bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal neuron soma size is associated with population differences in winter climate severity in food‐caching chickadees
Authors: Freas Cody A. , Roth Timothy C. , LaDage Lara D. , Pravosudov Vladimir V. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Differential demands on cognitive ability may be expected to result in the evolution of cognition and associated changes in underlying neural mechanisms. While most comparative studies of cognition have focused on volumetric brain measurements, it remains unclear whether neuron morphology, which appears to be directly linked to cognitive functions, may be responsive to differential selection on cognitive ability.

Food‐caching birds rely on caches to survive winter and use spatial memory to recover previously stored food. Birds in more harsh winter climates have been hypothesized to be more dependent on cached food, and therefore, their winter survival may be expected to be more memory‐dependent relative to their conspecifics from the milder winter climates. Here, we show that neuron soma size in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory function, exhibits significant population variation associated with different environmental pressures on spatial memory related to differences in winter climate harshness in two species of food‐caching chickadees. Comparing ten populations of black‐capped chickadees and three populations of mountain chickadees along a gradient of winter climate harshness, we found that birds from harsher environments had significantly larger hippocampal neuron soma sizes.

Using chickadees from the two most divergent populations reared in a laboratory environment, we showed that these differences appear to be at least partly heritable as significant differences between these populations remained in birds sharing the same laboratory environment. At the same time, laboratory‐reared birds had significantly smaller neuron soma size compared with the wild‐sampled birds, suggesting that at least some variation in neuron soma size may be due to environment‐related plasticity.

Our data suggest that environment‐related selection on memory may generate differences in neuron morphology, which appear to be controlled by some heritable mechanisms and likely underlie population differences in spatial memory.
Rapid assessment of rat eradication after aerial baiting
Authors: Samaniego‐Herrera Araceli , Anderson Dean P. , Parkes John P. , Aguirre‐Muñoz Alfonso 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Eradication of introduced rodents on islands is increasingly implemented as a conservation tool. Aerial baiting, currently the main eradication technique, provides no information on whether eradication has been achieved. Success is usually evaluated after a standard period of 2 years with no sign of rodents.

We describe a novel approach to assess the success of eradication efforts based on a project to eradicate ship rats Rattus rattus from Isabel Island (82 ha), Mexico. We used detection and home‐range parameters obtained from a capture–recapture study completed prior to aerial baiting to build a spatial‐survey model that predicts probability of eradication after the treatment.

The spatial‐survey model estimated a >99% probability of success after two surveys with no rats detected. This approach can be used to make eradication projects more cost‐effective. Survivors, if any, could be located and dispatched by localized control methods. This avoids repeat aerial baiting of the whole island if failure becomes apparent.

This model is a useful tool for (a) assessing the probability of eradication within weeks, rather than years of an operation, and (b) predicting the required survey effort to achieve a probability of success consistent with the costs and risks of falsely declaring eradication success.

Synthesis and applications: Rapid assessment of success after rodent eradication efforts on islands results in financial savings by potentially reducing the duration of the projects. Improvements in biosecurity guidelines might also accrue as delays in detecting rats after an operation may confound their identification as offspring of survivors or re‐invaders. Advanced techniques and predictive modelling will increase confidence among partners and donors and allow more efficient achievement of regional programmes.
How well can pelvic floor muscles with major defects contract? A cross‐sectional comparative study 6 weeks after delivery using transperineal 3D/4D ultrasound and manometer
Authors: Hilde G , Stær‐Jensen J , Siafarikas F , Gjestland K , Ellström Engh M , Bø K 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate ability to contract, vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and PFM endurance 6 weeks after vaginal delivery in primiparous women, with and without major defects of the levator ani (LA) muscle.DesignCross‐sectional comparative study.SettingAkershus University Hospital, Norway.SampleA cohort of 175 singleton primiparous women delivering vaginally after more than 32 weeks of gestation.MethodsMajor LA defects were assessed by 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound at maximal PFM contraction, using tomographic imaging. VRP, PFM strength and PFM endurance were measured vaginally by manometer. Data were analysed by independent‐samples Student's t test, chi‐square test, and standard multiple and simple linear regression.Main outcome measuresVRP, PFM strength and PFM endurance.ResultsOf the women included in the study, 4% were not able to contract their PFM 6 weeks after delivery. Women with major LA defects (n = 55) had 47% lower PFM strength and 47% lower endurance when compared with women without major LA defects (n = 120). Mean differences were 7.5 cmH2O (95% CI 5.1–9.9, P < 0.001) and 51.2 cmH2O seconds (95% CI 32.8–69.6, P < 0.001), respectively. These estimates were unchanged by adjustment in multivariable linear regression for potentially confounding demographic and obstetric factors. No difference was found regarding VRP (P = 0.670).ConclusionsWomen with major LA defects after vaginal delivery had pronounced lower PFM strength and endurance than women without such defects; however, most women with major LA defects were able to contract the PFM. This indicates a potential capacity by non‐injured muscle fibres to compensate for loss in muscle strength, even at an early stage after delivery.
Third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal tears among primiparous women in England between 2000 and 2012: time trends and risk factors
Authors: Gurol‐Urganci I , Cromwell DA , Edozien LC , Mahmood TA , Adams EJ , Richmond DH , Templeton A , van der Meulen JH 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo describe the trends of severe perineal tears in England and to investigate to what extent the changes in related risk factors could explain the observed trends.DesignA retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries from a national administrative database.SettingThe English National Health Service between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2012.PopulationA cohort of 1 035 253 primiparous women who had a singleton, term, cephalic, vaginal birth.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of financial year of birth (labelled by starting year), adjusting for major risk factors.Main outcome measureThe rate of third‐degree (anal sphincter is torn) or fourth‐degree (anal sphincter as well as rectal mucosa are torn) perineal tears.ResultsThe rate of reported third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal tears tripled from 1.8 to 5.9% during the study period. The rate of episiotomy varied between 30 and 36%. An increasing proportion of ventouse deliveries (from 67.8 to 78.6%) and non‐instrumental deliveries (from 15.1 to 19.1%) were assisted by an episiotomy. A higher risk of third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal tears was associated with a maternal age above 25 years, instrumental delivery (forceps and ventouse), especially without episiotomy, Asian ethnicity, a more affluent socio‐economic status, higher birthweight, and shoulder dystocia.ConclusionsChanges in major risk factors are unlikely explanations for the observed increase in the rate of third‐ or fourth‐degree tears. The improved recognition of tears following the implementation of a standardised classification of perineal tears is the most likely explanation.
The effect of endometriosis on in vitro fertilisation outcome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Harb HM , Gallos ID , Chu J , Harb M , Coomarasamy A 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundEndometriosis is found in 0.5–5% of fertile women and 25–40% of infertile women. It is known that endometriosis is associated with infertility, but there is uncertainty whether women with endometriosis have adverse pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.ObjectivesTo explore the association between endometriosis and IVF outcome.Search strategySearches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (inception, December 2012) in all languages, together with reference lists of retrieved papers.Selection criteriaStudies comparing IVF outcome in women with endometriosis with women without endometriosis. Patients were classified by stage of endometriosis. The outcomes were fertilisation, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Study selection was conducted independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for quality assessment.Data collection and analysisData extraction was conducted independently by two reviewers. Relative risks from individual studies were meta‐analysed.Main resultsTwenty‐seven observational studies were included, comprising 8984 women. Meta‐analysis of these studies showed that fertilisation rates were reduced in stage I/II of endometriosis (relative risk [RR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.87–0.99, P = 0.03). There was a decrease in the implantation rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93, P = 0.006) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.91, P = 0.0008) in women with stage III/IV endometriosis undergoing IVF treatment.ConclusionThe presence of severe endometriosis (stage III/IV) is associated with poor implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF treatment.
Retarded head growth and neurocognitive development in infants of mothers with a history of eating disorders: longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Koubaa S , Hällström T , Hagenäs L , Hirschberg AL 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo characterise early growth and neurocognitive development in children of mothers with a history of eating disorders (ED).DesignA longitudinal cohort study.SettingChild‐care centres in Stockholm, Sweden.PopulationChildren born to mothers with previous ED (n = 47) (24 anorexia nervosa, 20 bulimia nervosa, 3 unspecified ED), and controls (n = 65).MethodsMean values and standard deviation scores of weight and height from birth to 5 years of age and head circumference up to 18 months of age were compared between groups. Neurocognitive development was studied at the age of 5 years by the validated parent questionnaire Five to Fifteen.Main outcome measuresHead growth and neurocognitive development.ResultsWe previously reported that mothers with a history of ED conceived infants with lower birthweight and head circumference than controls. At 3 months of age, body mass index (BMI) was no longer reduced but mean head circumferences of the children born to mothers with ED were smaller throughout the observation period. Similarly, the longitudinal results of the standard deviation scores of head circumference showed a significant overall group effect with lower levels in both subgroups of ED (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa). The children of the ED mothers also had significantly higher Five to Fifteen scores than controls, reflecting difficulties in language skills. Head circumference at birth correlated with language skills in the children of mothers with ED.ConclusionChildren of mothers with previous ED demonstrated an early catch‐up in BMI, but the average head circumference continued to be delayed until at least 18 months of age. The reduced head growth was related to delayed neurocognitive development.
Rate of Ankle‐Brachial Index Decline Predicts Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kuwahara Michio , Hasumi Syoko , Mandai Shintaro , Tanaka Tomomi , Shikuma Satomi , Akita Wataru , Mori Yoshihiro , Sasaki Sei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractChronic kidney disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular events (CVEs). We obtained baseline data regarding blood biochemistry, ankle‐brachial index (ABI), brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and echocardiographic parameters from 300 patients on hemodialysis in 2005. We also measured ABI and baPWV annually from June 2005 until June 2012 and calculated rates of changes in ABI and baPWV to identify factors associated with CVEs. Seventy‐three patients died of cardiovascular disease and 199 CVEs occurred in 164 patients during the study period. Cardiac, cerebrovascular and peripheral artery disease (PAD) events occurred in 124, 43 and 32 patients, respectively, and 30 patients had more than two types of CVEs. Analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that a higher rate of decline in ABI (hazard ratio [HR], 4.034; P < 0.001) was the most significant risk factor for decreased patient survival. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that a higher rate of ABI decline (HR, 2.342; P < 0.001) was a significant risk factor for cardiac events, and that a lower baseline ABI was a risk factor for cerebrovascular (HR, 0.793; P = 0.03) and PAD (HR, 0.595; P < 0.0001) events. Our findings suggested that the rate of a decline in ABI and the baseline ABI value are potent correlation factors for survival and CVE morbidity among patients on hemodialysis in Japan.
Geometric Optimization of a Step Bearing for a Hydrodynamically Levitated Centrifugal Blood Pump for the Reduction of Hemolysis
Authors: Kosaka Ryo , Yada Toru , Nishida Masahiro , Maruyama Osamu , Yamane Takashi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA hydrodynamically levitated centrifugal blood pump with a semi‐open impeller has been developed for mechanical circulatory assistance. However, a narrow bearing gap has the potential to cause hemolysis. The purpose of the present study is to optimize the geometric configuration of the hydrodynamic step bearing in order to reduce hemolysis by expansion of the bearing gap. First, a numerical analysis of the step bearing, based on lubrication theory, was performed to determine the optimal design. Second, in order to assess the accuracy of the numerical analysis, the hydrodynamic forces calculated in the numerical analysis were compared with those obtained in an actual measurement test using impellers having step lengths of 0%, 33%, and 67% of the vane length. Finally, a bearing gap measurement test and a hemolysis test were performed. As a result, the numerical analysis revealed that the hydrodynamic force was the largest when the step length was approximately 70%. The hydrodynamic force calculated in the numerical analysis was approximately equivalent to that obtained in the measurement test. In the measurement test and the hemolysis test, the blood pump having a step length of 67% achieved the maximum bearing gap and reduced hemolysis, as compared with the pumps having step lengths of 0% and 33%. It was confirmed that the numerical analysis of the step bearing was effective, and the developed blood pump having a step length of approximately 70% was found to be a suitable configuration for the reduction of hemolysis.
An online adaptive learning environment for critical‐thinking‐infused English literacy instruction
Authors: Yang Ya‐Ting Carolyn , Gamble Jeffrey Hugh , Hung Yu‐Wan , Lin Tzu‐Yun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCritical thinking (CT) and English literacy are two essential 21st century competencies that are a priority for teaching and learning in an increasingly digital learning environment. Taking advantage of innovations in educational technology, this study empirically investigates the effectiveness of CT‐infused adaptive English literacy instruction using a Moodle system. A one‐group pretest–posttest design was employed to evaluate the effect of the treatment on students' acquisition of CT skills (CTS) and English literacy. A total of 83 students enrolled in two sections of a general studies course at a large university in Taiwan participated in the semester‐long experiment. Adaptive learning was achieved through the use of an online Moodle system for (1) online grouping (based on pretest English literacy scores), (2) delivery of specifically designed adaptive learning materials for each group and (3) provision of individualised feedback. CT‐infused language activities based on social constructivist principles were designed for each level of adaptive instruction, whereas direct instruction for fostering CTS was provided in class and practiced or reflected upon in groups. Empirical results demonstrate that CT‐enhanced adaptive English literacy instruction simultaneously improved students' CTS and English literacy and that students' online discussions developed towards higher levels of interaction. This paper illustrates an effective blended learning model for adaptive instruction and offers recommendations for designing CT‐infused language learning activities that can successfully foster both CT and English literacy outcomes.
Which is false: Oxaliplatin or fluoropyrimidine? An analysis of patients with KRAS wild‐type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with first‐line epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody
Authors: Wen Feng , Tang Ruilei , Sang Yaxiong , Li Meng , Hu Qiancheng , Du Zedong , Zhou Yi , Zhang Pengfei , He Xiaofeng , Li Qiu 
Published: July 2013

This meta‐analysis was performed to determine whether the addition of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy treatment improves efficacy in KRAS wild‐type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and whether infusional 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and oxaliplatin is a preferred combination for EGFR mAbs. Oxaliplatin (including treatment), EGFR mAbs, first‐line treatment, KRAS wild‐type, and mCRC were used as key words. The PRIME, OPUS, COIN, and NORDIC VII trials were identified by two independent authors. Time‐to‐event outcomes of overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were analyzed using HRs (hazard ratios) with fixed effect, and response rate (RR) using odd ratios (OR) with fixed effect. A total of 1767 patients who were KRAS wild‐type were included in this meta‐analysis, with 866 patients in the mAbs and chemotherapy combination group and 901 patients in the chemotherapy alone group. The addition of mAbs to oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with KRAS wild‐type mCRC as first‐line treatment resulted in significant improvements in PFS (HR = 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.99; P = 0.03) and response rate (RR) (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.14–1.66; P = 0.009) compared with chemotherapy alone, but the difference in OS was not significant (HR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85–1.08; P = 0.48). However, the differences in OS and PFS were not significant when mAbs were added to bolus 5‐FU or capecitabine‐based regimens compared with chemotherapy alone, whereas PFS improved with an infusional 5‐FU and oxaliplatin combination (P = 0.06; PFS, HR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65–0.86; P = 0.0002), and even OS was marginally significant, which was consistent with the subgroup analysis of cetuximab and panitumumab. EGFR mAbs combined with oxaliplatin and an infusional 5‐FU regimen was associated with significantly improved RR, PFS and OS as first‐line treatment in KRAS wild‐type mCRC.
Body masses, functional responses and predator–prey stability
Authors: Kalinkat Gregor , Schneider Florian D. , Digel Christoph , Guill Christian , Rall Björn C. , Brose Ulrich 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe stability of ecological communities depends strongly on quantitative characteristics of population interactions (type‐II vs. type‐III functional responses) and the distribution of body masses across species. Until now, these two aspects have almost exclusively been treated separately leaving a substantial gap in our general understanding of food webs. We analysed a large data set of arthropod feeding rates and found that all functional‐response parameters depend on the body masses of predator and prey. Thus, we propose generalised functional responses which predict gradual shifts from type‐II predation of small predators on equally sized prey to type‐III functional‐responses of large predators on small prey. Models including these generalised functional responses predict population dynamics and persistence only depending on predator and prey body masses, and we show that these predictions are strongly supported by empirical data on forest soil food webs. These results help unravelling systematic relationships between quantitative population interactions and large‐scale community patterns.
Photosynthesis of temperate Eucalyptus globulus trees outside their native range has limited adjustment to elevated CO2 and climate warming
Authors: Crous Kristine Y. , Quentin Audrey G. , Lin Yan‐Shih , Medlyn Belinda E. , Williams David G. , Barton Craig V. M. , Ellsworth David S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEucalyptus species are grown widely outside of their native ranges in plantations on all vegetated continents of the world. We predicted that such a plantation species would show high potential for acclimation of photosynthetic traits across a wide range of growth conditions, including elevated [CO2] and climate warming. To test this prediction, we planted temperate Eucalyptus globulus Labill. seedlings in climate‐controlled chambers in the field located >700 km closer to the equator than the nearest natural occurrence of this species. Trees were grown in a complete factorial combination of elevated CO2 concentration (eC; ambient [CO2] +240 ppm) and air warming treatments (eT; ambient +3 °C) for 15 months until they reached ca. 10 m height. There was little acclimation of photosynthetic capacity to eC and hence the CO2‐induced photosynthetic enhancement was large (ca. 50%) in this treatment during summer. The warming treatment significantly increased rates of both carboxylation capacity (Vcmax) and electron transport (Jmax) (measured at a common temperature of 25 °C) during winter, but decreased them significantly by 20–30% in summer. The photosynthetic CO2 compensation point in the absence of dark respiration (Γ*) was relatively less sensitive to temperature in this temperate eucalypt species than for warm‐season tobacco. The temperature optima for photosynthesis and Jmax significantly changed by about 6 °C between winter and summer, but without further adjustment from early to late summer. These results suggest that there is an upper limit for the photosynthetic capacity of E. globulus ssp. globulus outside its native range to acclimate to growth temperatures above 25 °C. Limitations to temperature acclimation of photosynthesis in summer may be one factor that defines climate zones where E. globulus plantation productivity can be sustained under anticipated global environmental change.