bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for niche similarities in the allopatric sister species Lepus castroviejoi and Lepus corsicanus
Authors: Acevedo Pelayo , Melo‐Ferreira José , Real Raimundo , Alves Paulo C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimLepus castroviejoi and Lepus corsicanus are sister species with allopatric distributions that share extensive phenotypic and genetic variation. Under the framework of niche conservatism, we assessed whether these species have similar ecological niches, which could provide insights into their mode of divergence, conservation, and taxonomic status.LocationThe distribution range of L. castroviejoi in the northern Iberian Peninsula, and that of L. corsicanus in mainland Italy and Sicily.MethodsWe developed spatially explicit ecological models to characterize the niches of the two species by modelling them separately and together. Individual models were transferred to the territory of the sister species to explore their niche relationships. Predictions were assessed for discrimination and calibration in a cross‐assessment procedure.ResultsThe model trained with L. castroviejoi was not able to predict the range of L. corsicanus, whereas the model trained with L. corsicanus was able to discriminate the L. castroviejoi distribution better than by chance alone (AUC = 0.814), although the reliability of the predictions was limited. The model trained with L. corsicanus in Italy's mainland (excluding the range in Sicily), however, discriminated L. castroviejoi presences/absences (AUC = 0.788) and accurately predicted its probability of occurrence. Furthermore, a well‐calibrated model, which was able to discriminate the species distributions (L. castroviejoi, AUC = 0.828; L. corsicanus, AUC = 0.956), was obtained when the species were considered together.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that L. castroviejoi and L. corsicanus share extensive niche properties, which reinforces their possible conspecific status. The ecological niche of their ancestor may have resembled the present occupied niche of L. corsicanus in mainland Italy, given that this model was able to accurately predict the distribution range of both species. Finally, ecological evidence suggests that niche conservatism may explain the fragmentation in the distribution range of their ancestor, which may have been the driver of the initial stages of divergence.
Modeling preservice teachers’ TPACK competencies based on ICT usage
Authors: Kabakci Yurdakul I. , Coklar A. N. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to build a model that predicts the relationships between the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) competencies and information and communication technology (ICT) usages. Research data were collected from 3105 Turkish preservice teachers. The TPACK‐Deep Scale, ICT usage phase survey and the ICT usage level survey were used to collect the research data. The structural regression model was conducted to test the model regarding the fact that ICT usage phases and ICT usage levels were predictors of TPACK competencies. The ICT usage phase was a statistically significant predictor of TPACK competency for all such sub‐factors of the TPACK‐Deep Scale as design (β = 0.12; p < 0.01), exertion (β = 0.20; p < 0.01), ethics (β = 0.93; p < 0.01) and proficiency (β = 0.41; p < 0.01). Similarly, the ICT usage level was a statistically significant predictor of TPACK competency for all such sub‐dimensions of the scale as design (β = 0.23; p < 0.01), exertion (β = 0.12; p < 0.01), ethics (β = 0.78; p < 0.01) and proficiency (β = 0.21; p < 0.01). The research findings demonstrated that ICT use based on ICT usage phase and level and technology use knowledge and skills also influence overall TPACK competencies. When ICT usage phases and/or ICT usage levels are increased with the help of ICT training, it could be stated that TPACK competencies might be influenced; however, certain sub‐dimensions might be influenced more, and some dimensions might be influenced less.
Frugivores and cheap fruits make fruiting fruitful
Authors: Encinas‐Viso F. , Revilla T. A. , van Velzen E. , Etienne R. S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAnimal seed dispersal provides an important ecosystem service by strongly benefiting plant communities. There are several theoretical studies on the ecology of plant–animal seed–disperser interactions, but few studies have explored the evolution of this mutualism. Moreover, these studies ignore plant life history and frugivore foraging behaviour. Thus, it remains an open question what the conditions for the diversification of fruit traits are, in spite of the multitude of empirical studies on fruit trait diversity. Here, we study the evolution of fruit traits using a spatially explicit individual‐based model, which considers the costs associated with adaptations inducing dispersal by frugivory, as well as frugivore foraging behaviour and abundance. Our model predicts that these costs are the main determinants of the evolution of fruit traits and that when the costs are not very high, the evolution of larger fruit traits (e.g. fleshy/colourful fruits) is controlled by the choosiness and response thresholds of the frugivores as well as their numerical abundance.
Bacillus anthracis‐Like Strain‐Carrying Pseudomonas FPVA Gene Occurs as Endophyte in Vegetables
Authors: Srinath R. , Siva R. , Babu S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe isolated Bacillus anthracis‐like strain from internal tissues of marketed vegetables (onion and cucumber). Further analysis of the pigment‐producing cucumber strain implicates a possible horizontal gene transfer of pyoverdine (pvd) uptake receptor gene from Pseudomonas sp. augmenting Bacillus strain's ability to infect and survive in cucumber internal tissues. To our knowledge, the animal anthrax causing bacterium has not been reported previously in agricultural produce and hence we propose that acquired virulence gene provides enhanced survivability within alternate hosts. Thus, we present the first report of this pathogen being isolated from internal tissues of marketed vegetables.Practical ApplicationThe observation of Bacillus anthracis‐like strain in onion and cucumber tissues indicates changing ecology of this pathogenic bacterium. This warrants proper pre‐harvest as well as post‐harvest handling as these vegetables are consumed as fresh salads also. The results of the study will help in developing strategies to avoid contamination from farm to the dining table.
Marital satisfaction ofChinese mothers of children with autism and intellectual disabilities inHongKong
Authors: Kwok S. Y. C. L. , Leung C. L. K. , Wong D. F. K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research showed an association among perceived stigma, perceived caregiving burden and marital satisfaction of mothers. However, little is known about their relationship among mothers of young children with disabilities in theChinese context. The mediating role of perceived caregiving burden between perceived stigma and marital satisfaction was seldom explored. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived stigma, perceived caregiving burden and marital satisfaction ofChinese mothers of children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders inHongKong.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted with mothers of pre‐school children with disabilities aged from 2 to 6. A total of 160 completed questionnaires were collected from five special child care centres inHongKong.ResultsThe findings in the hierarchical regression analyses showed that perceived stigma and perceived caregiving burden were significant predictors of mothers' marital satisfaction. Perceived burden, including perceived social burden, emotional burden and developmental burden but excluding time‐dependence and physical burden, were found to be significant mediators between perceived stigma and marital satisfaction.ConclusionTo address the negative consequences brought on by stigma, measures can be taken to prevent stigmatisation and minimise the harmful effects. To alleviate mothers' perceived burden,Acceptance andCommitmentTherapy, mutual support groups and psycho‐educational and skills training programmes can be conducted for the mothers.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome: subtypes and predictors of outcome from India
Authors: Kalita Jayantee , Misra Usha K. , Goyal Gaurav , Das Moromi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThere is a paucity of large studies evaluating the subtypes of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and their outcome from Southeast Asia. We report cliniconeurophysiological subtypes of GBS and their correlation with triggering events and 3‐month outcome from northern India. Three hundred and twenty eight consecutive patients with GBS were clinically evaluated, including their triggers, severity, autonomic involvement, cranial nerve palsy, and respiratory paralysis. Nerve conduction study (NCS) was repeated at 3 weeks if the initial study was normal. They were categorized into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), inexcitable motor nerve, and equivocal. Clinically, 204 (62.2%) patients had pure motor, 106 (32.3%) motor sensory, 16 (4.9%) Miller Fisher syndrome, and 2 (0.6%) pure sensory GBS. Based on NCS, 242 (73.8%) had AIDP, 44 (13.4%) AMAN, 15 (4.6%) AMSAN, 8 (2.4%) inexcitable motor nerves, and 27 (8.2%) equivocal GBS. AIDP patients were older, more common in summer, had lesser peak disability, and better outcome compared to those with AMAN. Eleven (3.4%) patients died and 48 (14.6%) had poor outcome at 3 months. The poor outcome was related to severity, dysautonomia, and inexcitable motor nerves. AIDP is the commonest variant of GBS in our study and has better outcome compared to AMAN.
Comparison of adenoid cystic carcinomas arising from the parotid gland vs. the submandibular gland: focus on systemic metastasis and tumor‐associated blood vessels
Authors: Shin Da‐Yong , Jang Kyu‐Sun , Kim Bo Young , Choi Ji Eun , Yoon Heejei , Ko Young‐Hyeh , Jeong Han‐Sin 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAlthough several studies reported that distant metastasis occurs more frequently in the tumors of submandibular gland (SMG) than parotid gland (PG), why SMG tumors preferentially metastasize to distant organs is not fully understood. We aimed to identify the differential tumor microenvironment for distant metastasis and possible underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe retrieved 27 cases of 1–4‐cm‐sized adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) arising from the PG (n = 12) and SMG (n = 15). c‐KIT, VEGF‐R2, and CD31 staining were quantified by image‐based analysis to define the positive expression or tumor‐associated vessel areas in two representative sections per case. In addition, angiogenesis‐related genomic expression profiling was carried out to explore the underlying mechanism, which was confirmed by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsEarlier systemic dissemination within 2 years was detected exclusively in SMG ACCs (5/15). The area of tumor‐associated blood vessels was larger in SMG ACCs than PG ACCs, and ACCs showing distant metastasis had greater blood vessel area than those without metastasis. Interestingly, normal SMG had more blood vessels per area than PG. Among angiogenesis‐related signals, the level of IL‐6 was significantly lower in SMG ACCs than PG ACCs. Moreover, IL‐6 expression decreased significantly in SMG ACCs compared with that in normal SMG, whereas it was up‐regulated in PG ACCs.ConclusionACCs in the SMG microenvironment have more abundant tumor‐associated blood vessels than PG ACCs, which may explain the higher risk of distant metastasis from SMG tumors.
Antenatal antioxidant treatment with melatonin to decrease newborn neurodevelopmental deficits and brain injury caused by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Miller Suzanne L. , Yawno Tamara , Alers Nicole O. , Castillo‐Melendez Margie , Supramaniam Veena G. , VanZyl Niel , Sabaretnam Tharani , Loose Jan M. , Drummond Grant R. , Walker David W. , Jenkin Graham , Wallace Euan M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious pregnancy complication associated with increased rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and ultimately with long‐term neurodevelopmental impairments. No intervention currently exists that can improve the structure and function of the IUGR brain before birth. Here, we investigated whether maternal antenatal melatonin administration reduced brain injury in ovine IUGR. IUGR was induced in pregnant sheep at 0.7 gestation and a subset of ewes received melatonin via intravenous infusion until term. IUGR, IUGR + melatonin (IUGR + MLT) and control lambs were born naturally, neonatal behavioral assessment was used to examine neurological function and at 24 hr after birth the brain was collected for the examination of neuropathology. Compared to control lambs, IUGR lambs took significantly longer to achieve normal neonatal lamb behaviors, such as standing and suckling. IUGR brains showed widespread cellular and axonal lipid peroxidation, and white matter hypomyelination and axonal damage. Maternal melatonin administration ameliorated oxidative stress, normalized myelination and rescued axonopathy within IUGR lamb brains, and IUGR + MLT lambs demonstrated significant functional improvements including a reduced time taken to attach to and suckle at the udder after birth. Based on these observations, we began a pilot clinical trial of oral melatonin administration to women with an IUGR fetus. Maternal melatonin was not associated with adverse maternal or fetal effects and it significantly reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde levels, in the IUGR + MLT placenta compared to IUGR alone. Melatonin should be considered for antenatal neuroprotective therapy in human IUGR.
Nitrogen retention and partitioning at the initiation of lipid accumulation in nitrogen‐deficient algae
Authors: Adams Curtis , Bugbee Bruce 
Published: January 2014

Nitrogen (N) deficiency promotes lipid accumulation in many oleaginous algae, but we have a poor understanding of the associations between the initiation of lipid accumulation and algal N retention and partitioning. Here, we report on total cell N, five bulk pools of N in the cell (protein, free amino acids, DNA, RNA, chl), and lipids from N saturation to growth cessation in three species. While the maximum level of N uptake differed among species, the ratio of minimum retained N to N retained at the initiation of lipid accumulation was consistent among species at 0.5 ± 0.04. This suggests that the cellular initiation of lipid accumulation was associated with a common magnitude of N deficiency among species. Concerning the partitioning of N, the concentration of RNA and the protein to RNA ratio were most similar among species at the initiation of lipid accumulation with averages of 3.2 ± 0.26 g · L−1 (8.2% variation) and 16 ± 1.5 (9.2% variation), respectively. All other pools and physiologically relevant ratios were considerably more variable. The species commonalities in RNA and protein show a similar reduction in general cellular function due to N deficiency before cellular initiation of lipid accumulation. These results provide insight into the physiological drivers for lipid accumulation in N‐deficient algae and data for modeling these associations.
A missing piece from a bigger puzzle: declining occurrence of a transient group of bottlenose dolphins off Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Lodi Liliane , Cantor Maurício , Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Monteiro‐Neto Cassiano 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBottlenose dolphins are widespread off South America with patchy distributions throughout coastal, nearshore and offshore waters. Only limited information on the connectivity between individuals from these different habitats exists, despite the importance of understanding the overall population structure. A group of bottlenose dolphins in an insular habitat off Brazil may help provide evidence of the structure of a larger pelagic population in Brazilian waters. It is unknown whether the dolphins that use this habitat seasonally are part of an open population, a closed population of transient animals, or even individuals from offshore or nearshore groups. To explore the nature of these seasonal visitors we combined two strategies. First, by assessing the population parameters, we described a small group of individuals (maximum of 38 individuals in 2004 and five individuals in 2010) characterized by wide‐ranging behavior, low survival probabilities (64%) and an apparent population decline. Secondly, by exploring their social organization at a fine scale, we observed that within a stable group, the dyadic associations are fluid and mostly of short duration, similar to well‐known coastal bottlenose dolphin societies. The evidence of a non‐structured social network seems to be coupled with apparent seasonal use of this insular protected area for calf rearing and/or reproductive strategies. Overall, our findings suggest that this group may not be an aggregation of individuals from different populations in a specific area, but a relatively stable group formed by the same animals. While continuing research efforts are necessary along the South America coast, the abandonment of the study area by this group may hamper the understanding of population structure and connectivity among pelagic and coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins, as well as the ecological and behavioral mechanisms driving their seasonal occurrence in oceanic habitats.
Ancient hyaenas highlight the old problem of estimating evolutionary rates
Authors: Shapiro Beth , Ho Simon Y. W. 
Published: January 2014

Phylogenetic analyses of ancient DNA data can provide a timeline for evolutionary change even in the absence of fossils. The power to infer the evolutionary rate is, however, highly dependent on the number and age of samples, the information content of the sequence data and the demographic history of the sampled population. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sheng et al. () analysed mitochondrial DNA sequences isolated from a combination of ancient and present‐day hyaenas, including three Pleistocene samples from China. Using an evolutionary rate inferred from the ages of the ancient sequences, they recalibrated the timing of hyaena diversification and suggest a much more recent evolutionary history than was believed previously. Their results highlight the importance of accurately estimating the evolutionary rate when inferring timescales of geographical and evolutionary diversification.
Temporal trend analysis of nurses' knowledge about implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Norekvål Tone M , Peersen Lene RL , Seivaag Kirsten , Fridlund Bengt , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough crucial, research on nurses' knowledge on the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is scant. The aims of the study were to investigate (i) the level of nurses' knowledge on care of patients with ICDs, (ii) whether knowledge level is related to education and type of hospital where nurses practice and (iii) whether knowledge level changes among nurses over time.MethodsWe developed a questionnaire comprising 27 items in four parts: (1) Sociodemographics, (2) Technical facts about ICDs, (3) Daily life challenges and (4) Self‐evaluation of knowledge. After validation, surveys were conducted during 1‐week cardiac educational courses in 2003–2010. In total, 463 nurses working in cardiology‐related areas participated, yielding a response rate of 91%.ResultsPractical and technical knowledge about ICDs was lacking. Nurses were unaware or did not know that mobile phones can affect the device (80%), that patients are restricted from driving heavy vehicles (69%), and that ICDs can deliver unintended shock therapy (73%). However, they were aware that ICD patients can resume sexual (87%) and physical activity (85%). There were few significant differences with regard to education and type of hospital where nurses practiced, but significant time trends in correct answers regarding kitchen appliances, resumption of physical activity and shock delivery.ConclusionOver an 8‐year period, despite the increased usage of ICDs, overall nurses had a lack of knowledge in relation to specific key clinical issues on the care of ICD patients. As a consequence, these patients may fail to receive qualified care. Future research should assess knowledge of other health care professionals and focus on interventions that increase and maintain an appropriate knowledge level in care of ICD patients.Relevance to clinical practice The level of nurses' knowledge on care of patients with ICDs needs to be systematically raised in order to ensure appropriate counselling and nursing care.
Pacing or Ablation: Which Is Better for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation‐Related Tachycardia‐Bradycardia Syndrome?
Authors: CHEN YING‐WEI , BAI RONG , LIN TAO , SALIM MOHAMED , SANG CAI‐HUA , LONG DE‐YONG , YU RONG‐HUI , TANG RI‐BO , GUO XUE‐YUAN , YAN XIAN‐LIANG , NIE JUN‐GANG , DU XIN , DONG JIAN‐ZENG , MA CHANG‐SHENG 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundSymptomatic prolonged sinus pauses on termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) are an accepted indication for pacemaker implantation. We evaluated the outcome of AF ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF‐related tachycardia‐bradycardia syndrome and compared the efficacy of catheter ablation with permanent pacing plus antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).Methods and ResultsPatients with prolonged symptomatic sinus pauses on termination of AF were retrospectively analyzed. Forty‐three consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation (ABL group) were compared to 57 patients who underwent permanent pacing plus AADs (PM group). All 43 patients in the ABL group fulfilled Class I indication for pacemaker implantation at baseline but they actually underwent AF ablation. Reevaluation after 20.1 ± 9.6 months of follow‐up showed that 41 patients (95.3%) did no longer need a pacemaker (Class III indication). Total cardiac‐related rehospitalization was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.921). Tachycardia‐related hospitalization was significantly higher in the PM group than the ABL group (14.0% and 0%, P = 0.029). More patients in the PM group were on AADs (PM 40.4%, ABL 4.7%, P < 0.001) while sinus rhythm maintenance was remarkably higher in the ABL group at the end of follow‐up (83.7% vs 21.1% in PM group, P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn patients with paroxysmal AF‐related tachycardia‐bradycardia syndrome, AF ablation seems to be superior to a strategy of pacing plus AAD. Pacemaker implantation can be waived in the majority of patients after a successful ablation.