bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating dispersal distributions at multiple scales: within‐colony and among‐colony dispersal rates, distances and directions inEuropeanShagsPhalacrocorax aristotelis
Authors: Barlow Emily J. , Daunt Francis , Wanless Sarah , Reid Jane M. 
Published: August 2013

Knowledge of the rate, distance and direction of dispersal within and among breeding areas is required to understand and predict demographic and genetic connectivity and resulting population and evolutionary dynamics. However dispersal rates, and the full distributions of dispersal distances and directions, are rarely comprehensively estimated across all spatial scales relevant to wild populations. We used re‐sightings ofEuropeanShagsPhalacrocorax aristoteliscolour‐ringed as chicks on theIsle ofMay (IoM),UK, to quantify rates, distances and directions of dispersal from natal to subsequent breeding sites both withinIoM(within‐colony dispersal) and across 27 other breeding colonies covering 1045 km of coastline (among‐colony dispersal). Additionally, we used non‐breeding season surveys covering 895 km of coastline to estimate breeding season detection probability and hence potential bias in estimated dispersal parameters. WithinIoM, 99.6% of individuals dispersed between their natal and observed breeding nest‐site. The distribution of within‐colony dispersal distances was right‐skewed; mean distance was shorter than expected given random settlement withinIoM, yet some individuals dispersed long distances within the colony. The distribution of within‐colony dispersal directions was non‐uniform but did not differ from expectation given the spatial arrangement of nest‐sites. However, 10% of all 460 colour‐ringed adults that were located breeding had dispersed to a different colony. The maximum observed dispersal distance (170 km) was much smaller than the maximum distance surveyed (690 km). The distribution of among‐colony dispersal distances was again right‐skewed. Among‐colony dispersal was directional, and differed from random expectation and from the distribution of within‐colony dispersal directions. Non‐breeding season surveys suggested that the probability of detecting a colour‐ringed adult at its breeding location was high in the northeasternUK(98%). Estimated dispersal rates and distributions were therefore robust to incomplete detection. Overall, these data demonstrate skewed and directionally divergent dispersal distributions across small (within‐colony) and large (among‐colony) scales, indicating that dispersal could create genetic and demographic connectivity within the study area.
Swine lymphocyte alloantigens (SLA) class I serology and genetics in Belgian Landrace and Pietrain breeds
Authors: VAREWYCK H. , RENARD C. , KRISTENSEN B. , BOUQUET Y. , VAIMAN M. , VAN DE WEGHE A. , VAN ZEVEREN A. 
Published: August 2013

Summary Eighty anti‐SLA class I reagents were prepared resulting from skin graft and subcutaneous immunizations in 320 fattening pigs of the Belgian Landrace and Pietrain breeds. By means of these alloantisera seven internationally and five locally established specificities were recognized. Three of the locally assigned specificities were new: BM 36, BM 37 and BM 38. They were serologically and genetically defined. The typing battery was completed with French and Danish reagents, and correlation coefficients were calculated for the main alloantisera recognizing SLA class I alloantigens observed in the Belgian breeds.The SLA haplotype frequencies were estimated in 372 Belgian Landrace and 369 Pietrain pigs. The SLA haplotype distribution differs significantly between both breeds and the genetic distance (0.54) at the SLA system is quite high.
Effects of Postdensification Annealing upon Microstructures and Microwave Dielectric Characteristics in Ba((Co0.6−x/2Zn0.4−x/2Mgx)1/3Nb2/3)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Ma Pian P. , Yi Lei , Liu Xiao Q. , Li Lei , Chen Xiang M. 
Published: August 2013

Effects of postdensification annealing upon microstructures and microwave dielectric characteristics in Ba((Co0.6−x/2Zn0.4−x/2Mgx)1/3Nb2/3)O3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) complex perovskite ceramics have been investigated. Long‐time annealing at temperatures below the order–disorder transition temperature enhances the cation ordering degree and promotes the ordering domain growth. The most significant improvement of Qf value is obtained together with the suppressed temperature coefficient of resonant frequency in the samples annealed at 1400°C for 12 h, while the dielectric constant decreases slightly. The Qf value of ceramics annealed at 1400°C mainly attributes to the enhanced cation ordering degree, because their low‐energy domain boundaries are not detrimental to the Qf value. As the annealing temperature increases close to the transition temperature, coarse ordering domains with high‐energy boundaries are formed, and then the Qf value steadily decreases because of the inferior domain structure, even the cation ordering degree increases. The microwave dielectric characteristics of Ba((Co0.6−x/2Zn0.4−x/2Mgx)1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics are affected by the common function of ordering degree and domain structure. The best combination of microwave dielectric characteristics is obtained in the composition of x = 0.3 after annealing at 1400°C for 12 h: εr = 33.2, Qf = 117 200 GHz, and τf = 8.6 ppm/°C.
Oxygen Migration in Dense Spark Plasma Sintered Aluminum‐Doped Neodymium Silicate Apatite Electrolytes
Authors: An Tao , Baikie Tom , Herrin Jason , Brink Frank , Felix Shin J. , Slater Peter R. , Li Sean , White Tim J. 
Published: August 2013

Neodymium silicate apatites are promising intermediate temperature (500°C–700°C) electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells. The introduction of Al promotes isotropic percolation of O2−, and at low levels (0.83–2.0 wt% Al) enhances bulk conductivity. To better understand the effect of Al‐doping on intrinsic conductivity, and the impact of grain boundaries on the transport, dense Nd9.33+x/3AlxSi6−xO26 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) pellets were prepared by spark plasma sintering. Phase purity of the products was established by powder X‐ray diffraction and the microstructure examined by scanning electron microscopy. The ionic conductivity measured by AC impedance spectroscopy for the spark plasma sintered ceramics were compared with transport in single crystals of similar composition. Intermediate Al‐doping (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.5) delivered superior overall conductivity for both the polycrystalline and single crystal specimens.
Influence of secondary forest succession on plant diversity patterns in a Mediterranean landscape
Authors: Amici Valerio , Santi Elisa , Filibeck Goffredo , Diekmann Martin , Geri Francesco , Landi Sara , Scoppola Anna , Chiarucci Alessandro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimAs a consequence of multiple cycles of deforestation and reforestation, most forest landscapes in Europe consist of a complex mosaic of patches of different successional ages. Despite the biogeographical distinctiveness of the Mediterranean region, studies on the effects of forest age on plant species diversity and composition are almost lacking for this area. This paper evaluates the influence of forest successional age on plant species richness and composition in various forest types of Mediterranean Italy.LocationThe Natura 2000 network of Siena Province, Tuscany, Italy.MethodsOccurrence data on vascular plant species in 208 forest plots were obtained from a larger data set sampled with a stratified random design. The forest successional age of each plot was quantified through a series of historical maps. Species richness and composition were related to the age of the forest by means ofGIStechniques and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.ResultsTotal species richness markedly decreased with increasing successional age due to a significant decrease in the richness of open‐habitat species which was not matched by increasing richness of mature forest species. Successional age was the key factor in controlling species richness, while local environmental properties emerged as the main factors shaping community composition. The different forest types showed different temporal trends of species richness and composition and different hierarchies of explanatory factors.Main conclusionsForest successional age emerged as an important factor affecting both species richness and composition, even within the same forest type. Thus, the classification and prioritization of Mediterranean forests exclusively based on present physiognomy or environmental variables causes loss of information about species richness and composition; this could be detrimental for biodiversity conservation.
Administration of Isoproterenol and Adenosine to Guide Supplemental Ablation After Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation
Authors: ELAYI CLAUDE S. , DI BIASE LUIGI , BAI RONG , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , MOHANTY PRASANT , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , SANCHEZ JAVIER , HONGO RICHARD , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , HORTON RODNEY , BAILEY SHANE , BEHEIRY SALWA , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: August 2013

Administration of Isuprel/Adenosine After PulmonaryVein Antrum IsolationBackgroundPulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) remains associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. We administered adenosine and isoproterenol (ISP) after PVAI to uncover non‐PV atrial triggers and PV reconnection, potentially increasing ablation success rate.MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐two consecutive patients with symptomatic AF presenting for PVAI were prospectively studied (group 1). Following PVAI, adenosine (18–24 mg) and ISP (20–30 mcg/min) were administered intravenously. Supplemental ablation was performed in patients with non‐PV triggers that induced AF (group 1A). Other subgroups included patients with (group 1B) or without (group 1C) consistent non‐PV atrial foci that did not induce AF. A cohort of 196 matched control patients undergoing PVAI without drug challenge was used for comparison (group 2).ResultsA total of 132 atrial non‐PV foci were revealed (31 inducing AF). The majority of atrial foci were observed with ISP (113/132, 86%). Less than 5% of patients had persistent PV recovery during the drug challenge. During a mean follow‐up of 22 ± 8 months, PVAI was successful in 110/192 (57%, group 1) versus 100/196 (52%, group 2), P = 0.038. Furthermore, the success rate was statistically different between group 1A (25/32, 78%), group 1B (28/83, 34%), and group 1C (57/74, 74%), P < 0.001.ConclusionAfter PVAI, ablation guided by the administration of adenosine and ISP to target non‐PV triggers inducing AF increased AF ablation outcomes. Patients with non‐PV foci that did not induce AF had no further ablation, with the lowest ablation success rate. This group may likely benefit from further ablation after PVAI.
Brucine suppresses colon cancer cells growthviamediatingKDRsignalling pathway
Authors: Luo Wenjuan , Wang Xiaoli , Zheng Lei , Zhan Yingzhuan , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yanmin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAngiogenesis plays an important role in colon cancer development. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of brucine on tumour angiogenesis and its mechanism of action. The anti‐angiogenic effect was evaluated on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and tube formation. The mechanism was demonstrated through detectingmRNAand protein expressions ofVEGFR2 (KDR),PKCα,PLCγ and Raf1 by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot (WB), as well as expressions ofVEGFandPKCβ andmTORbyELISAandWB. The results showed that brucine significantly reduced angiogenesis ofCAMand tube formation, inhibited theVEGFsecretion andmTORexpression in LoVo cell and down‐regulated themRNAand phosphorylation protein expressions ofKDR,PKCα,PLCγ and Raf1. In addition, the effects of brucine onKDRkinase activity, viability of LoVo cell and gene knockdown cell were detected with the Lance™ assay,WST‐1 assay and instantaneous siRNA. Compared to that of normal LoVo cells, the inhibition on proliferation of knockdown cells by brucine decreased significantly. These results suggest that brucine could inhibit angiogenesis and be a useful therapeutic candidate for colon cancer intervention.
Weight loss on a structured hypocaloric diet with or without exercise improves emotional distress and quality of life in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wycherley Thomas Philip , Clifton Peter Marshall , Noakes Manny , Brinkworth Grant David 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo evaluate the effects of a caloric restricted weight loss program with or without supervised resistance exercise training (EX) on diabetes‐related emotional distress and quality of life (QOL) in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsIn a parallel design, 106 men and women with type 2 diabetes were randomized to a prescriptive 16‐week caloric restricted diet (D; 6,000–7,000 kJ/day), with (n = 65) or without (n = 41) EX (three times per week). Bodyweight, glycated hemoglobin, diabetes‐specific emotional distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes [PAID] questionnaire) and QOL (Diabetes‐39 [D‐39] questionnaire) was assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsA total of 84 participants completed the study (D n = 33, D + EX n = 51). Weight loss was significantly greater in D + EX compared with D (−11.4 ± 5.8 vs −8.8 ± 5.8 kg, P = 0.04 time × diet). Overall, there were significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin, PAID total score and the D‐39 dimensions of ‘diabetes control’, ‘anxiety and worry’, ‘sexual functioning’, ‘energy and mobility’, ‘overall rating of QOL’ and ‘severity of diabetes’ (P ≤ 0.01 for time). The D‐39 dimension, ‘social burden’, did not change (P = 0.07 for time). There was no difference between groups in the response for any of these variables (P ≥ 0.10).ConclusionA structured caloric restricted diet with or without EX improves emotional distress and QOL in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. This trial was registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.anzctr.org.au; ACTR No: ACTRN12608000206325).
Effect of combination therapy with repaglinide and metformin hydrochloride on glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kawamori Ryuzo , Kaku Kohei , Hanafusa Toshiaki , Oikawa Tatsuya , Kageyama Shigeru , Hotta Nigishi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe investigated the efficacy and safety of repaglinide as an add‐on therapy for Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving metformin monotherapy (at a dose of 1,500 mg/day, mainly) in addition to diet and exercise.Materials and methodsIn the 16‐week multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial (the phase III study), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with metformin monotherapy were randomly assigned to the repaglinide or placebo group. Thereafter, a 36‐week, multicenter, uncontrolled, dose‐titration method study was extended to a total duration of 52 weeks (the long‐term study). The primary end‐point of each study was a change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline.ResultsAfter 16 weeks, mean reductions in HbA1c were significantly greater for the repaglinide group than for the placebo group (–0.98 ± 0.72% vs 0.13 ± 0.63%, P < 0.001). In the long‐term study, the mean change in HbA1c was −0.76 ± 0.83%. The rate of adverse events was 60.6 and 50.0% in the repaglinide and placebo groups, respectively, in the phase III study, and 78.3% in the long‐term study. Hypoglycemia was reported in 11.7, 0 and 13.3% of patients in the repaglinide group, placebo group and long‐term study, respectively.ConclusionsCombination therapy with repaglinide and metformin resulted in an approximately 1% reduction in HbA1c at week 16 and in a significant long‐term improvement in HbA1c at the end of the study. No safety problems were noted during the concomitant use of repaglinide and metformin. These studies were registered with JapicCTI (nos. JapicCTI‐101202 and JapicCTI‐101203).
Dairy Biofilm: Impact of Microbial Community on Raw Milk Quality
Authors: Ksontini H. , Kachouri F. , Hamdi M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aims of this study were (1) to characterize the dairy biofilm, and (2) to evaluate the impact on the raw milk quality. The ecological profile of biofilm revealed that gram‐positive bacteria and fungi exhibited a significantly higher biofilm organization than gram‐negative (43–64%). From 16S rDNA sequencing, microbial diversity of biofilm was constituted by Lactococcus lactis, Staphylococcus xylosus, Bacilus cereus, Candida albicans. The milk analysis in input and in output of pipelines has revealed that the rate of milk microbial community has increased to attempt 97 to 100%. The investigation of the impact of biofilm on the physicochemical properties of material has showed a decrease of hydrophobicity of stainless steel which become hydrophilic after 7 h of contact (ΔGiwi = 6.62 mJ/m2) and the increase of the electron donor character (γ− = 44.8 mJ/m2). While, after 24 h of contact, results showed a decrease of the hydrophilicity degree and surface energy components of stainless steel that become hydrophobic (ΔGiwi = −56.51 mJ/m2) and lowly electron donor (γ− = 2.3 mJ/m2).Practical ApplicationsDairy biofilm formation on stainless steel was investigated employing thermodynamic approach. The results revealed that the microbial adhesion on substrata was dependent on two factors: materials species and microorganisms community. These findings have important potential in the food process applicability as they suggest that the variation of surface chemistry could contribute to understand the biofilm formation to surface and also favor the protective biofilms approach on industry workshop surfaces that favors the antimicrobial coating of devices makes it simultaneously anti‐adhesive and give it antimicrobial activity.
Meal replacement reduces insulin requirement, HbA1c and weight long‐term in type 2 diabetes patients with >100 U insulin per day
Authors: Kempf K. , Schloot N. C. , Gärtner B. , Keil R. , Schadewaldt P. , Martin S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite high insulin doses, good glycaemic control is often lacking in type 2 diabetes patients and new therapeutic options are needed.MethodsIn a proof of principle study, an energy‐restricted, protein‐rich meal replacement (PRMR) was examined as a means of reducing insulin requirement, HbA1C and body weight. Obese type 2 diabetes patients (n = 22) with >100 U insulin per day replaced, in week 1, the three main meals with 50 g of PRMR (Almased‐Vitalkost) each (= 4903 kJ day−1). In weeks 2–4, breakfast and dinner were replaced, and, in weeks 5–12, only dinner was replaced. Clinical parameters were determined at baseline, and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks, as well as after 1.5 years of follow‐up. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for the intention‐to‐treat analysis and the Mann–Whitney U‐test for subgroup analyses.ResultsThe 12‐week‐programme was completed by 15 participants (68%). After 1 week, the mean insulin dose was reduced from 147 (75) U to 91 (55) U day−1 (P = 0.0001), and to 65 (32) U (P < 0.0001) after 12 weeks of study. Over a period of 12 weeks, HbA1c decreased from 8.8% (1.4%) to 8.1% (1.6%) (P = 0.048) and weight decreased from 118.0 (19.7) kg to 107.4 (19.2) kg (P < 0.0001). Moreover, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol improved significantly. After 1.5 years, insulin requirement and weight remained significantly lower than baseline. Participants who continued PRMR further reduced their HbA1c, weight and insulin dose. Two patients were able to stop insulin therapy altogether.ConclusionsEnergy‐restricted PRMR was effective in reducing insulin requirement of type 2 diabetes patients with intensified insulin therapy accompanied by a reduction of HbA1c, weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors. With the continuous use of PRMR, glycaemic control might be improved in the long term.
Evaluation of the fecal steroid concentrations inAlouatta belzebul(Primates,Atelidae) in theNationalForest ofTapirape‐Aquiri inPará,Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros , Kugelmeier Tatiana , do Valle Rodrigo del Rio , Lima Alexandre Bastos Fernandes , Silva Felipe Ennes , de Souza Martins Simone , Pereira Luciana Guedes , Dinucci Karen Lopes , Viau Priscila 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe studies on fecal steroid metabolites published with free‐living primates are limited mainly by the difficulty in obtaining samples.MethodsA radioimmunoassay was used to measure the fecal steroid concentrations inAlouatta belzebulin theNationalForest ofTapirape‐Aquiri in Brazil.Results and ConclusionsAndrogens were significantly higher for the adult males from theArea ofInfluence (AI‐Igroup) when compared to those from theControlArea (CAgroup) (P < 0.05). Progestin and estrogen concentrations were higher in the females from theCAgroup than in those from theAI‐Ifor both the adult females and females with offspring; however,P < 0.05 was only observed in the concentrations of fecal progestins from the adult females. The physiological differences between theAI‐IandCAgroups suggest that the cause was a sum of factors, such as an exposure to sound waves, feeding habits, daily activity patterns, and the habituation of the animals.
Caring for people with early and advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: how do family carers cope?
Authors: Figueiredo Daniela , Gabriel Raquel , Jácome Cristina , Marques Alda 
Published: August 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine the coping strategies of family carers of people with early and advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and how those relate to their subjective health.BackgroundCaring for a family member with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be a stressful experience. Understanding how carers cope with this is critical for improving outcomes. However, this topic has received little attention in the literature, particularly considering the care‐giving experience with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.DesignA cross‐sectional study with a convenience sample of family carers of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio‐demographics and care‐giving characteristics. Self‐rated physical and mental health was measured by two items from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health checklist. Coping strategies were assessed with the Carers' Assessment of Managing Index. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 158 family carers participated: 109 caring for people with early and 49 with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The two groups differed significantly on self‐rated mental health and on problem‐solving, emotional‐cognitive and managing stress coping type. Significant correlations between self‐rated physical health and problem‐solving coping and between self‐rated mental health and emotion‐cognitive and managing stress coping were found for carers of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionsThis study provides a unique insight into family carer coping strategies at different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Carers of people with early and advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cope differently with their caring demands. Nevertheless, problem‐focused coping strategies were perceived as the most helpful by both groups.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings are relevant to informing early supportive interventions aiming to prevent burden and promote healthy adjustment to care‐giving demands within the specific context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.