bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombination, chromosome number and eusociality in the Hymenoptera
Authors: Ross L. , Blackmon H. , Lorite P. , Gokhman V. E. , Hardy N. B. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractExtraordinarily high rates of recombination have been observed in some eusocial species. The most popular explanation is that increased recombination increases genetic variation among workers, which in turn increases colony performance, for example by increasing parasite resistance. However, support for the generality of higher recombination rates among eusocial organisms remains weak, due to low sample size and a lack of phylogenetic independence of observations. Recombination rate, although difficult to measure directly, is correlated with chromosome number. As predicted, several authors have noted that chromosome numbers are higher among the eusocial species of Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). Here, we present a formal comparative analysis of karyotype data from 1567 species of Hymenoptera. Contrary to earlier studies, we find no evidence for an absolute difference between chromosome number in eusocial and solitary species of Hymenoptera. However, we find support for an increased rate of chromosome number change in eusocial taxa. We show that among eusocial taxa colony size is able to explain some of the variation in chromosome number: intermediate‐sized colonies have more chromosomes than those that are either very small or very large. However, we were unable to detect effects of a number of other colony characteristics predicted to affect recombination rate – including colony relatedness and caste number. Taken together, our results support the view that a eusocial lifestyle has led to variable selection pressure for increased recombination rates, but that identifying the factors contributing to this variable selection will require further theoretical and empirical effort.
Nosology, ontology and promiscuous realism
Authors: Binney Nicholas 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMedics may consider worrying about their metaphysics and ontology to be a waste of time. I will argue here that this is not the case. Promiscuous realism is a metaphysical position which holds that multiple, equally valid, classification schemes should be applied to objects (such as patients) to capture different aspects of their complex and heterogeneous nature. As medics at the bedside may need to capture different aspects of their patients' problems, they may need to use multiple classification schemes (multiple nosologies), and thus consider adopting a different metaphysics to the one commonly in use.
Measuring the Youth Bullying Experience: A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Available Instruments
Authors: Vessey Judith , Strout Tania D. , DiFazio Rachel L. , Walker Allison 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDBullying is a significant problem in schools and measuring this concept remains problematic. The purposes of this study were to (1) identify the published self‐report measures developed to assess youth bullying; (2) evaluate their psychometric properties and instrument characteristics; and (3) evaluate the quality of identified psychometric papers evaluating youth bullying measures.METHODSA systematic review of the literature was conducted using 4 electronic databases. Data extraction and appraisal of identified instruments were completed using a standardized method and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.RESULTSThirty‐one articles describing 27 self‐report instruments were evaluated in our analysis. Quality assessments ranged from 18% to 91%, with 6 papers reaching or exceeding a quality score of 75%. Limited evidence supporting the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of existing youth bullying measures was identified.CONCLUSIONSEvidence supporting the psychometric soundness of the instruments identified was limited. Many measures were in early development and additional evaluation is necessary to validate their psychometric properties. A pool of instruments possesses acceptable initial psychometric dependability for selected assessment purposes. These findings have significant implications for assessing youth bullying and designing and evaluating school‐based interventions.
Using a Participatory Approach to the Development of a School‐Based Physical Activity Policy in an Indigenous Community
Authors: Hogan Lindsay , Bengoechea Enrique García , Salsberg Jon , Jacobs Judi , King Morrison , Macaulay Ann C. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThis study is part of a larger community‐based participatory research (CBPR) project to develop, implement, and evaluate the physical activity component of a school‐based wellness policy. The policy intervention is being carried out by community stakeholders and academic researchers within the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project, a well‐established health promotion organization in the Indigenous community of Kahnawake, Quebec.METHODSWe explored how a group of stakeholders develop a school physical activity policy in a participatory manner, and examined factors serving as facilitators and barriers to the development process. This case study was guided by an interpretive description approach and draws upon data from documentary analysis and participant observation.RESULTSA CBPR approach allowed academic researchers and community stakeholders to codevelop a physical activity policy that is both evidence‐based and contextually appropriate. The development process was influenced by a variety of barriers and facilitators including working within existing structures, securing appropriate stakeholders, and school contextual factors.CONCLUSIONSThis research offers a process framework that others developing school‐based wellness policies may use with appropriate modifications based on local environments.
Panel Conditioning: Effect of Participation Frequency on Overall Acceptance Scores from Consumer Panels
Authors: Bastian Mauresa , Eggett Dennis L. , Jefferies Laura K. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractResearch subjects who participate frequently in some survey types are known to provide responses that differ from subjects who participate less frequently. The supposed learning or training that occurs from repeated survey involvement is known as panel conditioning. Consumer scoring of overall acceptance of a wide variety of food categories was collected from consumer panels conducted in a central location facility. Data spanning 11 years were analyzed to determine evidence of panel conditioning by measuring the effect of participation frequency on mean consumer scoring among frequent, moderate and infrequent participants. Participation frequency was determined by panelists' number of previous panel visits within specific time intervals. Practical significance and occurrence of panel conditioning, defined as mean scoring differences of ≥0.50 on a discrete 9‐point scale hedonic point, were examined. Results indicate that for overall acceptance, in general, mean scoring differences were not practically significant and did not signify occurrence of panel conditioning.Practical ApplicationsStudies relating panel conditioning to online panels/surveys have been conducted; however, little research relates panel conditioning to food sensory evaluation conducted at a central location. If panel conditioning occurs in food sensory evaluation, frequently participating panelists may score differently than infrequently participating panelists and provide unrepresentative data. Thus, food sensory laboratories may need to continually monitor the participation frequency of current panelists. If panel conditioning does not occur, regardless of panelists' participation frequency, and does not result in scoring differences in food sensory evaluation, then this monitoring process would be unnecessary. There would be no concern in reusing qualified panelists and they would not have to be eliminated from panel participation due to recent or frequent previous panel participation.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation as an Additional Treatment for Women Suffering from Therapy-Resistant Provoked Vestibulodynia: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Vallinga Marleen S. , Spoelstra Symen K. , Hemel Inge L.M. , van de Wiel Harry B.M. , Weijmar Schultz Willibrord C.M. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The current approach to women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) comprises a multidimensional, multidisciplinary therapeutic protocol. As PVD is considered to be a chronic pain disorder, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used as an additional therapy for women with otherwise therapy-resistant PVD.

Aims
The aims of this study were to evaluate whether TENS has a beneficial effect on vulvar pain, sexual functioning, and sexually-related personal distress in women with therapy-resistant PVD and to assess the effect of TENS on the need for vestibulectomy.

Methods
A longitudinal prospective follow-up study was performed on women with therapy-resistant PVD who received additional domiciliary TENS. Self-report questionnaires and visual analog scales (VASs) were completed at baseline (T1), post-TENS (T2), and follow-up (T3).

Main Outcome Measures
Vulvar pain, sexual functioning, and sexually-related personal distress were the main outcome measures.

Results
Thirty-nine women with therapy-resistant PVD were included. Mean age was 27 ± 5.6 years (range: 19 to 41); mean duration between TENS and T3 follow-up was 10.1 ± 10.7 months (range: 2 to 32). Vulvar pain VAS scores directly post-TENS (median 3.4) and at follow-up (median 3.2) were significantly (P &lt; 0.01) lower than at baseline (median 8.0). Post-TENS, sexual functioning scores on the Female Sexual Functioning Index questionnaire had improved significantly (P = 0.2); these scores remained stable at follow-up. Sexually-related personal distress scores had improved significantly post-TENS (P = 0.01). Only 4% of the women who received TENS needed to undergo vestibulectomy vs. 23% in our previous patient population.

Conclusion
The addition of self-administered TENS to multidimensional treatment significantly reduced the level of vulvar pain and the need for vestibulectomy. The long-term effect was stable. These results not only support our hypothesis that TENS constitutes a feasible and beneficial addition to multidimensional treatment for therapy-resistant PVD, but also the notion that PVD can be considered as a chronic pain syndrome.
Nfu facilitates the maturation of iron‐sulfur proteins and participates in virulence in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mashruwala Ameya A. , Pang Yun Y. , Rosario‐Cruz Zuelay , Chahal Harsimranjit K. , Benson Meredith A. , Mike Laura A. , Skaar Eric P. , Torres Victor J. , Nauseef William M. , Boyd Jeffrey M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe acquisition and metabolism of iron (Fe) by the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is critical for disease progression. S. aureus requires Fe to synthesize inorganic cofactors called iron‐sulfur (Fe‐S) clusters, which are required for functional Fe‐S proteins. In this study we investigated the mechanisms utilized by S. aureus to metabolize Fe‐S clusters. We identified that S. aureus utilizes the Suf biosynthetic system to synthesize Fe‐S clusters and we provide genetic evidence suggesting that the sufU and sufB gene products are essential. Additional biochemical and genetic analyses identified Nfu as an Fe‐S cluster carrier, which aids in the maturation of Fe‐S proteins. We find that deletion of the nfu gene negatively impacts staphylococcal physiology and pathogenicity. A nfu mutant accumulates both increased intracellular non‐incorporated Fe and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in DNA damage. In addition, a strain lacking Nfu is sensitive to exogenously supplied ROS and reactive nitrogen species. Congruous with ex vivo findings, a nfu mutant strain is more susceptible to oxidative killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and displays decreased tissue colonization in a murine model of infection. We conclude that Nfu is necessary for staphylococcal pathogenesis and establish Fe‐S cluster metabolism as an attractive antimicrobial target.
Climate change and long‐term fire management impacts on Australian savannas
Authors: Scheiter Simon , Higgins Steven I. , Beringer Jason , Hutley Lindsay B. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Tropical savannas cover a large proportion of the Earth's land surface and many people are dependent on the ecosystem services that savannas supply. Their sustainable management is crucial. Owing to the complexity of savanna vegetation dynamics, climate change and land use impacts on savannas are highly uncertain.

We used a dynamic vegetation model, the adaptive dynamic global vegetation model (aDGVM), to project how climate change and fire management might influence future vegetation in northern Australian savannas.

Under future climate conditions, vegetation can store more carbon than under ambient conditions. Changes in rainfall seasonality influence future carbon storage but do not turn vegetation into a carbon source, suggesting that CO2 fertilization is the main driver of vegetation change. The application of prescribed fires with varying return intervals and burning season influences vegetation and fire impacts. Carbon sequestration is maximized with early dry season fires and long fire return intervals, while grass productivity is maximized with late dry season fires and intermediate fire return intervals.

The study has implications for management policy across Australian savannas because it identifies how fire management strategies may influence grazing yield, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. This knowledge is crucial to maintaining important ecosystem services of Australian savannas.
Quality of life and metrics of achievement in long‐term adult survivors of pediatric heart transplant
Authors: Hollander Seth A. , Chen Sharon , Luikart Helen , Burge Mary , Hollander Amanda M. , Rosenthal David N. , Maeda Katsuhide , Hunt Sharon A. , Bernstein Daniel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMany children who undergo heart transplantation will survive into adulthood. We sought to examine the QOL and capacity for achievement in long‐term adult survivors of pediatric heart transplantation. Adults >18 yr of age who received transplants as children (≤18 yr old) and had survived for at least 10 yr post‐transplant completed two self‐report questionnaires: (i) Ferrans & Powers QLI, in which life satisfaction is reported as an overall score and in four subscale domains and is then indexed from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 1 (very satisfied); and (ii) a “Metrics of Life Achievement” questionnaire regarding income, education, relationships, housing status, and access to health care. A total of 20 subjects completed the survey. The overall mean QLI score was 0.77 ± 0.16. Subjects were most satisfied in the family domain (0.84 ± 0.21) and least satisfied in the psychological/spiritual domain (0.7 ± 0.28). Satisfaction in the domains of health/functioning and socioeconomic were intermediate at 0.78 and 0.76, respectively. Most respondents had graduated from high school, reported a median annual income >$50 000/yr, and lived independently. Adult survivors of pediatric heart transplant report a good QOL and demonstrate the ability to obtain an education, work, and live independently.
Using an interactive water bottle to target fluid adherence in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A pilot study
Authors: Kullgren Kristin A. , Scholl Penny , Kidwell Kelley M. , Hmiel S. Paul 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHydration is important post‐renal transplant to maintain adequate renal perfusion and graft function. Adherence to fluid recommendations is challenging given barriers to staying hydrated. There are no studies of adherence to fluid intake recommendations following pediatric renal transplant. Through this pilot study, we sought to determine whether the use of a commercially available interactive water bottle would lead to better adherence to recommended fluid intake and improved kidney functioning post‐transplant relative to standard of care. Participants included 32 youth ages 7–19 ≥1 month post‐kidney transplant randomized to the intervention (HydraCoach® water bottle) or standard education control group. Laboratory records were reviewed for serum chemistries (Na, BUN, creatinine) at baseline and one‐month follow‐up, and participants recorded daily fluid intake for 28 days. Those in the intervention group were significantly more likely to meet or exceed their fluid target, but this did not translate into better kidney functioning. Participants in the intervention group largely reported satisfaction with the water bottle and were likely to continue its use. While an interactive water bottle providing real‐time feedback may be a promising intervention to help pediatric kidney transplant patients meet fluid goals, it did not appear to impact kidney function.
Cheap Imports and the Loss of US Manufacturing Jobs
Authors: Kemeny Thomas , Rigby David , Cooke Abigail 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study examines the role of international trade and specifically imports from low‐wage countries, in determining patterns of job loss in U.S. manufacturing industries between 1992 and 2007. Motivated by intuitions from factor‐proportions‐inspired work on offshoring and heterogeneous firms in trade, we build industry‐level measures of import competition. Combining worker data from the Longitudinal Employer‐Household Dynamics data set, detailed establishment information from the Census of Manufactures and transaction‐level trade data, we find that rising import competition from China and other developing economies increases the likelihood of job loss among manufacturing workers with less than a high school degree; it is not significantly related to job losses for workers with at least a college degree.
Impact of Conyza bonariensis density and establishment period on soyabean grain yield, yield components and economic threshold
Authors: Trezzi M M , Vidal R A , Patel F , Miotto E , Debastiani F , Balbinot A A , Mosquen R 
Published: November 2014

SummaryConyza spp. have become a major weed around the world, mainly because of weed resistance issues. The objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that the soyabean crop yield is dependent on the density of Conyza bonariensis and on the timing of weed establishment in relation to the crop sowing date. It was also theorised that these variables affect soyabean crop yield components and the economic threshold of C. bonariensis on soyabean. Field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 using a randomised complete block design. In each experiment, several densities (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 192 plants m−2) of C. bonariensis were established in soyabean fields. Conyza bonariensis establishment dates varied considerably between the experiments [81, 38 and 0 days before soyabean sowing (DBSS)]. Conyza bonariensis plants were first cultivated in a glasshouse and then transplanted to the field at the three‐leaf growth stage. At the lower densities, each C. bonariensis plant decreased soyabean yield by 36%, 12% and 1.0%, when established at 81, 38 and 0 DBSS respectively. The economic thresholds based on sensitivity analysis were below 0.5 plant m−2 when C. bonariensis was introduced at 81 and 38 DBSS; in contrast, they were between 2 and 4 plants m−2 when the weed was established at the crop sowing time. The results emphasise the importance of proper C. bonariensis management prior to soyabean sowing and highlight the need for residual herbicides to avoid grain yield losses.
Combining a weed traits database with a population dynamics model predicts shifts in weed communities
Authors: Storkey J , Holst N , Bøjer O Q , Bigongiali F , Bocci G , Colbach N , Dorner Z , Riemens M M , Sartorato I , Sønderskov M , Verschwele A 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA functional approach to predicting shifts in weed floras in response to management or environmental change requires the combination of data on weed traits with analytical frameworks that capture the filtering effect of selection pressures on traits. A weed traits database (WTDB) was designed, populated and analysed, initially using data for 19 common European weeds, to begin to consolidate trait data in a single repository. The initial choice of traits was driven by the requirements of empirical models of weed population dynamics to identify correlations between traits and model parameters. These relationships were used to build a generic model, operating at the level of functional traits, to simulate the impact of increasing herbicide and fertiliser use on virtual weeds along gradients of seed weight and maximum height. The model generated ‘fitness contours’ (defined as population growth rates) within this trait space in different scenarios, onto which two sets of weed species, defined as common or declining in the UK, were mapped. The effect of increasing inputs on the weed flora was successfully simulated; 77% of common species were predicted to have stable or increasing populations under high fertiliser and herbicide use, in contrast with only 29% of the species that have declined. Future development of the WTDB will aim to increase the number of species covered, incorporate a wider range of traits and analyse intraspecific variability under contrasting management and environments.