bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve regeneration in chitosan conduits and in autologous nerve grafts in healthy and in type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki rats
Authors: Stenberg Lena , Kodama Akira , Lindwall‐Blom Charlotta , Dahlin Lars B. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractKnowledge about nerve regeneration after nerve injury and reconstruction in appropriate diabetic animal models is incomplete. Short‐term nerve regeneration after reconstruction of a 10‐mm sciatic nerve defect with either a hollow chitosan conduit or an autologous nerve graft was investigated in healthy Wistar and diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats. After 21 days, axonal outgrowth, the presence of activated and apoptotic Schwann cells and the thickness of the formed matrix in the conduits were measured. In general, nerve regeneration was superior in autologous nerve grafts. In chitosan conduits, a matrix, which was thicker in diabetic rats, was formed and was positively correlated with length of axonal outgrowth. Axonal outgrowth in conduits and in nerve grafts extended further in diabetic rats than in healthy rats. There was a higher percentage of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3)‐immunostained cells in nerve segments from healthy rats than in diabetic rats after autologous nerve graft reconstruction. In chitosan conduits, more cleaved caspase 3‐stained Schwann cells were generally observed in the matrix from the diabetic rats than in healthy rats. However, there were fewer apoptotic cells in the distal segment in diabetic rats reconstructed with a chitosan conduit. Preoperative glucose levels were positively correlated with axonal outgrowth after both reconstruction methods. Axonal regeneration was better in autologous nerve grafts than in hollow chitosan conduits and was enhanced in diabetic GK rats compared to healthy rats after reconstruction. This study provides insights into the nerve regeneration process in a clinically relevant diabetic animal model.
Test for latitudinal variation of life history, behavior and mortality in the strictly univoltine damselfly Sympecma fusca (Zygoptera: Lestidae)
Authors: Śniegula Szymon , Gołąb Maria J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA wealth of evidence shows that combinations of ecological stressors interact in shaping life history traits, but little is known about how ecological stressors combine with different seasonal time constraints to shape life history, behavior and mortality across populations. We studied life history, behavior and mortality rate in two latitudinally distant populations of the strictly univoltine, adult‐overwintering damselfly Sympecma fusca. Results from laboratory common‐garden and outdoor experiments indicated countergradient variation of larval development time and growth rate: the more time‐constrained larvae showed faster development and a higher growth rate. This finding led to larger size at emergence in the more time‐constrained individuals. Under conditions of intraspecific interaction (outdoor experiment), northern individuals showed lower survival than southern ones, presumably due to cannibalism. In the absence of intraspecific interactions (laboratory experiment), northern and southern larvae did not differ in survival. Finally, laboratory‐grown northern and southern larvae did not differ in activity level. This is the first time that compensation for seasonal time constraints has been shown in a temperate odonate species that overwinters in the adult stage.
The pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide on blood pressure and plasma potassium after long‐term administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Yu Dan , Chen Yuancheng , Hao Kun 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model was developed to describe the time course of blood pressure and plasma potassium after long‐term telmisartan and/or hydrochlorothiazide administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The spontaneously hypertensive rats were administered once daily for 6 weeks. The drug concentration, blood pressure and plasma potassium were monitored for several points. The time courses of blood pressure and plasma potassium were described by indirect response pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model. The synergistic antihypertensive pharmacodynamic interaction between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide was observed, which was simulated by the inhibitory function of telmisartan and stimulatory function of hydrochlorothiazide after co‐administration of the two drugs. For plasma potassium, when hydrochlorothiazide administrated alone, the plasma potassium reached to a low steady‐state level at 4.64 mmol/L for 6 weeks. The plasma potassium increased to a steady‐state level at 4.84 mmol/L after co‐administration of telmisartan. The time courses of plasma potassium were successfully characterized by indirect response pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model after long‐term administration of telmisartan and/or hydrochlorothiazide. The model captured turnovers of blood pressure and plasma potassium in the different time phases and dose conditions.
Diet composition of two larval headwater stream salamanders and spatial distribution of prey
Authors: Trice Amy E. , Rosemond Amy D. , Maerz John C. 
Published: September 2015

Summary

Interspecific overlap in resource use can determine the degree to which different presumed guild members have distinct or similar effects on ecosystem processes or responses to environmental change. Many headwater streams of North America support multiple species of larval salamanders commonly defined as a single guild that can influence macroinvertebrate communities and nutrient dynamics and are sensitive to stream alteration.

We explored macroinvertebrate distributions in conjunction with stable isotope and gut content analyses of salamanders to examine similarities in diet between two sympatric larval salamander species (Desmognathus quadramaculatus and Eurycea cirrigera) in four headwater streams. We determined the degree to which larval salamanders used similar prey functional feeding groups (FFGs) and taxa and determined the primary source habitat (pools versus riffles) of prey.

Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) suggest the two salamander species occupied similar trophic positions and individual‐based stable isotope mixing models indicated similar use of macroinvertebrate predators and filterers by both species. Diet analyses were generally consistent with stable isotope results in identifying prey FFGs that composed the largest biomass of salamander diets. However, despite similarities in diet at the resolution of FFGs, there was little overlap in the specific taxa consumed by the two salamander species: 52 prey taxa were consumed over all samples, with only 16 taxa in common. Further, only five prey taxa were common in dominating diet biomass of both species; there was more overlap in taxa in terms of diet abundance.

We assessed patterns in benthic macroinvertebrate biomass and compared the biomass of taxa that were in pools versus riffles to the biomass and abundance of taxa in salamander diets. Total macroinvertebrate biomass was generally higher in pools; however, the majority of salamander prey biomass was from riffle habitats, a trend that was stronger for D. quadramaculatus than for E. cirrigera. There was greater similarity in taxa comprising diet by abundance with the majority of prey items originating from pools.

The larval salamander species used similar prey FFGs but differed significantly in specific prey taxa. We hypothesise that species differences in diets were most likely a function of differences in larval size and microhabitat use. Consequently, the treatment of larval salamanders as a guild is probably inadequate for predicting the effect of larval salamander diversity on some stream processes, and species may differ in how they respond to factors affecting prey assemblages.
Industrial road crossings drive changes in community structure and instream habitat for freshwater fishes in the boreal forest
Authors: Maitland Bryan M. , Poesch Mark , Anderson Axel E. , Pandit Shubha N. 
Published: September 2015

Summary

Stream crossing structures are an increasingly prevalent anthropogenic feature on North American riverscapes, particularly in watersheds affected by industrial resource development in sensitive boreal environments. If improperly managed, stream crossings have the potential to alter fish habitat and impede fish movement.

This study assessed instream habitat characteristics and fish communities from 33 culverted, bridged and reference streams in an industrialising region of the boreal forest in west‐central Alberta. Mixed‐effects modelling and multivariate analysis were used to determine impacts of stream crossings at three scales: whole‐stream scale, within‐stream scale and the interaction of scales.

Instream habitat characteristics such as mean depth, water velocity, percent fines, turbidity, water temperature and dissolved oxygen showed significant between‐stream as well as within‐stream differences among stream crossings. The majority of fish species exhibited significantly lower densities (n m−2) in upstream habitats as compared to downstream habitats, including a significant reduction in Slimy Sculpin densities in culverted streams. Multivariate tests corroborated these results, showing that fish assemblages differ as a function of stream type.

This study suggests industrial stream crossings influence abiotic habitat characteristics in freshwater ecosystems, restrict biotic connectivity and impact fish community structure at the whole‐stream and within‐stream scales. Alterations to stream ecosystems associated with stream crossings may be driving large‐scale changes in stream fish communities in the boreal forest. With expanded development expected in much of North America's boreal region, mitigation measures which limit impacts from stream crossings are needed to ensure proper ecosystem function in freshwater systems.
The structure of the littoral: effects of waterlily density and perch predation on sediment and plant‐associated macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Kornijów Ryszard , Measey G. John , Moss Brian 
Published: September 2015

Summary

Littoral zones are complex and important for mechanisms that maintain clear water and submerged plant dominance in lakes. Details of their structure are scarce, largely because sweep or grab sampling, the most commonly used approach, is unable to reveal much subtlety.

Invertebrate communities of plankton and sedimentary benthos, and of those living on submerged and floating leaves and their petioles of Nuphar lutea, were separately sampled from 2‐m2 mesocosms in a shallow lake, with different lily densities in the absence or presence of perch (Perca fluviatilis).

Increasing plant density led to reduced sedimentary benthos populations other than those of tubificids. This was ascribed to greater shading of algal producers on the surface sediment by the increasing leaf canopy.

Increasing leaf canopy increased the populations of several plant‐associated taxa, suggesting that habitat availability was potentially limiting for these.

Submerged leaves supported more invertebrates per unit area than submerged petioles or the undersides of floating leaves. Greater periphyton production on leaf surfaces that had thinner cuticles and less waxy surfaces was probably responsible.

Perch predation had unexpectedly little effect, although the perch fed widely among the subhabitats, and fish population densities were relatively high. Predation was most intense on the planktonic and sedimentary benthos communities, especially on actively motile invertebrates such as isopods and amphipods. Macroinvertebrates associated with plant surfaces, not least the predominant Acroloxus lacustris, were relatively immune. There were more predator effects on submerged leaves than on floating leaves and their petioles.

Perch fed less effectively on some taxa at naturally high plant densities than at low and medium densities, and overall, the littoral communities showed resilience to fish predation, probably through the complexity of the plant structure.
Fine‐scale habitat preferences influence within‐river population connectivity: a case‐study using two sympatricNewZealandGalaxiasfish species
Authors: Waters Jonathan M. , Burridge Christopher P. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryUnderstanding the ecological factors governing population connectivity in freshwater systems represents an ongoing challenge for aquatic biologists.We used genetic analysis to test the hypothesis that fine‐scale habitat preferences can influence within‐river connectivity patterns in freshwater‐limited fishes.Genetic variation among sampling sites within systems was compared for co‐distributed fish taxaGalaxias gollumoides(low‐velocity pool/swamp habitat) versus an undescribed species,Galaxias‘southern’ (high‐velocity riffle habitat), usingϕstatistics. These analyses incorporated 1624 bp of mtDNA from 429 galaxiid specimens, encompassing 95 localities across four river systems in Southland, New Zealand.Although similar numbers of haplotypes per river were detected in both taxa, spatial partitioning of this genetic variation within rivers was significantly stronger forG. gollumoides(meanϕST = 0.539) than forG. ‘southern’ (meanϕST = 0.142). Within‐catchment genetic divergence values were also higher for the former species.These finding suggest that a combination of main‐channel habitat continuity and high water velocity facilitates relatively high connectivity inG. ‘southern’, whereasG. gollumoidespopulations are genetically isolated in fragmented low‐velocity habitats. We conclude that population connectivity can be strongly influenced by habitat preference, leading to profound differences in the phylogeography, diversity and conservation status of freshwater fish lineages.
Resection of bulky chromophobe renal cell carcinoma resolved severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: A case report
Authors: Maekawa Shigekatsu , Nagata Masayoshi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Nozaki Keina , Takahashi Atsuko , Minowada Shigeru , Homma Yukio 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIdiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with renal cell carcinoma is relatively rare. We report the case of a 48‐year‐old woman with massive renal cell carcinoma, measuring approximately 20 × 14 × 14 cm, who presented with severe thrombocytopenia: platelet count, 2000 cells/μL. After confirming normal bone marrow, she received high‐dose dexamethasone and intravenous gamma globulin, which raised the platelet count to normal levels. She then underwent left radical nephrectomy. The pathological examination showed chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. After the resection, the platelet count was maintained within the normal range without any treatment. The current case is the first report of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma causative of severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Characteristics of Alprazolam‐Related Deaths Compiled by a Centralized State Medical Examiner
Authors: Shah Neel A. , Abate Marie A. , Smith Michael J. , Kaplan James A. , Kraner James C. , Clay David J. 
Published: September 2015

Background and Objective: Unintentional drug poisoning deaths represent a major health concern, particularly in rural areas. Although alprazolam is frequently detected in drug‐related deaths, characterization of its involvement is limited. Our objective was to compare the characteristics of alprazolam‐related deaths with nonalprazolam deaths in a predominantly rural state.Methods: A comprehensive forensic drug database (FDD) was developed in 2005 to compile demographic, toxicology, and co‐morbidity information from all West Virginia (WV) drug‐related deaths. All FDD data from 2005 to mid‐November 2007 were analyzed.Results: Alprazolam contributed to 204 (17.0%) of the 1,199 drug‐related deaths and was identified in 7.2% of the 363 deaths occurring during 2005 and in 27.5% of the 422 deaths entered in the database during 2007. At least one other drug, predominantly an opioid, was identified in 97.5% of the alprazolam cases, with concurrent benzodiazepines also found. Compared to nonalprazolam deaths, alprazolam decedents were significantly more likely to be obese and to have preexisting cardiovascular disease, but were less likely to have documented substance abuse. An alprazolam prescription existed in 52.5% of the alprazolam deaths, with 77.6% having a prescription for all drugs identified.Conclusions: Alprazolam was a contributing cause of death in a substantial and increasing number of drug‐related deaths. Prescriptions for alprazolam and the other drugs detected were often present in these cases.Scientific Significance: Controlled substance monitoring programs should be routinely used as one mechanism to help prevent potential drug misuse/abuse. Our findings provide a baseline for ongoing alprazolam‐related death surveillance. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S27–S34)
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for Substance Use in a School‐Based Program: Services and Outcomes
Authors: Mitchell Shannon Gwin , Gryczynski Jan , Gonzales Arturo , Moseley Ana , Peterson Thomas , O’Grady Kevin E , Schwartz Robert P 
Published: September 2015

Background: Despite the advantages of using high schools for conducting school‐based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs for adolescent substance misuse, there have been very few studies of Brief Interventions (BIs) in these settings.Objectives: This multi‐site, repeated measures study examined outcomes of adolescents who received SBIRT services and compared the extent of change in substance use based on the intensity of intervention received.Methods: Participants consisted of 629 adolescents, ages 14–17, who received SBIRT services across 13 participating high schools in New Mexico. The level of service received and number of sessions were collected through administrative records, while the number of self‐reported days in the past month of drinking; drinking to intoxication; and drug use were gathered at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up.Results: BI was provided to 85.1% of adolescents, while 14.9% received brief treatment or referral to treatment (BT/RT). Participants receiving any intervention reported significant reductions in frequency of drinking to intoxication (p < .05) and drug use (p < .001), but not alcohol use, from baseline to 6‐month follow‐up. The magnitude of these reductions did not differ based on service variables. Controlling for baseline frequency of use, a BT/RT service level was associated with more days of drinking at 6‐month follow‐up (p < .05), but was no longer significant when controlling for number of service sessions received.Conclusions and Scientific Significance: These findings support school‐based SBIRT for adolescents, but more research is needed on this promising approach. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S5–S13)
From student to graduate: longitudinal changes in the qualities of nurses
Authors: Cowin Leanne S. , Johnson Maree 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimsTo examine the development of perceived qualities of nursing from student to graduate nurse over time.BackgroundResearchers continue to explore student nurse and new graduate nurse attrition, particularly in the light of a looming crisis in nursing recruitment and retention. Qualities of nurses represent the job fit of nursing from student to graduate years.DesignA prospective longitudinal design with a convenience sample was used for this study.MethodsData were collected annually from 2009–2012 through the completion of a short on‐line survey. The sample size of undergraduate nurses in year 1 was 676, with 527 in year 2, 339 in year 3 and 190 in year 4. Only 136 participants completed the survey each year forming the complete data set for analysis.Results/findingsMost qualities of nursing differed significantly across time with the qualities of Caring, Empathetic, Knowledge and Respectful demonstrating strong changes. Most declines in scores occurred on graduation. Caring, the central tenet of nursing increased during the student years and declined slightly on graduation.ConclusionThis unique longitudinal study of Australian nurses suggests that the clinical experience and theoretical grounding provided in our University programs, has resulted in an increasing cumulative effect in the third year supporting most qualities of nurses/nursing understood in year 1, that is, the career fit to perceptions, has been achieved. The decline in the 1styear of graduation, where the concept of workplace misfit is occurring, is where further nurse graduate support is urgently required.
Information Asymmetry and Dual Distribution in Franchise Networks
Authors: Wilson Mark , Shailer Greg 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe examine whether a dual distribution system that uses both franchisor‐operated and franchisee‐operated outlets reduces a franchisor's information disadvantage when contracting with franchisee retailers. Using detailed qualitative and quantitative managerial data, we find persuasive evidence of the strategic use of performance information obtained from franchisor‐operated outlets to reduce information asymmetry and enhance contracting efficiency for franchisee‐operated outlets. We test whether the proximity of franchisor‐operated retail outlets to franchisee‐operated retail outlets reduces underpricing of quasi‐franchise contracts. Our results accord with the proposition that information asymmetry reduces contracting efficiency and are consistent with our prediction that a manufacturer can reduce intrinsic information asymmetry by maintaining franchisor‐operated outlets that are geographically proximate to the franchisee‐operated outlets, and that this improves the franchisor's pricing of franchising contracts. We conclude that dual distribution reduces the franchisor's information asymmetry and increases their contract pricing efficiency.
Integration of global fossil and modern biodiversity data reveals dynamism and stasis in ant macroecological patterns
Authors: Guénard Benoit , Perrichot Vincent , Economo Evan P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimWe investigate the dynamics of ant biodiversity patterns and community structure from the Eocene until the present. Our goal is to empirically test hypotheses regarding the similarities in composition and structure of fossil and modern ant faunas to understand the historical processes influencing modern global biodiversity patterns.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe integrated two recently developed databases of the geographical distributions of fossil and modern ant genera and analysed the evolution of diversity and composition since the Eocene, c. 55 Ma. We assembled a third new database on community structure of ants, and used it to compare community structure of fossil assemblages with modern communities in different bioregions.ResultsThe analyses of generic composition and community structure were congruent, supporting a strong affinity between the Western Palaearctic ant fauna and modern Indomalayan and Australasian assemblages, and of a widespread Holarctic ant palaeofauna, and affinity between fossil Caribbean and modern Neotropical faunas. In addition, neither generic composition nor community structure of fossil assemblages showed evidence of taphonomic bias towards arboreal taxa.Main ConclusionsThe aggregated fossil record reveals the dynamic nature of macroecological patterns in ant biodiversity during the Cenozoic, with continental‐scale generic extinctions common and important in shaping modern ant assemblages. Our results suggest major compositional changes for the Western Palaearctic bioregion and the Caribbean bioregions. The ant palaeofauna of the Western Palaearctic bioregion was then very similar in composition and structure to the one observed now in the Indomalayan bioregion, supporting the notion that modern‐day ‘tropical’ biomes were historically much more widespread, while temperate biotas are more recently evolved. Our results underscore the importance of a palaeogeographical perspective in understanding modern‐day macroecological patterns.