source of stress and may foster feelings of guilt. A better understanding of their daily routines is therefore important. Such information enables the establishment of daily meeting schedules to increase the success rate of recruitment.ConclusionRecruitment is a tedious process, but appropriate planning and taking account of cultural and religious practices and daily schedules will help to improve its rate of success.