bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review: diet–gene interactions and the risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Andersen V. , Holst R. , Vogel U. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundDiet contributes significantly to colorectal cancer (CRC) aetiology and may be potentially modifiable.AimTo review diet–gene interactions, aiming to further the understanding of the underlying biological pathways in CRC development.MethodsThe PubMed and Medline were systematically searched for prospective studies in relation to diet, colorectal cancer and genetics.ResultsIn a meta‐analysis, no interaction between NAT1 phenotypes and meat intake in relation to risk of CRC was found (P‐value for interaction 0.95). We found a trend towards interaction between NAT2 phenotypes and meat intake in relation to risk of CRC. High meat intake was not associated with risk of CRC among carriers of the slow NAT2 phenotype, whereas NAT2 fast acetylators with high meat intake were at increased risk of CRC (OR = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–2.01) compared with slow acetylators with low meat intake (reference), P‐value for interaction = 0.07. Low meat intake in the studied populations may influence the result. Interactions between meat, cruciferous vegetables, fibres, calcium, vitamins, and alcohol and ABCB1, NFKB1, GSTM1, GSTT1, CCND1, VDR, MGTM, IL10 and PPARG are suggested.ConclusionsA number of interactions between genetic variation and diet are suggested, but the findings need replication in independent, prospective, and well‐characterised cohorts before conclusions regarding the underlying biological mechanisms can be reached. When the above criteria are met, studies on diet–gene interactions may contribute valuable insight into the biological mechanisms underlying the role of various dietary items in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Ultrasound imaging of the serratus anterior muscle at rest and during contraction
Authors: Talbott Nancy R. , Witt Dexter W. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to describe a clinically feasible method for measuring the thickness of the serratus anterior (SA) muscle using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) and to determine the reliability of repeated measures of that method. An exploratory clinical measurement study using a test–retest methodology was utilized to determine the reliability of the measurements in a sample of 20 healthy subjects. While sitting with the arm flexed 120°, the SA of each subject was imaged at rest, during an active hold and while holding a three pound weight. On Day 1, images were repeated three times for each condition by the same examiner. On Day 2, Examiner 1 and Examiner 2 repeated the scans. Images were examined offline by Examiner 1 with SA thickness measured superior to the most distal rib in the image. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman plots. The intra‐examiner reliability (same day) during rest, active hold and active hold with resistance was ICC3,3 = 0·892; ICC3,3 = 0·951; and ICC3,3 = 0·869–0·971, respectively. Intra‐examiner reliability between days ranged from ICC3,2 = 0·613 at rest to ICC3,2 = 0·736 during active hold with resistance. Interexaminer reliability was moderate during active hold (ICC2,2 = 0·526) and active hold with resistance (ICC2,2 = 0·535) and poor during rest (ICC2,2 = 0·425). This study demonstrates that SA thickness can be measured reliably using RUSI by the same examiner and suggests that active movements may increase that reliability.
Non‐invasive characterization of pore‐related and elastic properties of soils in linear Biot–Stoll theory using acoustic‐to‐seismic coupling
Authors: Shin H.‐C. , Taherzadeh S. , Attenborough K. , Whalley W. R. , Watts C. W. 
Published: December 2012

SummarySoil structure, moisture content and strength have profound effects on plant growth. Traditional methods for monitoring soil condition are invasive and therefore may affect the samples of interest. We have demonstrated the potential of a non‐invasive measurement technique for the in situ monitoring of soil physical properties in the field. When soils are regarded as porous and elastic media, sub‐surface wave propagation can be indicative of the soil status. Such propagation can be initiated by airborne sound through acoustic‐to‐seismic (A–S) coupling. Measurements of near‐surface sound pressure and acoustically induced soil particle motion can be exploited to estimate the pore‐related and elastic properties of soils. We have conducted laboratory measurements on dry and wet sand and field measurements on an arable soil growing wheat using a compression driver, microphones and a laser Doppler vibrometer. The excitation levels were chosen so as to reduce the influence of soil non‐linearity while still yielding sufficient signal‐to‐noise ratios. Measured data were compared with model predictions based on wave propagation in layered homogeneous isotropic poro‐elastic media described by linear Biot‐Stoll theory. Soil properties were estimated through an optimization process minimizing the differences between the measurements and predictions. Latin hypercube sampling was adopted to ensure uniform seeding for optimization throughout the multi‐dimensional search space. The fitted soil characteristics are air permeability, porosity, P‐/S‐wave speeds (related to bulk and rigidity moduli) and a loss factor. Layer depth was also estimated for multi‐layered samples. The current work has demonstrated that soil can be characterized non‐invasively by using A–S coupling. It is also shown that field soils can be represented adequately by multiple homogeneous layers.
Foraging behavior of Brachygastra lecheguana (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) on Banisteriopsis malifolia (Malpighiaceae): Extrafloral nectar consumption and herbivore predation in a tending ant system
Authors: Alves‐Silva Estevao , Barônio Gudryan Jackson , Torezan‐Silingardi Helena Maura , Del‐Claro Kleber 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn the Brazilian savanna many plant species bear regular associations with patrolling ants that are aggressive towards insect herbivores. However, not only ants but also several species of predatory wasps are attracted to plants due to the extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). Such wasps feed on both herbivores and plant exudates. In this study we describe the foraging behavior of the social Polistinae wasp Brachygastra lecheguana in the extrafloral nectaried shrub Banisteriopsis malifolia, and investigated the influence of patrolling ants Camponotus blandus on the activity of the wasp. Brachygastra lecheguana fed on the endophytic larvae of Anthonomus (Curculionidae) beetles that developed inside flower buds. The wasp lacerated the bud layers to reach the beetle larvae located at the bud core. The wasp visits to Ba. malifolia were statistically related to the abundance of flower buds and beetles. Ant exclusion experiments revealed that the hunting behavior of B. lecheguana on beetles was not related to the absence of C. blandus. However we found that wasps spent more time consuming extrafloral nectar on branches where ants were excluded. This is the first study reporting extrafloral nectar consumption by B. lecheguana, as well as the predation on herbivores in natural areas. In cerrado vegetation, ants benefit the plant by reducing insect herbivores, and our study provides evidence that the B. lecheguana – Ba. malifolia system represents a potential interaction where the wasp may also benefit the host plant. The value of this wasp species as a plant‐guard is discussed.
Regulators of synaptic transmission: Roles in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy
Authors: Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Powell Kim L. , O’Brien Terence J. 
Published: December 2012

SummarySynaptic transmission is the communication between a presynaptic and a postsynaptic neuron, and the subsequent processing of the signal. These processes are complex and highly regulated, reflecting their importance in normal brain functioning and homeostasis. Sustaining synaptic transmission depends on the continuing cycle of synaptic vesicle formation, release, and endocytosis, which requires proteins such as dynamin, syndapin, synapsin, and synaptic vesicle protein 2A. Synaptic transmission is regulated by diverse mechanisms, including presynaptic modulators of synaptic vesicle formation and release, postsynaptic receptors and signaling, and modulators of neurotransmission. Neurotransmitters released presynaptically can bind to their postsynaptic receptors, the inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic receptors or the excitatory glutamate receptors. Once released, glutamate activates a variety of postsynaptic receptors including α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), kainate, and metabotropic receptors. The activation of the receptors triggers downstream signaling cascades generating a vast array of effects, which can be modulated by a numerous auxiliary regulatory subunits. Moreover, different neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), somatostatin, ghrelin, and galanin, act as regulators of diverse synaptic functions and along with the classic neurotransmitters. Abnormalities in the regulation of synaptic transmission play a critical role in the pathogenesis of numerous brain diseases, including epilepsy. This review focuses on the different mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy: the presynaptic modulators of synaptic vesicle formation and release, postsynaptic receptors, and modulators of neurotransmission, including the mechanism by which drugs can modulate the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
Condition‐Dependent Choosiness For Highly Attractive Songs In Female Canaries
Authors: Lerch Alexandre , Rat‐Fischer Lauriane , Nagle Laurent 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPartner choice in animals has evolved under the effects of intra‐ and inter‐sexual selection. Even if a consensus between females is often observed towards some males, certain females can drastically change their mating decision. Different conditions such as early learning, mate‐choice copying, prior experience or subtle intrinsic factors can interfere with the decision. One of them is body condition of the females at the time of choosing. In this experiment, the flight feathers of female canaries Serinus canaria were cut, thus decreasing their flight ability. After a short period in a flight room, two types of artificial songs containing different tempi of the test ‘A’ phrase (16 vs. 8 syllables per second) were played to these females. It is known that only A phrases with a high tempo provoke a high level of sexual response in females. Female preference was evaluated by counting the number of Copulation Solicitation Displays (CSDs). The results show that, in both (normal and physically reduced) conditions, females prefer songs containing an A16 phrase. However, the strength of this preference is lower in females with compromised body condition than in females from the control group, suggesting a decreased choosiness in the poor body condition females.
Selective Eavesdropping Behaviour in Three Neotropical Bat Species
Authors: Übernickel Kirstin , Tschapka Marco , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractKnowledge of interspecies information transfer in mammals is scarce compared with other taxa. We investigated whether eavesdropping on echolocation calls of bats may be used by sympatric bats with similar feeding ecology. We performed playback experiments with three free‐ranging neotropical bat species, broadcasting search phase calls or feeding buzzes of conspecifics and heterospecifics belonging either to the same or to another bat family. Both the greater fishing batNoctilio leporinusand the lesser bulldog batNoctilio albiventris(Noctilionidae) reacted with repeated approaches in response to playbacks of search phase calls and feeding buzzes from conspecifics and also to congeneric feeding buzzes.Noctilio leporinusalso were attracted by search phase calls from its sister speciesN. albiventris. In contrast, the sac‐winged batSaccopteryx bilineata(Emballonuridae) did not react to any playback sequences presented. Our results support the existence of eavesdropping behaviour for both species ofNoctilio. We suggest that information transfer via eavesdropping may depend mainly on species‐specific traits, including foraging style and social behaviour (territoriality, group foraging), and on distribution and density of prey. Call design had only a minor influence on the reaction.
Altered Oceanic pH Impairs Mating Propensity in a Pipefish
Authors: Sundin Josefin , Rosenqvist Gunilla , Berglund Anders 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAnthropogenic disturbance is currently altering the environment of terrestrial as well as aquatic organisms. Those changes affect a variety of animal behaviours, which in turn may cause changes in species interactions, population dynamics and evolutionary processes. In marine ecosystems, nutrient enrichment may elevate pH, while it is reduced by carbon dioxide‐induced ocean acidification. These two processes are not expected to balance one another but rather to affect the environment at different times and scales. We here show experimentally that an increase in water pH has a negative effect on mating propensity in the broad‐nosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle, whereas lowered pH did not elicit the same detrimental effect. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence that mating propensity is impaired by an increase in pH, suggesting that anthropogenic nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems may change the processes of sexual selection and population dynamics solely on the basis of altered water pH.
Outcomes of an Intensive Couple Relationship Education Program with Fragile Families
Authors: Wilde Jason L. , Doherty William J. 
Published: December 2012

Couple relationship education (CRE) has been proposed as one means to help fragile families stabilize their relationships. The current research is one of the first studies to look at the outcomes of a CRE program with fragile families in the areas of couple stability and marriage formation. Data were from the Family Formation Project, a federal and state funded program working with fragile family couples (n = 96) in a metropolitan area. A historical cohort control group quasi‐experimental research design was used with a matched control group from the Fragile Family and Child Well‐being Study. The intervention consisted of in‐home education and support, group educational events, and social service referrals. Findings showed that couples had the same rate of couple stability as the control group but an increased rate of marriage. These findings suggest that CRE can help fragile families achieve marriage when that is their goal, but that some fragile families may need more than CRE to help them stabilize their relationship, or they may be better off separating.
Referral and management options for patients with chronic kidney disease: perspectives of patients, generalists and specialists
Authors: Wilson Charlotte , Campbell Stephen M. , Luker Karen A. , Caress Ann‐Louise 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasing in prevalence and significance as a global public health issue. Appropriate management of CKD stages 3–4 in either generalist or specialist care is essential in order to slow disease progression. As various consulting options between services may be used, it is important to understand how patients and practitioners view these options.ObjectiveTo elicit patient and practitioner views and preferences on the acceptability and appropriateness of referral practices and consulting options for CKD stage 3–4.DesignA mixed methods approach involving a semi‐structured interview and structured rating exercise administered by telephone.Setting & participantsAdult (18+) patients with CKD stage 3–4 were recruited via their General Practitioner (GP). Practitioners were recruited from both general and specialist services.ResultsSixteen patients and twenty‐two practitioners participated in the study between July and September, 2011. Both patients and practitioners preferred ‘GP with access to a specialist’ and least preferred ‘Specialist Review’. Computer review and telephone review were acceptable to participants under certain conditions. Practitioners favoured generalist management of patients with CKD 3. Specialists recommended active discharge of patients with stabilised stage 4 back to generalist care. Both generalists and specialists strongly supported sharing patients' medical records via electronic consultation systems.ConclusionParticipants tended to prefer the current model of CKD management. Suggested improvements included; increasing the involvement of patients in referral and discharge decisions; improving the adequacy of information given to specialists on referral and encouraging further use of clinical guidelines in practice.
Family as a whole: elective surgery patients’ perception of the meaning of family involvement in decision making
Authors: Lin Mei‐Ling , Pang Mei‐Che S , Chen Ching‐Huey 
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed to explore patient perception of the meaning of family involvement in elective surgery decision making in Taiwan.Background.  Informed consent is based on respecting patient autonomy. However in cultures where family plays a key role in medical decision making, a patient’s perspective of family involvement has not been fully investigated.Design and methods.  Based on a phenomenological approach, this study conducted semistructured interviews to elicit the experiences of 10 elective surgery patients in southern Taiwan who had family present during their surgery decision making. An adapted version of Colaizzi’s (1978) method was used to analyse narratives.Results.  Three themes emerged from the elective surgery patients’ perception of the meaning of family involvement in their surgery decision‐making process: (1) Primacy of family well‐being, (2) family as information broker, and (3) family as patient advocate. Patients articulated reciprocal relationships amongst family members, and they expressed overall family well‐being as their ultimate concern when making their treatment decision. The essence of the elective surgery patients’ perception of the meaning of family involvement in decision making was ‘family as a whole’.Conclusions.  Patients’ concern for overall family well‐being and their perspective that family plays a supportive role in transmitting information and acting as patient advocate during the decision‐making process may both enhance and restrict individual patient autonomy. In cultures where family is central in decision making, appropriately involving the family in medical decisions should not be overlooked.Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding and acknowledging the important roles of family in medical decision making from the patients’ perspective can enable health professionals to more effectively communicate with patients and their family. Then, health professionals can empower the individual who is making the medical decision based on his or her own needs.
A Novel Method for Transcranial Doppler Microembolic Signal Monitoring at the Vertebrobasilar Junction in Vertebral Artery Dissection Patients
Authors: Yamaoka Y. , Ichikawa Y. , Kimura T. , Sameshima T. , Ochiai C. , Morita A. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDVertebral artery dissection (VAD) is one of the most important etiologies in young stroke patients. VAD causes ischemic stroke by embolism and transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring can detect microemboli originating from the dissection point as high intensity transient signals (HITS). We developed a simple but novel method of TCD monitoring at the vertebrobasilar junction in VAD patients.METHODSWe placed a Welder TCD headband upside down on the patient's head and rotated it by 90°. Then we fixed a pulsed‐wave 2‐MHz TCD probe to the headband and put it on the suboccipital paramedian area of the patient. With a patient in the lateral decubitus position, the vertebrobasilar junction was identified at a depth of approximately 80 mm.RESULTSWe examined 11 patients with VAD and detected HITS in 2 patients (18%). In 1 patient HITS disappeared after heparinization, and in the other patient HITS disappeared after treatment with aspirin. All of 9 HITS‐negative patients and 1 of 2 HITS‐positive patients experienced no ischemic recurrence during hospitalization.CONCLUSIONWe successfully detected HITS at the vertebrobasilar junction in VAD patients, which may lead not only to an appropriate choice of antithrombotic drugs but also to individual evaluation of early risk of ischemic recurrence.
Is Birdsong Music?
Authors: Araya-Salas Marcelo 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The nightingale, the lark ascending; the cuckoo, the dawn chorus; since ancient times man has found beauty in birdsong. It appeals to our senses. It inspires composers. But is it music? Marcelo Araya-Salas listens to the nightingale wren and tries to find out if it is singing in tune.
The L'Aquila Earthquake: Science or Risk on Trial?
Authors: Prats Jordi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
On April 6th 2009 a major earthquake devastated the Italian town of L'Aquila, with the loss of 309 lives. In October this year six scientists and a government official were sentenced to 6 years each for providing “Significance, incomplete and contradictory information” on the probability and risk of an earthquake and for falsely reassuring the population. Jordi Prats examines the case.
Breast Implants: The Scandal, the Outcry, and Assessing the Risks
Authors: Spiegelhalter David , Knight Stuart , Sant Tony 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The PIP scandal broke last year: thousands of women had received substandard breast implants that contained industrial-grade gel and were liable to leak. What were the risks? Should the implants be removed? Amid huge public outcry, David Spiegelhalter, Stuart Knight and Tony Sant were asked urgently to report.
Statistics of Statisticians: Critical Masses for Research Groups
Authors: Kenna Ralph , Berche Bertrand 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
If you work in a group of researchers, how big should your group be? Too small, and you have no one to bounce ideas off – and you may face extinction by funding cuts. Big groups bring fertile interactions and better-quality work. So is bigger always better? And does it depend on what you are researching?Ralph Kenna and Bertrand Berche have found out …
Graciela Bevacqua
Authors: Carriquiry Alicia 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Graciela Bevacqua found herself at the centre of astonishing pressures from the government of Argentina to manipulate official statistics. As head of the national statistics institute, she refused to publish falsified inflation indices; she faced fines and threats of imprisonment. Alicia Carriquiry spoke to her. Here is what it feels like to be harassed by the government whose people you are trying to serve.