bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural selection acts in opposite ways on correlated hormonal mediators of prenatal maternal effects in a wild bird population
Authors: Tschirren Barbara , Postma Erik , Gustafsson Lars , Groothuis Ton G. G. , Doligez Blandine 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMaternal hormones are important mediators of prenatal maternal effects. Although many experimental studies have demonstrated their potency in shaping offspring phenotypes, we know remarkably little about their adaptive value. Using long‐term data on a wild collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) population, we show that natural selection acts in opposite ways on two maternally derived androgens, yolk androstenedione (A4) and yolk testosterone (T). High yolk A4 concentrations are associated with higher fitness, whereas high yolk T concentrations are associated with lower fitness. Natural selection thus favours females that produce eggs with high A4 and low T concentrations. Importantly, however, there exists a positive (non‐genetic) correlation between A4 and T, which suggests that females are limited in their ability to reach this adaptive optimum. Thereby, these results provide strong evidence for an adaptive value of differential maternal androgen deposition, and a mechanistic explanation for the maintenance of variation in maternal investment in the wild.
Experimental Change of the Orientation of Two Populations of Talitrus saltator (Crustacea Amphipoda Talitridae) from Cap Bon (North‐Eastern Tunisia)
Authors: El Gtari Mohamed , Bourigua Nawzet , Bouslama Mohamed Fadhel , Charfi‐Cheikhrouha Faouzia , Scapini Felicita 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe orientation of sandhopper populations is adapted to the direction of the shoreline of the sandy beaches where they live; this behaviour was shown to be inherited in some Mediterranean populations. The question was open whether this behaviour could be adaptively modified in case of changing shoreline or passive transfer to a new differently oriented shoreline. The Cap Bon beaches in north‐eastern Tunisia are particularly interesting because they belong to two different Mediterranean Basins, the central and the eastern one, and their supra‐tidal populations do not come together. This work verified the effect of experimental change of the shoreline direction in two populations of Talitrus saltator from Cap Bon (north‐eastern Tunisia) through a displacement experiment. We transferred samples of T. saltator from two different localities (Korba and Ratiba) from their original beach to the familiar one and tested their solar and landscape orientation on the new beach that had an almost opposite direction with respect to the previous one. The comparisons of the results on the home beach and the new one confirmed the use of the solar compass in both populations, as well as the importance of landscape view and optical local sky factor in adjusting the escape direction. In both populations, an increase of scatter was observed on the new beach, especially when individuals could see the landscape. Also, a clear behavioural difference between the two populations was recorded, being Ratiba population not significantly oriented to the shoreline when tested on the unfamiliar beach, while Korba population maintained its home direction also on the new beach.
On the Advantages of Mixed‐Species Groups: Impalas Adjust Their Vigilance When Associated With Larger Prey Herbivores
Authors: Pays Olivier , Ekori Alice , Fritz Hervé 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPrey can obtain valuable benefits from associating with other species if heterospecifics help to detect predators or locate good food patches. In mixed‐species groups, how species respond to the presence of other species remains a poorly explored question although it might give crucial insights into mechanisms underlying the interspecific coexistence. We studied temporary mixed‐species groups of large herbivores inHwangeNationalPark (Zimbabwe) between the common impala (Aepyceros melampus), the focal species here, and bigger species including the plains zebra (Equus quagga), the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) or the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). In theHwange savanna, the focal and smaller species are exposed to a larger range of predators than the associated species. In this context, we investigated how impalas adjusted their vigilance with group size comparing impala‐only and mixed‐species groups and whether the identity of heterospecifics affected vigilance of impalas. Our study showed that the time impalas spent in vigilance significantly decreased with group size when they formed impala‐only groups, whereas it did not significantly vary with group size in mixed‐species groups. Moreover, in mixed‐species groups, impalas did not adjust their time spent in vigilance with the proportion of conspecifics and the identity of the associated species. Thus, the mechanism underlying the difference of impalas' behavioural adjustment of vigilance with group size between single‐ and mixed‐species groups seemed to be related to the presence but not to the number and the identity of heteropecifics. Finally, we discuss the concept that larger and dominant heterospecifics were likely to increase competition for food access, thereby forcing higher vigilance of impalas, outweighing any reduction from collective vigilance.
Nonselective computed tomography angiography for detecting arterial blood flow to the distal limb following trauma in two small equids
Authors: Walker W. T. , Ducharme N. G. , Tran J. , Scrivani P. V. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryTwo equids weighing <250 kg were examined several days after suffering severe mid‐diaphyseal dorsal metatarsal lacerations. Distal limb vascular disruption was suspected in both cases. Nonselective computed tomography angiography with contrast medium injected peripherally via the jugular veins was used to evaluate the vascular supply to the distal limb. The use of this imaging technique demonstrated either intact or disrupted distal limb vasculature. The imaging results were verified with a positive long‐term outcome in the case with a diagnosis of an intact vasculature and with histological findings of avascular necrosis in the case with a diagnosis of disrupted vasculature.
Outsourcing and Firm Productivity in a Specific Local Production System: Evidence from Reggio Emilia (Italy)
Authors: Antonioli Davide , Mazzanti Massimiliano , Montresor Sandro , Pini Paolo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of outsourcing on the labor productivity of firms in a specific local production system. A number of hypotheses about the location‐specific effects of outsourcing are put forward and tested on a sample of firms in the province of Reggio Emilia (within the Emilia‐Romagna region, in North‐East Italy). The relationship between outsourcing and productivity turns out positive only if considering the externalization of high value‐added activities. On the contrary, it is negative in the case of low value‐added activities. This occurs to a greater extent for firms in mature industrial districts, whose socio‐economic conditions however do not arrive to magnify the productivity premium of externalizing high value‐added ones. The technological innovativeness of the firms instead helps with that, pointing to a developmental use of outsourcing in the area.
The Stroke ‘Act FAST’ Campaign: Remembered but Not Understood?
Authors: Dombrowski Stephan U. , White Martin , Mackintosh Joan E. , Gellert Paul , Araujo-Soares Vera , Thomson Richard G. , Rodgers Helen , Ford Gary A. , Sniehotta Falko F. 
Published: August 2014

Background The stroke awareness raising campaign ‘Act FAST’ (Face, Arms, Speech: Time to call Emergency Medical Services) has been rolled out in multiple waves in England, but impact on stroke recognition and response remains unclear. Purpose The purpose of this study was to test whether providing knowledge of the FAST acronym through a standard Act FAST campaign leaflet increases accurate recognition and response in stroke-based scenario measures. Methods This is a population-based, cross-sectional survey of adults in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, sampled using the electoral register, with individuals randomized to receive a questionnaire and Act FAST leaflet ( n = 2500) or a questionnaire only ( n = 2500) in 2012. Campaign message retention, stroke recognition, and response measured through 16 scenario-based vignettes were assessed. Data were analyzed in 2013. Results Questionnaire return rate was 32·3% ( n = 1615). No differences were found between the leaflet and no-leaflet groups in return rate or demographics. Participants who received a leaflet showed better campaign recall (75·7% vs. 68·2%, P = 0·003) and recalled more FAST mnemonic elements (66·1% vs. 45·3% elements named correctly, P < 0·001). However, there were no between-group differences for stroke recognition and response to stroke-based scenarios ( P > 0·05). Conclusions Despite greater levels of recall of specific ‘Act FAST’ elements among those receiving the Act FAST leaflet, there was no impact on stroke recognition and response measures.
Midgut lysozymes of Lucilia sericata – new antimicrobials involved in maggot debridement therapy
Authors: Valachova I. , Takac P. , Majtan J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLarvae of Lucilia sericata are used for maggot debridement therapy (MDT) because of their ability to remove necrotic tissue and eradicate bacterial pathogens of infected wounds. So far, very few antibacterial factors have been fully characterized (eg lucifensin). Using a molecular approach, some other putative antimicrobial compounds, including three novel lysozymes, have been previously identified and predicted to be involved in MDT. Nevertheless, data on lysozymes tissue origin and their functions have never been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of three lysozymes in L. sericata and confirm their antibacterial effects within MDT. Moreover, we characterized the eradication process of bacteria within the digestive system of maggots and determined the role of lysozymes in this process. We found that three lysozymes are expressed in specific sections of the L. sericata midgut. Recombinant lysozymes displayed comparable antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus. Furthermore, the majority of Gram‐positive bacteria were destroyed in vivo within the particular section of the L. sericata midgut where lysozymes are produced. Larval ingestion and subsequent eradication of wound pathogens during their passage through the intestine of maggots are due to, at least in part, antibacterial action of three midgut lysozymes.
Estimation of ancestral inbreeding effects on stillbirth, calving ease and birthweight in German Holstein dairy cattle
Authors: Hinrichs D. , Bennewitz J. , Wellmann R. , Thaller G. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryIn this study, the effect of different measurements of ancestral inbreeding on birthweight, calving ease and stillbirth were analysed. Three models were used to estimate the effect of ancestral inbreeding, and the estimated regression coefficient of phenotypic data on different measurements of ancestral inbreeding was used to quantify the effect of ancestral inbreeding. The first model included only one measurement of inbreeding, whereas the second model included the classical inbreeding coefficients and one alternative inbreeding coefficient. The third model included the classical inbreeding coefficients, the interaction between classical inbreeding and ancestral inbreeding, and the classical inbreeding coefficients of the dam. Phenotypic data for this study were collected from February 1998 to December 2008 on three large commercial milk farms. During this time, 36 477 calving events were recorded. All calves were weighed after birth, and 8.08% of the calves died within 48 h after calving. Calving ease was recorded on a scale between 1 and 4 (1 = easy birth, 4 = surgery), and 69.95, 20.91, 8.92 and 0.21% of the calvings were scored with 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The average inbreeding coefficient of inbred animals was 0.03, and average ancestral inbreeding coefficients were 0.08 and 0.01, depending on how ancestral inbreeding was calculated. Approximately 26% of classically non‐inbred animals showed ancestral inbreeding. Correlations between different inbreeding coefficients ranged between 0.46 and 0.99. No significant effect of ancestral inbreeding was found for calving ease, because the number of animals with reasonable high level of ancestral inbreeding was too low. Significant effects of ancestral inbreeding were estimated for birthweight and stillbirth. Unfavourable effects of ancestral inbreeding were observed for birthweight. However, favourable purging effects were estimated for stillbirth, indicating that purging could be partly beneficial for genetic improvement of stillbirth.
Commentary: Response to commentary by Rutter on Munafo et al. (2014)
Authors: Munafò Marcus R. , Zammit Stanley , Flint Jonathan 
Published: August 2014

Rutter's commentary (Rutter, 2014) on our article (Munafò et al., 2014) provides us the opportunity to clarify some issues that he (and therefore, we suspect, others) may have misunderstood.
Combined use of basal insulin analog and acarbose reduces postprandial glucose in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hyun , Ahn Ji‐Hyun , Kim Soo‐Kyung , Lee Dae‐Ho , Kim Hye‐Soon , Shon Ho‐Sang , Jeon Hyun‐Jeong , Kim Tae‐Hwa , Cho Yong‐Wook , Kim Jae‐Taek , Han Sung‐Min , Chung Choon‐Hee , Ryu Ohk‐Hyun , Lee Jae‐Min , Lee Soon‐Hee , Kwon Min‐Jeong , Kim Tae‐kyun , Namgoong Il‐Seong , Kim Eun‐Sook , Jung In‐Kyung , Moon Sung‐Dae , Han Je‐Ho , Kim Chong‐Hwa , Cho Eun‐Hee , Kim Ki‐Young , Park Hee‐Baek , Lee Ki‐Sang , Lee Sung‐Woo , Lee Sang‐Cheol , Kang Cheol‐Min , Jeon Byung‐Sook , Song Min‐Seop , Yun Seung‐Baik , Chung Hyung‐Keun , Seong Jong‐Ho , Jeong Jin‐Yi , Cha Bong‐Yun 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionEarly initiation of basal insulin therapy is recommended for normalizing fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, basal insulin treatment might not adequately control postprandial glucose levels. The present study evaluated whether the combination of the α‐glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose, and basal insulin improved blood glucose control under daily‐life treatment conditions in a large sample of Korean patients.Materials and MethodsThe present study was a multicenter, prospective, observational study under daily‐life treatment conditions. A total of 539 patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with basal insulin and additional acarbose were enrolled and followed up for 20 weeks. Changes in hemoglobin A1c, fasting and postprandial blood glucose were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the observation period. The physician and patient satisfaction of the combination treatment and safety were assessed.ResultsHemoglobin A1c decreased by 0.55 ± 1.05% from baseline (P < 0.0001). Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were reduced by 0.89 ± 3.79 and 2.59 ± 4.77 mmol/L (both P < 0.0001). The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions were flatulence (0.37%) and abnormal gastrointestinal sounds (0.37%), and all were mild in intensity and transient. In the satisfaction evaluation, 79.0% of physicians and 77.3% of patients were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the combined basal insulin and acarbose therapy.ConclusionsCombination therapy of basal insulin and acarbose in patients with type 2 diabetes improved glucose control, and had no drug‐specific safety concerns, suggesting that the treatment might benefit individuals who cannot control blood glucose with basal insulin alone.
Effects of sitagliptin on ectopic fat contents and glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients with fatty liver: A pilot study
Authors: Watanabe Takahiro , Tamura Yoshifumi , Kakehi Saori , Funayama Takashi , Gastaldelli Amalia , Takeno Kageumi , Kawaguchi Minako , Yamamoto Risako , Sato Fumihiko , Ikeda Shin‐ichi , Taka Hikari , Fujimura Tsutomu , Fujitani Yoshio , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionRecent data have shown that ectopic fat accumulation in the liver worsens hepatic glucose metabolism, suggesting that fatty liver in patients with type 2 diabetes is a therapeutic target. Glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 improves fatty liver, but the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor on fatty liver is still unclear. The present pilot study determined the effects of 12‐week treatment with sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, on liver fat content in type 2 diabetes with fatty liver. We also evaluated intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and glucose kinetics during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after the treatment.Materials and MethodsThe study participants were seven type 2 diabetes patients with fatty liver who were studied at baseline and 12 weeks after sitagliptin treatment. Intrahepatic lipid (IHL) and IMCL were assessed by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Glucose kinetics was assessed during double‐tracer OGTT (U‐[13C]‐glucose orally and 6,6‐[2H2]‐glucose intravenously).ResultsSitagliptin significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (from 7.1 ± 0.2 to 6.5 ± 0.3%, P < 0.005), but had no effects on IHL and IMCL. The glucose level diminished, whereas GLP‐1 concentration increased during OGTT at the end of treatment. These changes were not accompanied by significant changes in insulin or glucagon levels. However, long‐term sitagliptin treatment partially decreased the rate of appearance of oral glucose during OGTT, but did not affect endogenous glucose production or the rate of disappearance.ConclusionsIt was found that 12‐week sitagliptin treatment improved glycated hemoglobin and glucose excursion during OGTT in type 2 diabetes with fatty liver, independent of changes in lipid accumulation in the liver. This trial was registered with the Japan Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN‐CTR000005666).
Effect of plant oils on quality parameters of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) reared on liquid larval diet
Authors: Khan M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLiquid larval diets have been developed for several tephritid fruit flies including Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Frogatt) (Q‐fly). In liquid diets, wheat germ oil (WGO) is usually added to improve performance in some quality parameters of reared flies, especially flight ability. However, for some flies, other plant oils may be more readily available, cheaper or produce flies of superior performance. In the present study, four alternative types of plant oils – rice bran, canola, vegetable, and sesame – were incorporated into a fruit fly liquid larval diet to replace the currently used wheat germ oil and their efficacy on the quality parameters of reared Q‐fly was compared to diets containing wheat germ oil or no oil. The quality parameters included: total pupal yield (N), pupal recovery (%), larval duration (days), pupal weight (mg), adult emergence (%), adult fliers (%), rate of fliers (%), sex ratio (%), F1 egg/female/day and egg hatching (%). There were significant differences among treatments in performance of Q‐fly. Vegetable oil appeared better in terms of total pupal yield, percentage of pupal recovery, percentage of adult emergence, percentage of fliers, mean egg/female/day and % F1 egg hatch compared with other oil treatments, especially from that of WGO treated diet. The result suggests that WGO can be substituted with rice bran and vegetable oil to improve the liquid larval diet for rearing of B. tryoni, with vegetable oil being the best replacement.
Commercial Yellow Sticky Strips more attractive than yellow boards to western cherry fruit fly (Dipt., Tephritidae)
Authors: Yee W. L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBright yellow sticky rectangles made of paper boards were previously identified as the most effective traps for capturing western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Dipt., Tephritidae). However, no data on the effectiveness of commercial sticky yellow plastic traps against R. indifferens have been reported. In tests conducted in sweet cherry trees [Prunus avium (L.) L.] in Washington state (USA) using ammonium carbonate as the chemical lure, commercial plastic ‘Yellow Sticky Strips’ made of translucent high‐impact polystyrene captured ~two or three times more flies than commercial sticky yellow‐folded Pherocon® AM and Alpha Scents boards. Yellow Sticky Strips also minimized captures of non‐target flies and bees per surface area compared with Pherocon®AM and/or Alpha Scents boards. Trap size and adhesive type were not factors for greater catches of R. indifferens. However, more flies were caught on the shade‐facing side of Yellow Sticky Strips, which was brightly illuminated, than on the shade‐facing side of boards, which was darker, suggesting differential light passage was a factor. The Yellow Sticky Strips could be very useful for monitoring R. indifferens in detection programmes and based on the results of this study can replace yellow boards. They are also useful because they are relatively unattractive to non‐target insects.
Reproduction of an arboreal aphid pest, Elatobium abietinum, is altered under drought stress
Authors: Banfield‐Zanin J. A. , Leather S. R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractClimate change in the UK is predicted to increase both winter temperatures and the frequency of summer drought events. Elatobium abietinum, the green spruce aphid, is the most important defoliating pest of Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, a conifer very widely used in British forest industry. This aphid is expected to respond strongly to altered climate, with changes to population densities leading to more frequent serious outbreaks and defoliation. The impact of simulated spring–summer drought on the reproductive performance of E. abietinum was investigated under laboratory conditions. Rates were assessed under five drought treatments of differing frequencies and intensities to characterize the direction of responses under different drought scenarios, and in time‐staggered trials to explore seasonal variation. Variation in the response of reproduction to water deficit was mediated by drought frequency and magnitude. Low‐amplitude, moderate intermittent stress improved reproductive rates, while severe stress, both continuous and high‐amplitude intermittent, had a detrimental impact when compared with observations made on well‐watered controls. Season was also found to modify the response, with improvements to plant nutritional quality under high‐amplitude stress reflected by improving reproduction. Despite this, no differences in rates were found during the autumn, suggesting no advancement in spruce dormancy under drought. Drought stress therefore has the potential to alter E. abietinum population densities, structure and phenology in Sitka spruce plantations, with implications for forest management, damage levels and natural control of the aphid under future altered climate.
Inflation Risk in Corporate Bonds
Authors: KANG JOHNNY , PFLUEGER CAROLIN E. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTWe argue that corporate bond yields reflect fears of debt deflation. When debt is nominal, unexpectedly low inflation increases real liabilities and default risk. In a real business cycle model with optimal but infrequent capital structure choice, more uncertain or procyclical inflation leads to quantitatively important increases in corporate log yields in excess of default‐free log yields. A panel of credit spread indexes from six developed countries shows that credit spreads rise by 14 basis points if inflation volatility or the inflation‐stock correlation increases by one standard deviation.