bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological production functions for biological control services in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Jonsson Mattias , Bommarco Riccardo , Ekbom Barbara , Smith Henrik G. , Bengtsson Jan , Caballero‐Lopez Berta , Winqvist Camilla , Olsson Ola 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Research relating to ecosystem services has increased, partly because of drastic declines in biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. However, the mechanistic linkages between land use, biodiversity and service provision are poorly understood and synthesized. This is particularly true for many ecosystem services provided by mobile organisms such as natural enemies to crop pests. These species are not only influenced by local land use but also by landscape composition at larger spatial scales.

We present a conceptual ecological production function framework for predicting land‐use impact on biological control of pests by natural enemies. We develop a novel, mechanistic landscape model for biological control of cereal aphids, explicitly accounting for the influence of landscape composition on natural enemies varying in mobility, feeding rates and other life history traits. Finally, we use the model to map biological control services across cereal fields in a Swedish agricultural region with varying landscape complexity.

The model predicted that biological control would reduce crop damage by 45–70% and that the biological control effect would be higher in complex landscapes. In a validation with independent data, the model performed well and predicted a significant proportion of biological control variation in cereal fields. However, much variability remains to be explained, and we propose that the model could be improved by refining the mechanistic understanding of predator dynamics and accounting for variation in aphid colonization.

We encourage scientists working with biological control to adopt the conceptual framework presented here and to develop production functions for other crop‐pest systems. If this kind of ecological production function is combined with production functions for other services, the joint model will be a powerful tool for managing ecosystem services and planning for sustainable agriculture at the landscape scale.
Little Evidence of a Role for the α1GABAA Subunit‐Containing Receptor in a Rhesus Monkey Model of Alcohol Drinking
Authors: Sawyer Eileen K. , Moran Casey , Sirbu Madelynn H. , Szafir Melissa , Van Linn Michael , Namjoshi Ojas , Phani Babu Tiruveedhula VVN , Cook James M. , Platt Donna M. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundAlcohol potentiates GABAergic neurotransmission via action at the GABAA receptor. α1 subunit‐containing GABAA receptors have been implicated as mediators, in part, of the behavioral and abuse‐related effects of alcohol in rodents.MethodsWe systematically investigated the effects of 1 α1‐preferring benzodiazepine agonist, zolpidem, and 2 antagonists, β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylate‐tert‐butyl ester (βCCT) and 3‐propoxy‐β‐carboline hydrochloride (3‐PBC), on oral self‐administration of alcohol (2% w/v) or sucrose solution and observable behavior in rhesus macaques. We compared these effects to those of the nonselective benzodiazepine agonist triazolam, antagonist flumazenil, and inverse agonist β‐carboline carboxylate (βCCE).ResultsAlcohol and sucrose solutions maintained reliable baseline drinking behavior across the study. The α1‐preferring compounds did not affect intake, number of sipper extensions, or blood alcohol levels (BALs) at any of the doses tested. Zolpidem, βCCT, and 3‐PBC increased latency to first sipper extension in animals self‐administering alcohol, but not sucrose, solution. Triazolam exerted biphasic effects on alcohol‐drinking behavior, increasing intake at low doses but decreasing BAL and increasing latency at higher doses. At doses higher than those effective in alcohol‐drinking animals, triazolam increased sucrose intake and latency. Flumazenil nonsystematically increased number of extensions for alcohol but decreased BAL, with no effects on sucrose drinking. βCCE decreased sipper extensions for alcohol and increased latency for first sucrose sipper extension, but full dose–effect relationships could not be determined due to seizures at higher doses.ConclusionsAlcohol‐drinking animals appeared more sensitive to the effects of GABAergic compounds on drinking behavior. However, these results do not support a strong contribution of α1GABAA receptors to the reinforcing effects of alcohol in primates.
Visual performance and ocular abnormalities in deaf children and young adults: a literature review
Authors: Hollingsworth Richard , Ludlow Amanda K. , Wilkins Arnold , Calver Richard , Allen Peter M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractVisual defects are common in deaf individuals. Refractive error and ocular motor abnormalities are frequently reported, with hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and anomalies of binocular vision, all showing a greater prevalence in deaf individuals compared with the general population. Near visual function in deaf individuals has been relatively neglected in the literature to date. Comparisons between studies are problematic due to differences in methodology and population characteristics. Any untreated visual defect has the potential to impair the development of language, with consequences for education more generally, and there is a need to improve screening and treatments of deaf children.
Metabolic syndrome in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: dietary and lifestyle factors compared to the general population
Authors: Bly Michael J , Taylor Stephan F , Dalack Gregory , Pop‐Busui Rodica , Burghardt Kyle J , Evans Simon J , McInnis Melvin I , Grove Tyler B , Brook Robert D , Zöllner Sebastian K , Ellingrod Vicki L 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveSince a poor diet is often cited as a contributor to metabolic syndrome for subjects diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, we sought to examine dietary intake, cigarette smoking, and physical activity in these populations and compare them with those for the general population.MethodsIndividuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n = 116) and schizophrenia (n = 143) were assessed for dietary intake, lifestyle habits, and metabolic syndrome and compared to age‐, gender‐, and race‐matched subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000. Additionally, matched subgroups within the patient populations were compared to elicit any differences.ResultsAs expected, the metabolic syndrome rate was higher in the samples with bipolar disorder (33%) and schizophrenia (47%) compared to matched NHANES controls (17% and 11%, respectively), and not different between the patient groups. Surprisingly, both subjects with bipolar disorder and those with schizophrenia consumed fewer total calories, carbohydrates and fats, as well as more fiber (p < 0.03), compared to NHANES controls. No dietary or activity differences between patient participants with and without metabolic syndrome were found. Subjects with schizophrenia had significantly lower total and low‐density cholesterol levels (p < 0.0001) compared to NHANES controls. Subjects with bipolar disorder smoked less (p = 0.001), exercised more (p = 0.004), and had lower body mass indexes (p = 0.009) compared to subjects with schizophrenia.ConclusionsCounter to predictions, few dietary differences could be discerned between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and NHANES control groups. The subjects with bipolar disorder exhibited healthier behaviors than the patients with schizophrenia. Additional research regarding metabolic syndrome mechanisms, focusing on non‐dietary contributions, is needed.
Web‐based reading annotation system with an attention‐based self‐regulated learning mechanism for promoting reading performance
Authors: Chen Chih‐Ming , Huang Sheng‐Hui 
Published: December 2013

AbstractDue to the rapid development of information technology, web‐based learning has become a dominant trend. That is, learners can often learn anytime and anywhere without being restricted by time and space. Autonomic learning primarily occurs in web‐based learning environments, and self‐regulated learning (SRL) is key to autonomic learning performance. Moreover, sustained attention to web‐based learning activities can be challenging for students. Therefore, a web‐based reading annotation system with an attention‐based self‐regulated learning mechanism (ASRLM), which is based on brainwave detection, is designed to enhance the sustained attention of learners while reading annotated English texts online, and thereby promote online reading performance. In total, 126 Grade 7 students in four classes at a junior high school in New Taipei City, Taiwan, are the participants. Among the four classes, two classes are randomly distributed to the experimental group and the other two classes are randomly distributed to the control group. The experimental group utilizes the ASRLM to support their reading of annotated English texts online, whereas the control group is not supported by the ASRLM while reading annotated English texts online. Experimental results show that sustained attention and reading comprehension of the experimental group are better than those of the control group. Moreover, the web‐based reading system with ASRLM support promotes the sustained attention and reading comprehension of female learners more than those of male learners while reading annotated English texts online. Additionally, learners with high‐SRL ability in the experimental group have better sustained attention and reading comprehension than those learners with low‐SRL ability. Furthermore, the sustained attention and reading comprehension of the experimental group are strongly correlated, and the duration of sustained attention strongly predicts their reading comprehension performance.
Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Genomic Imbalance in a Case of Epithelioid Glioblastoma with BRAF V600E Mutation
Authors: Nobusawa Sumihito , Hirato Junko , Kurihara Hideyuki , Ogawa Akira , Okura Naoki , Nagaishi Masaya , Ikota Hayato , Yokoo Hideaki , Nakazato Yoichi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEpithelioid glioblastoma is among the rarest variants of glioblastoma and is not formally recognized in the World Health Organization classification; it is composed of monotonous, discohesive sheets of small, round cells with eccentric nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm devoid of cytoplasmic stellate processes, showing the retention of nuclear staining of INI‐1 protein. Here, we report a case involving a 22‐year‐old man with a right occipital lobe tumor, which comprised mainly epithelioid tumor cells with a small area of diffusely infiltrating less atypical astrocytoma cells showing a lower cell density. Array comparative genomic hybridization separately performed for each histologically distinct component demonstrated eight shared copy number alterations (CNAs) and three CNAs observed only in epithelioid cells; one of the latter was a homozygous deletion of a tumor suppressor gene, LSAMP, at 3q13.31. BRAF V600E mutation was observed both in epithelioid tumor cells and in diffusely infiltrating less atypical astrocytoma cells. Our findings suggest that the regional loss of LSAMP led to the aggressive nature of epithelioid cells in the present case of epithelioid glioblastoma.
Geniposide Ameliorates Learning Memory Deficits, Reduces Tau Phosphorylation and Decreases Apoptosis via GSK3β Pathway in Streptozotocin‐Induced Alzheimer Rat Model
Authors: Gao Chong , Liu Yueze , Jiang Yuanhong , Ding Jianming , Li Lin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntracerebral‐ventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) induces an insulin‐resistant brain state that may underlie the neural pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD). Our previous work showed that prior ICV treatment of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) could prevent STZ‐induced learning memory impairment and tau hyperphosphorylation in the rat brain. The Chinese herbal medicine geniposide is known to relieve symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Because geniposide is thought to act as a GLP‐1 receptor agonist, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of geniposide on STZ‐induced AD model in rats. Our result showed that a single injection of geniposide (50 μM, 10 μL) to the lateral ventricle prevented STZ‐induced spatial learning deficit by about 40% and reduced tau phosphorylation by about 30% with Morris water maze test and quantitative immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. It has been known that tau protein can be phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) and STZ can increase the activity of GSK3β. Our result with Western blot analysis showed that central administration of geniposide resulted in an elevated expression of GSK3β(pS‐9) but suppressed GSK3β(pY‐216) indicating that geniposide reduced STZ‐induced GSK3β hyperactivity. In addition, ultrastructure analysis showed that geniposide averted STZ‐induced neural pathology, including paired helical filament (PHF)‐like structures, accumulation of vesicles in synaptic terminal, abnormalities of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and early stage of apoptosis. In summary, our study suggests that the water soluble and orally active monomer of Chinese herbal medicine geniposide may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of sporadic AD.
Thermal Physiology, Disease, and Amphibian Declines on the Eastern Slopes of the Andes
Authors: CATENAZZI ALESSANDRO , LEHR EDGAR , VREDENBURG VANCE T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRising temperatures, a widespread consequence of climate change, have been implicated in enigmatic amphibian declines from habitats with little apparent human impact. The pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), now widespread in Neotropical mountains, may act in synergy with climate change causing collapse in thermally stressed hosts. We measured the thermal tolerance of frogs along a wide elevational gradient in the Tropical Andes, where frog populations have collapsed. We used the difference between critical thermal maximum and the temperature a frog experiences in nature as a measure of tolerance to high temperatures. Temperature tolerance increased as elevation increased, suggesting that frogs at higher elevations may be less sensitive to rising temperatures. We tested the alternative pathogen optimal growth hypothesis that prevalence of the pathogen should decrease as temperatures fall outside the optimal range of pathogen growth. Our infection‐prevalence data supported the pathogen optimal growth hypothesis because we found that prevalence of Bd increased when host temperatures matched its optimal growth range. These findings suggest that rising temperatures may not be the driver of amphibian declines in the eastern slopes of the Andes. Zoonotic outbreaks of Bd are the most parsimonious hypothesis to explain the collapse of montane amphibian faunas; but our results also reveal that lowland tropical amphibians, despite being shielded from Bd by higher temperatures, are vulnerable to climate‐warming stress.Fisiología Termal, Enfermedades y Disminuciones de Anfibios en las Laderas Orientales de los Andes
Three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry and diagnosis of excessive perineal descent: a comparative pilot study with defaecography
Authors: Benezech A. , Bouvier M. , Grimaud J.‐C. , Baumstarck K. , Vitton V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThree‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry (3DHRAM) is a new technique that can simultaneously provide physiological and topographical data on the terminal part of the digestive tract. Our object was to assess whether 3DHRAM is able to reliably diagnose excessive perineal descent already diagnosed with conventional defaecography, which is considered to be the gold standard.MethodAll patients referred to our centre for anorectal manometry and conventional defaecography were evaluated with a maximum of 6 months between the two examinations. Anorectal manometry was performed using the 3D High‐Resolution Given Imaging® probe. Excessive perineal descent was defined as the downward movement of the anal high‐pressure zone during straining. At the end of the straining effort, the high‐pressure zone regained its initial position, thereby indicating that the probe had not moved.ResultsNineteen female patients of median age 53 (21–70) years were included in the study. All cases with excessive perineal descent diagnosed using defaecography were visualized with 3DHRAM. The degree of perineal descent determined by 3D and conventional defaecography was compared (Spearman correlation 0.726, P = 0.01). In contrast, the averages measured were significantly different; the average was 11.68 ± 3.3 mm for 3DHRAM but 34.21 ± 13.3 mm for conventional defaecography (P = 0.002).ConclusionThe results of the study demonstrate that 3DHRAM can diagnose excessive perineal descent with the same degree of reliability as defaecography. Quantitative measures were not correlated, however, possibly because of methodological differences. The study confirms the value of the morphological data provided by 3DHRAM.
Hypercalcemia in renal transplant patients: prevalence and management in Canadian transplant practice
Authors: Muirhead N. , Zaltman J. S. , Gill J. S. , Churchill D. N. , Poulin‐Costello M. , Mann V. , Cole E. H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHypercalcemia, occurring in up to 25% of patients within 12 months following renal transplantation, and persistent hyperparathyroidism were evaluated following renal transplantation, by retrospective chart review of 1000 adult patients transplanted between January 1, 2003 and January 31, 2008 with at least six months follow‐up. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and phosphate levels were recorded at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Average follow‐up was 766 (535) d (mean (SD); median 668 d). Majority were first transplants (85%); deceased donor 57%. Point prevalence of hypercalcemia (serum Ca2+ > 2.6 mM) was 16.6% at month 12, 13.6% at month 24, 9.5% at month 36, and 10.1% at month 48. Point prevalence of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) > 10 pM was 47.6% at month 12, 51.1% at month 24, 43.4% at month 36, and 39.3% at month 48. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was maintained throughout and was not different between patients with or without hypercalcemia or elevated PTH. Cinacalcet was prescribed in 12% of patients with hypercalcemia and persistent hyperparathyroidism; parathyroidectomy was performed in 112/1000 patients, 15 post‐transplant. Persistent hyperparathyroidism, often accompanied by hypercalcemia, is common following successful renal transplantation, but the lack of clear management suggests the need for further study and development of evidence‐based guidelines.
Long‐term trends in alcohol policy attitudes in Norway
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Storvoll Elisabet E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe aim of this study was to describe trends in attitudes to alcohol control policies in Norway over a period of 50 years and to discuss how these trends relate to developments in alcohol policy.Design and MethodsSurvey data from 17 national population surveys, national statistics and previous publications were applied to describe trends in attitudes to alcohol control polices (access to alcohol and price) and changes in these policies over the period 1962 to 2012.ResultsFrom 1962 to 1999, an increasing proportion of the population reported that regulations on availability of alcohol were too strict and that alcohol prices were too high, whereas in the 2000s this trend was reversed and support for existing control policies increased. Although the pillars of Norwegian alcohol policy—high prices, restricted access and a state monopoly on retail sales—remained, control policies were gradually relaxed throughout the entire period.Discussion and ConclusionsRelaxation of strict alcohol control policies in Norway in the first four decades were probably, in part, the result of increasingly liberal public opinion. The subsequent reversed trend in opinions with increasing support for control policies may be due to several factors, for example, consumer‐oriented changes in the monopoly system, increased availability and affordability, increased awareness of alcohol‐related harm and the effectiveness of control policies. Thus, the dynamics of policies and attitudes may well change over time. [Rossow I, Storvoll E E. Long‐term trends in alcohol policy attitudes in Norway.Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:220–226]
Endothelial function and carotid intima‐media thickness in giant‐cell arteritis
Authors: Hafner Franz , Haas Elke , Belaj Klara , Froehlich Harald , Gary Thomas , Eller Philipp , Brodmann Marianne 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundVascular endothelial dysfunction and intima‐media thickness are characteristic aspects of several vasculitides. We investigated retrospectively the impact of steroid treatment on endothelial dysfunction and intima‐media thickness in giant‐cell arteritis.MethodsForty‐one patients with giant‐cell arteritis (28 female and 13 male) underwent flow‐mediated dilatation, a marker of endothelial function, and carotid intima‐media thickness within 24 h after diagnosis and 6 months thereafter. Both parameters were investigated in 41 patients of an age‐ and gender‐matched control group.ResultsBrachial flow‐mediated dilatation response at baseline was 3·4% (0·2, 8·0) and 1·7% (0·2, 4·8) in giant‐cell arteritis patients and control group, respectively. After 6 months treatment, flow‐mediated dilatation response was 2·8% (0·4, 4·8) in patients with giant‐cell arteritis (P = 0·066) and 1·4% (0·1, 5·5) in the control group (P = 0·741). In contrast, mean carotid intima‐media thickness of giant‐cell arteritis patients improved significantly between baseline [1·0 mm (0·79, 1·2)] and 6‐month follow‐up [0·82 mm (0·7, 1·04), P < 0·001]. Subjects with additional symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica had a notable enlargement of carotid intima‐media thickness [1·23 mm (1·14, 2·09)] compared to giant‐cell arteritis patients without polymyalgia rheumatica at baseline [0·91 mm (0·76, 1·04), P = 0·001] and 6‐month follow‐up [1·16 mm (0·80, 1·26) vs. 0·77 mm (0·68, 0·88), P = 0·009].ConclusionSteroid therapy has no influence on endothelial function but does significantly improve carotid intima‐media thickness in giant‐cell arteritis. This divergence of endothelial function and intima‐media thickness reflects the specifity of giant‐cell arteritis for cerebrovascular arteries thereby sparing the brachial arteries.
Returns from income strategies in rural Poland
Authors: Fałkowski Jan , Jakubowski Maciej , Strawiński Paweł 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn order to stabilize and improve their income situation, rural households are strongly encouraged to diversify their activities both in and outside the agricultural sector. Often, however, this phenomenon takes on only moderate proportions. This article addresses issues of rural households' income diversification in the case of Poland. It investigates returns from rural households' income strategies using propensity score matching methods and extensive datasets spanning 1998–2008. Results suggest that returns from combining farm and off‐farm activities were lower than returns from concentrating on farming or on self‐employment outside agriculture. This differential is stable over time although returns from diversification have relatively improved after the accession of Poland to the European Union. This is also visible in the fact that since 2006, returns from combining farm and off‐farm activities have equalized with returns from relying solely on hired off‐farm labour, thus smoothing away the difference observed before the accession. Further, over the analysed period, households pursuing a diversification strategy performed better than those relying solely on unearned income. Finally, in general, incomes in households combining farm and off‐farm activities were higher than in those combining off‐farm income sources.