bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intra‐ and interspecific interactions between aphidophagous ladybirds: the role of prey in predator coexistence
Authors: Rocca Margarita , Rizzo Estefanía , Greco Nancy , Sánchez Norma 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCannibalism (CANN) and intraguild predation (IGP) may provide energy and nutrients to individuals and eliminate potential competitors. These negative competitive interactions could also affect the coexistence of predatory species. The co‐occurrence of aphidophagous ladybird species in crops creates opportunities for CANN and IGP, especially when aphids become scarce. The Lotka–Volterra model predicts the coexistence of two species if intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific interference interactions. Cycloneda sanguinea L. and Eriopis connexa (Germar) (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) coexist in sweet pepper crops in La Plata (Argentina) consuming mainly Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The present study used laboratory experiments to estimate levels of CANN and IGP by adults and larvae on eggs, and by adults on larvae, in both the presence and absence of prey (i.e., M. persicae), to explain the effect of prey on coexistence of these two predators. Levels of CANN by C. sanguinea and E. connexa were high in the absence of aphids, and decreased when prey was present. Intraguild predation was bidirectional and asymmetric. Adults and larvae of E. connexa were more voracious IG predators of C. sanguinea than vice versa, the former being the stronger IG predator and interference competitor. Eriopis connexa always won when larvae of the same instar were compared, whereas the larger larva always won when larvae were of different instars, regardless of species. In the presence of prey, CANN by both species decreased, but IGP by E. connexa on C. sanguinea remained high, suggesting that E. connexa could displace C. sanguinea via interspecific interference competition. Other factors potentially affecting the coexistence of C. sanguinea and E. connexa in sweet pepper crops are discussed.
Higher Education Learning Outcomes and their Ambiguous Relationship to Disciplines and Professions
Authors: Michelsen Svein , Vabø Agnete , Kvilhaugsvik Hanne , Kvam Endre 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article highlights the significance of professional and disciplinary spaces in the shaping of Learning Outcomes (Los) in higher education. It is based on empirical studies of three programmes (engineering, the humanities and medicine) at two Norwegian universities. The results demonstrate both similarities and differences in the dynamics of learning outcomes formation. In the humanities and engineering they were translated into learning objectives, closing in on course rationalisation and portfolio coherence. Whilst the focus in the humanities remained internal in orientation, in engineering, internal processes of implementation merged with quality assurance and external development processes mediated by the engineering profession. In medicine, the introduction and implementation of learning outcomes were mediated by prior experiences with problem‐based learning practices. During that process, learning outcomes became oriented towards professional identity and conformity to international quality standards. In that sense, learning outcomes could function as regulatory mechanisms sheltering medical education from outside interference rather than as a tool for structuring learning. Within the framework of learning outcomes, professional compliance with external scrutiny through the display of standards has become more important, but also more linked to the university as an organisational actor.
The thermal mismatch hypothesis explains host susceptibility to an emerging infectious disease
Authors: Cohen Jeremy M. , Venesky Matthew D. , Sauer Erin L. , Civitello David J. , McMahon Taegan A. , Roznik Elizabeth A. , Rohr Jason R. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractParasites typically have broader thermal limits than hosts, so large performance gaps between pathogens and their cold‐ and warm‐adapted hosts should occur at relatively warm and cold temperatures, respectively. We tested this thermal mismatch hypothesis by quantifying the temperature‐dependent susceptibility of cold‐ and warm‐adapted amphibian species to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) using laboratory experiments and field prevalence estimates from 15 410 individuals in 598 populations. In both the laboratory and field, we found that the greatest susceptibility of cold‐ and warm‐adapted hosts occurred at relatively warm and cool temperatures, respectively, providing support for the thermal mismatch hypothesis. Our results suggest that as climate change shifts hosts away from their optimal temperatures, the probability of increased host susceptibility to infectious disease might increase, but the effect will depend on the host species and the direction of the climate shift. Our findings help explain the tremendous variation in species responses to Bd across climates and spatial, temporal and species‐level variation in disease outbreaks associated with extreme weather events that are becoming more common with climate change.
First report of the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus and associated fungi in the Mediterranean maquis in Italy, and new host–pest associations
Authors: Vannini A. , Contarini M. , Faccoli M. , Valle M. Dalla , Rodriguez C. M. , Mazzetto T. , Guarneri D. , Vettraino A. M. , Speranza S. 
Published: January 2017

In September 2016, a survey conducted in the Circeo National Park revealed an outbreak and serious damage caused by the black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) and its associated fungi in the Mediterranean maquis. Among the affected hosts, Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Ruscus aculeatus, Pistacia lentiscus, Laurus nobilis and Ceratonia siliqua, showed flagging and wilting of branches and, in younger individuals, the death of the whole plant occurred. In total, 18 different fungal taxa were found associated with the insect. These included Ambrosiella xylebori, Geosmithia pallida, Fusarium spp., Epicoccum nigrum and Bionectria sp. This is the first report in Europe of X. compactus and associated ambrosia fungi in a natural environment.
Assessing the hydrologic and water quality impacts of biofuel‐induced changes in land use and management
Authors: Chen Yong , Ale Srinivasulu , Rajan Nithya , Munster Clyde 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Southern High Plains (SHP) of Texas, where cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) is grown in vast acreage, and the Texas Rolling Plains (TRP), which is dominated by an invasive brush, honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) have the potential for biofuel production for meeting the U.S. bioenergy target of 2022. However, a shift in land use from cotton to perennial grasses and a change in land management such as the harvesting of mesquite for biofuel production can significantly affect regional hydrology and water quality. In this study,APEXandSWATmodels were integrated to assess the impacts of replacing cotton with Alamo switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) andMiscanthus × giganteusin the upstream subwatershed and harvesting mesquite in the downstream subwatershed on water and nitrogen balances in the Double Mountain Fork Brazos watershed in theSHPandTRPregions. Simulated average (1994–2009) annual surface runoff from the baseline cotton areas decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by 88%, and percolation increased by 28% under the perennial grasses scenario compared to the baseline cotton scenario. The soil water content enhanced significantly under the irrigated switchgrass scenario compared to the baseline irrigated cotton scenario from January to April and August to October. However, the soil water content was depleted significantly under the drylandMiscanthusscenario from April to July relative to the baseline dryland cotton scenario. The nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) and organic‐N loads in surface runoff andNO3‐N leaching to groundwater reduced significantly by 86%, 98%, and 100%, respectively, under the perennial grasses scenario. Similarly, surface runoff, andNO3‐N and organic‐N loads through surface runoff reduced significantly by 98.9%, 99.9%, and 99.5%, respectively, under the post‐mesquite‐harvest scenario. Perennial grasses exhibited superior ethanol production potential compared to mesquite. However, mesquite is an appropriate supplementary bioenergy source in theTRPregion because of its standing biomass and rapid regrowth characteristics.
An assessment of the overexpression of BMP‐2 in transfected human osteoblast cells stimulated by mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine
Authors: Rodrigues E. M. , Gomes‐Cornélio A. L. , Soares‐Costa A. , Salles L. P. , Velayutham M. , Rossa‐Junior C. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of MTA and Biodentine on viability, osteogenic differentiation and BMP‐2 expression in osteogenic cells.MethodologySaos‐2 cells were used as a model of osteoblastic cells. Overexpression of BMP‐2 was induced by transfection of a CMV‐driven plasmid construct including the human BMP‐2 coding sequence, and stably transfected cells were selected. Cell viability was assessed by the mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymatic (MTT) assay. The bioactivity of the materials was evaluated by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and detection of calcium deposits with alizarin red staining (ARS). The gene expression of BMP‐2 and ALP was quantified with real‐time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Bonferroni or Tukey post‐test (α = 0.05).ResultsViability tests revealed that MTA and Biodentine were not cytotoxic at the higher dilution (1 : 8) to BMP‐2‐transfected cells. MTA and Biodentine exhibited the highest ALP activity when compared to the Saos‐BMP‐2‐unexposed control group (P < 0.05). Cell exposure to Biodentine and MTA had a significant stimulatory effect on the formation of mineralized nodules (P < 0.05). The highest increase in BMP‐2 gene expression was observed after 3 days of BMP‐2‐transfected cells exposure to MTA and Biodentine in non‐osteogenic medium in relation to Saos‐BMP‐2‐unexposed control cells (P < 0.05). Exposure of cells to MTA in osteogenic medium for 1 day increased ALP gene expression by approximately 1.3‐fold in relation to Saos‐BMP‐2‐unexposed control cells (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBoth MTA and Biodentine showed biocompatibility and bioactivity in Saos‐BMP‐2 overexpressing cells. Biodentine had a significantly greater effect on mineralization than MTA. Both MTA and Biodentine enhanced BMP‐2 mRNA expression in the transfected system. Both MTA and Biodentine are suitable materials to improve osteoblastic cell mineralization.
Are home visits an effective method for diabetes management? A quantitative systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Lin , Ma Yuxia , Wei Suhong , Tian Jinhui , Yang Xiaochun , Shen Xiping , Zhang Jun , Shi Yuexian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionPrevious reviews have revealed uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of home visit interventions for managing diabetes. Therefore, we carried out a quantitative systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of home visit interventions among patients with diabetes.Materials and MethodsWe searched various electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Wanfang and Chinese scientific full‐text databases) from their inception until March 2016. We included randomized controlled trials that included patients with diabetes, and evaluated the effects of home visit programs on glycated hemoglobin concentrations. Two reviewers independently used the Cochrane Collaboration methods to assess the included studies’ risk of bias and quality.ResultsWe included seven randomized controlled trials with 686 participants. Compared with the usual care, the home visit group showed a greater reduction in glycated hemoglobin concentrations (mean difference −0.79% [−9 mmol/mol], 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.93 to −0.25% [11 to −3 mmol/mol]; P < 0.05; I2 = 0%), systolic blood pressure (mean difference −5.94 mmHg, 95% confidence interval −11.34 to −0.54 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference −6.32 mmHg, 95% confidence interval −12.00 to −0.65 mmHg). Furthermore, home visits improved quality of life, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, total triglycerides and self‐management. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in their bodyweight, total cholesterol, body mass index and self‐efficacy.ConclusionHome visits were associated with improved glycemic control and reduced cardiovascular risk factors, which shows that it is an effective method for diabetes management.
Psoriasin has divergent effects on the innate immune responses of murine glial cells
Authors: Jansen Sandra , Kress Eugenia , Fragoulis Athanassios , Wruck Christoph J. , Wolf Ronald , Grötzinger Joachim , Michalek Matthias , Pufe Thomas , Tauber Simone C. , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides are an important part of the innate immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). The expression of the antimicrobial peptides psoriasin (S100A7) is up‐regulated during bacterial meningitis. However, the exact mechanisms induced by psoriasin to modulate glial cell activity are not yet fully understood. Our hypothesis is that psoriasin induced pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory signaling pathways as well as regenerative factors to contribute in total to a balanced immune response. Therefore, we used psoriasin‐stimulated glial cells and analyzed the translocation of the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor ‘kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer’ of activated B‐cells (NFκB) in murine glial cells and the expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators by real time RT‐PCR, ELISA technique, and western blotting. Furthermore, the relationship between psoriasin and the antioxidative stress transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) was investigated. Stimulation with psoriasin not only enhanced NFκB translocation and increased the expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐ α) but also neurotrophin expression. Evidence for functional interactions between psoriasin and Nrf2 were detected in the form of increased antioxidant response element (ARE) activity and induction of Nrf2/ARE‐dependent heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) expression in psoriasin‐treated microglia and astrocytes. The results illustrate the ability of psoriasin to induce immunological functions in glia cells where psoriasin exerts divergent effects on the innate immune response.
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Bleeding in the retroperitoneal space under the broad ligament as a result of uterine perforation after dilatation and curettage: Report of a case
Authors: Tokuda Hisato , Nakago Satoshi , Kato Hiroki , Oishi Tetsuya , Kotsuji Fumikazu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUterine perforation, a complication of dilation and curettage, is typically recognized immediately after the procedure by clinical symptoms of peritoneal irritation resulting from intraperitoneal bleeding. Our patient complained of having an uncomfortable feeling, slight dizziness, palpitation in the sitting position and abdominal discomfort but did not show signs of peritoneal irritation 24 h after dilation and curettage. However, she suddenly complained of abdominal pain. Tenderness and rebound tenderness were detected at the lower abdominal wall.Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested uterine perforation. When the abdominal cavity was opened, a hematoma under the broad ligament of the uterus, laceration of the side wall of the uterine cervix and a small amount of bloody ascites and small clots in the abdominal cavity were observed. The uterine cervical wall was sutured. Physicians should postpone discharge and observe the clinical course carefully when a patient complains of inexplicable discomfort after dilation and curettage.
Greying the Budget: Ageing and Preferences over Public Policies
Authors: de Mello Luiz , Schotte Simone , Tiongson Erwin R. , Winkler Hernan 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThis paper looks at how individual attitudes towards the allocation of government spending change along the life cycle. As individuals age and re‐evaluate the benefits and costs of government programs, such as education, healthcare and old‐age pensions, they also influence the level and composition of government spending. Using the Life in Transition Survey II for 34 countries of Europe and Central Asia, we find that older individuals are less likely to support hikes in government outlays on education and more likely to support increases in spending on pensions. These results are very similar across countries, and they do not change when using alternative model specifications, estimation methods and data sources. To our knowledge, this the first paper to provide evidence of the “grey peril” effect for a large group of developed, middle‐income and low‐income economies. Our findings are consistent with a body of literature arguing that conflict across generations over the allocation of government expenditure may intensify in ageing economies.
The Mesolithic–Neolithic Transition in the Channel Islands: Maritime and Terrestrial Perspectives
Authors: Garrow Duncan , Sturt Fraser 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThis paper investigates the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in the Channel Islands. It presents a new synthesis of all known evidence from the islands c.5000–4300 bc, including several new excavations as well as find‐spot sites that have not previously been collated. It also summarizes – in English – a large body of contemporary material from north‐west France. The paper presents a new high‐resolution sea‐level model for the region, shedding light on the formation of the Channel Islands from 9000–4000 bc. Through comparison with contemporary sites in mainland France, an argument is made suggesting that incoming migrants from the mainland and the small indigenous population of the islands were both involved in the transition. It is also argued that, as a result of the fact the Channel Islands witnessed a very different trajectory of change from that seen in Britain and Ireland c.5000–3500 bc, this small group of islands has a great deal to tell us about the arrival of the Neolithic more widely.
Housing in Late Antique Augusta Emerita: The End of The Peristyle House
Authors: Osland Daniel 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThis article presents the archaeological evidence for a comprehensive change in the residential pattern of late antique Mérida, Spain (Augusta Emerita) in the second half of the fifth century AD. By the fourth century AD, the peristyle house had become the fundamental unit of aristocratic late Roman housing, offering the ideal setting for high‐status interactions, aristocratic ceremony, and even private and public business. The peristyle house was gradually replaced by subdivision housing in the course of the fifth and sixth centuries, in a trend seen throughout the late Roman world. In Emerita, however, the transition was quite sudden. Here, a destructive event in the middle of the fifth century paved the way for the rapid introduction of subdivision housing, over just a few decades. While this new style of housing was typical of the late antique world, the evidence from Emerita highlights the role that a local catalyst might play in the adoption of new cultural forms.
Ultrasound‐Guided Diagnosis and Injection of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve with an Anatomical Variation
Authors: Palamar Deniz , Terlemez Rana , Akgun Kenan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMeralgia paresthetica (MP) is an entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). There are many variations in the course of the LFCN. A 55‐year‐old woman presented with pain and tingling sensations on the anterolateral aspect of her left thigh. Physical examination revealed hypoesthesia of the proximal anterolateral thigh on the left side. During the electrodiagnostic study, sensory nerve action potential of the LFCN could not be obtained on both sides. Through those clinical and electrophysiological findings, we prediagnosed the case as MP and planned to perform diagnostic nerve block. For the injection to perform, ultrasonography was used. During the ultrasonographic evaluation, the left LFCN was visualized lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Then ultrasound‐guided nerve block with 2 cc lidocaine 2% for diagnostic purpose was performed in this region. Immediately after the injection, the patient's complaints relieved completely, and hence the patient was diagnosed as having MP with an LFCN anatomical variation. Two months later her complaints persisted, and ultrasound‐guided LFCN injection with 2 mL of lidocaine 2% + 1 cc of betametazone was performed. One month after the second injection, her complaints were relieved markedly and she resumed her daily activities. In conclusion, the course of the LFCN is quite variable. We present a relatively rare anatomical variation of the LFCN, crossing lateral to the ASIS, diagnosed with ultrasonography. Ultrasonography can be performed to visualize the LFCN, especially a nerve with an anatomical variation.
Association Between Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, Juvenile Xanthogranulomas and Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Paulus Samuel , Koronowska Sandra , Fölster‐Holst Regina 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe occurrence of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) together is relatively rare. Approximately only 20 cases have been reported in the literature. It is debated whether children with NF1 and JXG are at higher risk of developing JMML than children with NF1 alone. We present the case of a boy primarily diagnosed with NF1 with coexisting JXG who developed JMML at the age of 22 months. The clinical course from initial presentation to final diagnosis is detailed and the genetic features and hematologic characteristics are discussed. We report this case to underscore the importance of close monitoring of blood count and strict clinical follow‐up in children presenting with concurrent NF1 and JXG and provide a possible explanation for this association.
Portal vein reconstruction using vein grafts in pediatric living donor liver transplantation: Current status
Authors: Sabra Tarek Abdelazeem , Okajima Hideaki , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Okamoto Tatsuya , Anazawa Takayuki , Ygi Shintaro , Hata Koichiro , Yasuchika Kentaro , Taura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPV reconstruction is an important aspect of LDLT, with post‐transplant outcomes depending on PV reconstruction methods. However, it is unclear whether the preferential selection of these techniques is dependent on preoperative recipient characteristics. This retrospective study assessed whether preoperative recipient factors differed in pediatric patients who did and did not receive VGs for PV reconstruction. Of 113 pediatric patients who underwent LDLT from January 2010 to July 2015, 31 (27%) underwent PV reconstruction with VGs and the other 82 (73%) without VGs. The presence of collateral vessels (P<.0001) and ascites (P=.02); PV size (P<.001), thrombosis (P=.01) and the direction of flow (P=.01), Child‐Pugh class A vs B/C liver function (P=.01), Alb concentration (P=.02), primary diagnosis: BA vs non‐BA (P=.03), and previous abdominal surgery (P<.005) differed significantly in patients who did and did not receive VGs for PV reconstruction. PV complications, patient survival, and graft survival did not differ significantly in patients with and without VGs at 1‐year follow‐up. VGs should be harvested for recipients with pretransplant hypoplastic PV, intense collaterals, hepatofugal flow, poor liver status, or previous abdominal surgery.