bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alpha diversity of mesostigmatid mites associated with the bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in Poland
Authors: Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J. , Błoszyk Jerzy , Gdula Anna K. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

The major aim of this study was to establish the role and importance of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in increasing species biodiversity in spruce forests through phoresy of mesostigmatid mites. The study is a close examination of 26 041 specimens of I. typographus, which were carriers of 7210 individuals of mites, classified into 24 species. The most numerous species were Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus, Trichouropoda polytricha, and Urobovella obovata. It is noteworthy that the last two species have not been found so far in other types of microhabitat. Moreover, the analysed material also contained a few extremely rare species such as Amblyseius rademacheri and Uroseius acuminatus.

The spruce bark beetle is regarded by forestry experts as one of the most common pest beetles inhabiting spruce forests of Eurasia. Although this species sometimes causes serious economic damage in some regions, it is also one of those organisms which create favourable conditions for many species of fungi and invertebrates; also, it often serves as a carrier for many other organisms. The results of the study show that both presence and abundance of I. typographus determine occurrence of many species, and for this reason forest management evaluations of the function of this beetle in forest ecosystems should also take into account the importance of the species in increasing biodiversity of forests.
The influence of consumer socialisation in the home on gender differences in financial literacy
Authors: Agnew Stephen , Cameron‐Agnew Trudi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe lower level of financial literacy amongst females relative to males has been well documented in the literature. There has however been a less than compelling argument constructed as to why this discrepancy occurs. This article introduces findings showing the influence the home, particularly financial discussions in the home, has on the financial literacy levels of children and young adults. A key finding is that males have their first financial discussion in the home at a younger age than females on average, with this differential statistically significant across students of differing socioeconomic status. For males, the age of the child when they have their first financial discussion in the home influences their financial literacy levels some years later at university, even accounting for other variables such as socioeconomic status. The findings of this article suggest that financial socialisation in the home may be subject to a gender bias, which over time contributes to differential financial literacy knowledge levels between the genders.
Indoctrination or education? Intention of unqualified teachers to transfer consumption norms in home economics teaching
Authors: Håkansson Andreas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAlmost two thirds of home economics (HE) teachers in Sweden are formally unqualified (FU). Historically, HE has focused more on fostering and prescribing the ‘right’ choices whereas the modern (2011‐) curriculum focuses on teaching consequences of choices and giving students tools for assessing alternatives. Restraining from prescribing norms requires a high degree of professionalism. The objective of this study was to empirically investigate the prevalence of intentions of FU teachers to prescribe consumption norms not supported by the curriculum. Furthermore, to investigate to what extent these intentions are correlated with years of experience as a teacher, personal preferences, or personal consumption. The intention to transfer norms were measured using the concept of intentional misalignment applied to a survey distributed to a sample of FU teachers attending complementary teacher education. A two part survey was used. The first part consisted of multiple choice questions asking the teachers how important they saw it to transfer different consumption norms to their students (e.g. to consume local or organic food). These responses were evaluated quantitatively (Spearman rank correlation, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance). The second part consisted of an open‐ended question asking teachers to describe what they saw as the most important take‐home message for students in HE. The answers were compared to the national curriculum to identify intentions to transfer unsupported norms. The study indicates that more than a third of the FU HE teachers in Sweden express the intention to prescribe specific types of consumption or to transfer consumption norms that are not supported by the curriculum. The prevalence is correlated to personal preferences and thus indicates difficulties with keeping a professional perspective. These teachers must be given collegial support and opportunities for continued education–to ensure high‐quality HE education for future generations.
Trophic relationships between the larvae of two freshwater mussels and their fish hosts
Authors: Denic Marco , Taeubert Jens‐Eike , Geist Juergen 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFreshwater mussels of the order Unionoida have life cycles that include larval attachment to and later metamorphosis on suitable host fishes. Information on the trophic relationship between unionoid larvae and their host fishes is scarce. We investigated the trophic interaction between fish hosts and encysted larvae of two species of freshwater mussels, Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus, using stable isotope analyses of larvae and juvenile mussels as well as of host fish gill and muscle tissues before and after infestation. Due to different life histories and durations of host‐encystment, mass and size increase in M. margaritifera during the host‐dependent phase were greater than those of U. crassus. δ13C and δ15N signatures of juvenile mussels approached isotopic signatures of fish tissues, indicating a parasitic relationship between mussels and their hosts. Shifts were more pronounced for M. margaritifera, which had a five‐fold longer host‐dependent phase than U. crassus. The results of this study suggest that stable isotope analyses are a valuable tool for characterizing trophic relationships and life history strategies in host–parasite systems. In the case of unionoid mussels, stable isotopic shifts of the larvae are indicative of the nutritional versus phoretic importance of the host.
Brooding behavior in the shallow‐water brittle star Ophioderma wahlbergii
Authors: Landschoff  Jannes , Griffiths Charles L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBrooding behavior and the brooded young of Ophioderma wahlbergii, a common, large, shallow‐water brittle star from South Africa, are described for the first time. Monthly samples of 20 specimens were collected from June 2013 to May 2014 (n=240 in total). The species was shown to be gonochoric. Females reached maturity at 17 mm disc diameter (dd), and their ovaries contained 5±3 yolky eggs of mean diameter 0.25±0.1 mm. No seasonal trends in reproduction were found, and >50% of females examined in each month were brooding. Brooding individuals contained an average of 7±6 and up to 33 developing young. Small stages were more frequent than larger young, suggesting that juveniles either emerge at different sizes, or more likely suffer mortality during development. Young within individual adults were of different clutches, but those within individual bursae were all of the same stage. No signs of larval stages were found, indicating that development is direct. Given the large size of emerging juveniles, the species is likely to be matrotrophic and hence truly viviparous. Brooding is a recent discovery in Ophioderma and, so far, the only known brooder has about 1000 small embryos. This study shows quite a different reproductive strategy within the genus, with few, large eggs developing into the largest brooded young known from any species of ophiuroid.
Raman Investigation of Interfacial Reaction Product of SiCf/Ti43Al9V Composite
Authors: Xiao Zhiyuan , Yang Yanqing , Luo Xian , Huang Bin 
Published: March 2015

Interficial reaction products of 800°C heat‐treated SiCf/Ti43Al9V are studied. EDS mapping indicates two layers existence in the interface with different element enrichment. Raman line scanning along interface also shows two layers with TiCx next to SiC fiber and Ti2AlC next to matrix. Excess carbon throughout the interface and accumulation in TiCx layer is confirmed by Raman. FWHH of both D and G peaks indicate carbon in Ti2AlC layer is more disordered than that in TiCx layer. According to G peak and I(D)/I(G), carbon in interface can be assigned to disordered carbon with perfect graphene units size (La) stays around 0.7–0.9 nm. Raman peaks of Ti2AlC vary with same trend throughout Ti2AlC layer is detected, and Raman spectra of Ti2AlC near TiCx layer is different from that near TiAl matrix, which results from residual stress and TiC intergrowth with Ti2AlC due to lack of Al.
Finding Space for Criminal Prosecutions Post‐Conflict
Authors: Davidovic Jovana 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPost‐conflict criminal prosecutions for the worst of crimes can play a meaningful role in achieving transitional justice. This once‐common view has recently been the subject of widespread criticism that is rooted in the belief that criminal prosecutions undermine reconciliation. This has lead some scholars to argue that we must either abandon criminal prosecutions post‐conflict or that we ought to use them for more general transitional justice aims, like restorative justice. This article argues against abandoning criminal prosecutions post conflict and against subsuming criminal justice aims under restorative or reconciliatory aims. When post‐conflict criminal prosecutions are properly structured and practiced they can bolster respect for the international, regional and domestic rule of law and in that way limit conflict in a number of important ways.
Is Having Pets Morally Permissible?
Authors: du Toit Jessica 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this article, I consider the question of whether having pets is morally permissible. However, I do so indirectly by considering three objections to the practice of having pets — what I shall call the ‘restriction of freedom objection’, the ‘property objection’, and the ‘dependency objection’. The restriction of freedom objection is dismissed relatively easily. The property objection also fails to show that having pets is morally impermissible. However, my consideration of this second objection does lead to the conclusion that we ought to aim at changing existing legal systems and the majority of people's attitudes towards pets such that they (pets) are no longer considered to be the personal property of the humans in whose homes they are kept. But, while it is clear that we ought to aim at ending the practice of owning pets, it is not clear whether we ought to aim at ending the practice of keeping pets. Indeed, I do not to reach a definitive conclusion about the cogency of the dependency objection. However, I argue that this lack of clarity is of little concern at this time as our present moral obligations to pets are quite clear.
Attitudes, Tracing, and Control
Authors: Smith Angela M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThere is an apparent tension in our everyday moral responsibility practices. On the one hand, it is commonly assumed that moral responsibility requires voluntary control: an agent can be morally responsible only for those things that fall within the scope of her voluntary control. On the other hand, we regularly praise and blame individuals for mental states and conditions that appear to fall outside the scope of their voluntary control, such as desires, emotions, beliefs, and other attitudes. In order to resolve this apparent tension, many philosophers appeal to a tracing principle to argue that agents are morally responsible (only) for those attitudes whose existence can be traced back, causally, to a voluntary action or omission in the past. My aim in this article is to critically evaluate this tracing strategy and to argue that it gives us a misguided picture of when and why we are morally responsible for our attitudes. I argue that we should accept a ‘judgment sensitivity’ condition of moral responsibility rather than a ‘voluntary control’ condition, and defend this account against various objections.
‘Transitions are Scary for our Kids, and They're Scary for us’: Family Member and Youth Perspectives on the Challenges of Transitioning to Adulthood with Autism
Authors: Cheak‐Zamora Nancy C. , Teti Michelle , First Jennifer 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundAdolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges as they age into adulthood. Because little is known about the perspectives of caregivers and youth during this critical transition, this study explored their social, educational, and vocational needs and experiences.MethodTwo focus groups were conducted with youth with ASD (n = 13) and two focus groups were conducted with their caregivers (n = 19), where theme analysis strategies derived from Grounded Theory were utilized to identify themes.ResultsBoth groups experienced fear and anxiety about transitioning, unmet needs were also high, leaving caregivers struggling to fill gaps. Most caregivers and youth reported lacking individualized services. Caregivers faced difficulty in motivating youth and creating opportunities for education and employment. Although youth have future goals, they were unaware of steps needed to accomplish them and hesitant to talk to caregivers.ConclusionsFindings indicate considerable unmet needs for caregivers and youth with ASD. Perspectives of both groups should be considered when developing programmes and educating providers.
Doing Research Together: A Study on the Views of Advisors with Intellectual Disabilities and Non‐Disabled Researchers Collaborating in Research
Authors: Puyalto Carol , Pallisera Maria , Fullana Judit , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundDespite an increase in inclusive studies in recent years, research on the views of the people with and without disabilities who have participated in these studies is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and views of advisors with intellectual disabilities and non‐disabled researchers who collaborated together on a joint project to study transition to adulthood.Materials and MethodsTwo questionnaires were devised, one for advisors and one for researchers; two focus groups were held with people with intellectual disabilities, three focus groups with researchers, and one focus group with all participants together. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis.ResultsThe advisors valued this experience as an opportunity to learn new skills, freely express themselves on matters that affect them, and engage in a socially valued activity. The researchers considered that the participation of people with intellectual disabilities contributed to improving the quality of the research.ConclusionsThe study provides a better understanding of inclusive research processes by taking into account participants' views.
Family Care of People with Intellectual Disability in Rural China: A Magnified Responsibility
Authors: Pan Lu , Ye Jingzhong 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundWelfare for the disabled is becoming an important issue in China and care for people with intellectual disability is challenging because of the inadequacies in formal support and the social service system.Material and MethodBased on ethnographic research in two villages in North China, this paper analyses the dilemmas of family care for people with intellectual disability. The essential data is the ethnographic record of three cases.ResultsRural families strive to provide care through a set of arrangements and bear tremendous stress in the process.ConclusionFamily care for people with intellectual disability in rural China has been increasingly challenged by the forces of labour migration, demographic changes and the ever‐growing processes of commoditization. The role of the state has to be strengthened in welfare provision to balance the weakened family care ethos in transforming societies.
Genetic parameters for different growth scales in GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: He J. , Gao H. , Xu P. , Yang R. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBody weight, length, width and depth at two growth stages were observed for a total of 5015 individuals of GIFT strain, along with a pedigree including 5588 individuals from 104 sires and 162 dams was collected. Multivariate animal models and a random regression model were used to genetically analyse absolute and relative growth scales of these growth traits. In absolute growth scale, the observed growth traits had moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.321 to 0.576, while pairwise ratios between body length, width and depth were lowly inherited and maximum heritability was only 0.146 for length/depth. All genetic correlations were above 0.5 between pairwise growth traits and genetic correlation between length/width and length/depth varied between both growth stages. Based on those estimates, selection index of multiple traits of interest can be formulated in future breeding program to improve genetically body weight and morphology of the GIFT strain. In relative growth scale, heritabilities in relative growths of body length, width and depth to body weight were 0.257, 0.412 and 0.066, respectively, while genetic correlations among these allometry scalings were above 0.8. Genetic analysis for joint allometries of body weight to body length, width and depth will contribute to genetically regulate the growth rate between body shape and body weight.
Additive and epistatic genome‐wide association for growth and ultrasound scan measures of carcass‐related traits in Brahman cattle
Authors: Ali A.A. , Khatkar M.S. , Kadarmideen H.N. , Thomson P.C. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryGenome‐wide association studies are routinely used to identify genomic regions associated with traits of interest. However, this ignores an important class of genomic associations, that of epistatic interactions. A genome‐wide interaction analysis between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using highly dense markers can detect epistatic interactions, but is a difficult task due to multiple testing and computational demand. However, It is important for revealing complex trait heredity. This study considers analytical methods that detect statistical interactions between pairs of loci. We investigated a three‐stage modelling procedure: (i) a model without the SNP to estimate the variance components; (ii) a model with the SNP using variance component estimates from (i), thus avoiding iteration; and (iii) using the significant SNPs from (ii) for genome‐wide epistasis analysis. We fitted these three‐stage models to field data for growth and ultrasound measures for subcutaneous fat thickness in Brahman cattle. The study demonstrated the usefulness of modelling epistasis in the analysis of complex traits as it revealed extra sources of genetic variation and identified potential candidate genes affecting the concentration of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and ultrasound scan measure of fat depth traits. Information about epistasis can add to our understanding of the complex genetic networks that form the fundamental basis of biological systems.
Convergence and divergence of genetic and modular networks between diabetes and breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxu , Zhang Yingying , Yu Yanan , Liu Jun , Yuan Ye , Zhao Yijun , Li Haixia , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) and breast cancer (BC) can simultaneously occur in the same patient populations, but the molecular relationship between them remains unknown. In this study, we constructed genetic networks and used modularized analysis approaches to investigate the multi‐dimensional characteristics of two diseases and one disease subtype. A text search engine (Agilent Literature Search 2.71) and MCODE software were applied to validate potential subnetworks and to divide the modules, respectively. A total of 793 DM‐related genes, 386 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) genes and 873 BC‐related genes were identified from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. For DM and BC, a total of 99 overlapping genes, 9 modules, 29 biological processes and 7 pathways were identified. Meanwhile, for T2DM and BC, 56 overlapping genes, 5 modules, 20 biological processes and 12 pathways were identified. Based on the Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis of the top 10 non‐overlapping modules of the two diseases, 10 biological functions and 5 pathways overlapped between them. The glycosphingolipid and lysosome pathways verified molecular mechanisms of cell death related to both DM and BC. We also identified new biological functions of dopamine receptors and four signalling pathways (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and long‐term depression) related to both diseases; these warrant further investigation. Our results illustrate the landscape of the novel molecular substructures between DM and BC, which may support a new model for complex disease classification and rational therapies for multiple diseases.
Qiliqiangxin inhibits angiotensin II‐induced transdifferentiation of rat cardiac fibroblasts through suppressing interleukin‐6
Authors: Zhou Jingmin , Jiang Kun , Ding Xuefeng , Fu Mingqiang , Wang Shijun , Zhu Lingti , He Tao , Wang Jingfeng , Sun Aijun , Hu Kai , Chen Li , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractQiliqiangxin (QL), a traditional Chinese medicine, had long been used to treat chronic heart failure. Recent studies revealed that differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts played an important role in cardiac remodelling and development of heart failure, however, little was known about the underlying mechanism and whether QL treatment being involved. This study aimed to investigate the effects of QL on angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced CFs transdifferentiation. Study was performed on in vitro cultured CFs from Sprague–Dawley rats. CFs differentiation was induced by AngII, which was attenuated by QL through reducing transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Our data showed that AngII‐induced IL‐6 mRNA as well as typeI and typeIII collagens were reduced by QL. IL‐6 deficiency could suppress TGF‐β1 and α‐SMA, and both IL‐6 siRNA and QL‐mediated such effect was reversed by foresed expression of recombined IL‐6. Increase in actin stress fibres reflected the process of CFs differentiation, we found stress fibres were enhanced after AngII stimulation, which was attenuated by pre‐treating CFs with QL or IL‐6 siRNA, and re‐enhanced after rIL‐6 treatment. Importantly, we showed that calcineurin‐dependent NFAT3 nuclear translocation was essential to AngII‐mediated IL‐6 transcription, QL mimicked the effect of FK506, the calcineurin inhibitor, on suppression of IL‐6 expression and stress fibres formation. Collectively, our data demonstrated the negative regulation of CFs differentiation by QL through an IL‐6 transcriptional mechanism that depends on inhibition of calcineurin/NFAT3 signalling.