bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SHRIMP U–Pb age of SoriZ93 zircon from the Sori Granodiorite, Northeast Japan: a potential reference zircon of Late Cretaceous age
Authors: Ogasawara Masatsugu , Fukuyama Mayuko , Horie Kenji , Sumii Tomoaki , Takehara Mami , Sudo Masafumi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSoriZ93 zircon was separated from residual mineral fraction after the preparation of the SORI93 biotite standard from the Sori Granodiorite in the Ashio Mountains, Northeast Japan, and analyzed for its U–Pb age using a sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP). The zircon grains of SoriZ93 are prismatic with pyramidal ends or broken prismatic fragments. Most zircons are 100–250 μm long and 50–150 μm wide. The zircons are clear crystals and colorless to pale yellow, although some grains are brown with optically low transparency. Cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of the SoriZ93 zircons showed a fine oscillatory zoning, which is a typical characteristic of zircons in granitic rocks. A xenocrystic core was not present in the zircons. Although some mineral inclusions were present in the zircons, it is possible to select a typical analytical area with a dimension of 30 μm necessary for the microbeam technique. The analytical results of the colorless zircons provided a weighted mean 207Pb corrected 206Pb/238U age of 93.9 ± 0.6 Ma (95% confidence, MSWD = 0.97). This 206Pb/238U age is 1.3 m.y. older than the K–Ar age of the SORI93 biotite, indicating that the granodiorite cooled to a closure temperature of the K–Ar biotite system within a short time interval. Although some grains of the SoriZ93 zircons show high U concentration, a selection of colorless zircons provided the precise age to be used for the calibration and reference for zircons of the Late Cretaceous.
Solving the puzzle of Pringleophaga – threatened, keystone detritivores in the sub‐Antarctic
Authors: Haupt Tanya M. , Crafford Jan. E. , Chown Steven L. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

In the globally significant, lowland terrestrial systems of the sub‐Antarctic's South Indian Ocean Province Islands, caterpillars of the flightless moth genus Pringleophaga (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) are typically responsible for much nutrient turnover.

On Marion Island, Pringleophaga marioni is a keystone species for this reason.

Rising temperatures have led to increasing populations of introduced house mice, which, in turn, feed extensively on Pringleophaga caterpillars.

Because of the caterpillars’ keystone role, predation by mice is leading to changes in the functioning of the terrestrial system.

Given the estimates of an extended life cycle duration for P. marioni (and its congeners), that is, two to more than 5 years, an ongoing puzzle is why the species has not shown greater population declines on Marion Island than have been recorded (in some habitats 40–97% in 20 years), given extremely high estimates of predation (c. 1% of standing biomass per day).

One reason may be inaccurate previous estimates of life cycle duration for the species.

Here, we provide a new, quantitative estimate, by rearing caterpillars at different temperature regimes (5, 10, 15 and 5–15 °C), and combining these results with additional data from a prior study, to demonstrate that the life cycle duration for this species is approximately 1 year – half the previous minimum estimate.

The new quantitative data provide grounds for improved models for estimating population persistence of this species, and information for models assessing the costs and benefits of conservation interventions such as the eradication of invasive house mice.
Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the 3- to 4·5-hour Window – The Malabar Experience
Authors: Salam Kizhakkaniyakath Abdu , Ummer Karadan , Kumar Vayyattu Govindankutty Pradeep , Noone Mohan Leslie 
Published: August 2013

Background Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has been shown to be beneficial up to 4·5-hours of symptom onset. Aims The study aims to review our experience with thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in the 3- to 4·5-hours window in acute ischemic stroke. Settings and design Prospective observational study of patients with acute ischemic stroke thombolysed between 3-and 4·5-hours after onset from July 2009 to October 2012 at a tertiary-care center in the Malabar region of South India. Materials and methods The dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator used was 50 mg in all patients. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar to European Co-operative Acute Stroke Study-3 criteria, with the exceptions that we did not use an age cutoff of 80 years and did not restrict thrombolysis for previous stroke with diabetes or elevated blood glucose levels. Statistical analysis used Good outcome was defined as a three-month modified Rankin Score of 2 or less. The chi-square test was used to compare the outcome among various subtypes of ischemic stroke. The age, blood glucose, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score, and time to thrombolysis were compared between groups with the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test. Results Thirty-one patients (median age 65 years, range 44–85, and median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score 10, range 5–22) were thrombolysed in the 3- to 4·5-hours window after stroke onset during the study period. In the first 24 h, 16 patients (52%) improved in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score by 4 or more points while three worsened by 4 or more points. At the three-month follow up, 15 patients (48%) were functionally independent (modified Rankin Score ⩽2). None had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. There was no significant difference in outcome between the various ischemic stroke sub-types. The baseline age, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score, blood glucose, and onset to treatment time did not differ significantly between the groups with good and poor outcome. Conclusion Our initial experience confirms that thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in the extended window is safe and beneficial.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging‐directed transrectal ultrasound biopsy increases prostate cancer detection in men with prostate‐specific antigen between 4–10 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination
Authors: Javali Tarun Dilip , Dwivedi Durgesh Kumar , Kumar Rajeev , Jagannathan Naranamangalam Raghunathan , Thulkar Sanjay , Dinda Amit Kumar 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging to improve prostate cancer detection rate.MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out of 278 men with prostate‐specific antigen in the range of 4–10 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination who underwent transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy. Outcomes were compared between men who had a standard biopsy versus those who also underwent a prebiopsy magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Men with an abnormal voxel on magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging had standard transrectal ultrasound biopsies plus biopsies directed to the abnormal voxels.ResultsThe study group (n = 140) and control group (n = 138) were similar in baseline parameters, such as mean age, prostate size and mean prostate‐specific antigen. The overall cancer detection in the magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging positive group (24.4%) was more than double that of the control group (10.1%). On comparing the magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging results with the transrectal ultrasound biopsy findings, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging had 95.6% sensitivity, 41.9% specificity, a positive predictive value of 24.4%, a negative predictive value of 98% and an accuracy of 51.4%.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging‐directed transrectal ultrasound biopsy increases the cancer detection rate compared with standard transrectal ultrasound biopsy in patients with normal digital rectal examination and elevated prostate‐specific antigen in the range of 4–10 ng/mL.
Ecological periodic tables: in principle and practice
Authors: Ferraro Steven P. 
Published: August 2013

“Science is organized knowledge.” Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)Ecological periodic tables are an information organizing system with categorical habitat types as elements and predictably recurring (periodic) properties of a target biotic community, such as its relative species richness, abundance and biomass, as attributes. Ecological periodic tables are founded on the ecological tenet that habitats structure biotic communities and its corollary that habitats are templets for ecological strategies. They are a durable, open and flexible system that accommodates all operationally defined habitat types and biotic communities for which the periodicity of habitat usage patterns by a biotic community have been empirically substantiated. Discovering quantitative, periodic habitat usage patterns requires quantitative, representative, unbiased sampling of a biotic community across habitat types at ecologically relevant temporal and spatial scales. Like chemical periodic tables, the Linnaean system of classification and the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram in chemistry, biology and astronomy, respectively, ecological periodic tables are simple, easy to understand, exceptionally useful and they foster the expansion of scientific understanding, inquiry and theory.
Sintering Mechanism and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Bi12TiO20 Ceramics
Authors: Jeong Byoung‐Jik , Joung Mi‐Ri , Kim Jin‐Seong , Nahm Sahn , Choi Ji‐Won , Hwang Seong‐Ju 
Published: August 2013

A homogeneous Bi12TiO20 phase was developed in a specimen that was calcined at 700°C without the formation of a secondary phase. A small amount of the Bi12TiO20 phase melted during sintering and assisted the densification of the specimen. The Bi2O3 and Bi8TiO14 secondary phases were found in all specimens. All the specimens that were sintered at temperatures ≥775°C exhibited high relative densities above 98% of the theoretical density. The Q × f value of the Bi12TiO20 ceramics was influenced by the grain size. The Bi12TiO20 ceramics sintered at 800°C for 5 h showed promising microwave dielectric properties of εr = 41, Q × f = 10 400 GHz, and τf = −10.8 ppm/°C.
Validation of standard times and influencing factors during the development of the Workload Indicator for Nursing
Authors: Myny Dries , De Bacquer Dirk , Van Hecke Ann , Beeckman Dimitri , Verhaeghe Sofie , Van Goubergen Dirk 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundA tool to assist in optimal allocation of available nursing resources is of paramount importance.AimsThe goals of this study were as follows: (1) to determine whether the standard time values of the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset are a valid basis for the development of a Workload Indicator for Nursing; (2) to quantify the impact of factors that most influence nursing workload; and (3) to examine the cross‐impact of items of the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset.DesignThis research project is a prospective observational study with exploratory aspects.MethodsThe data for this prospective study were collected during September 2010 from a convenience sample of 23 nursing units in four hospitals in Belgium. The data collection included three parts: (1) the registration of the items of the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset; (2) the amount of time committed to direct patient care; and (3) analysis of variables, which influence the nursing workload at patient and unit level.ResultsThe correlation coefficients for the sum of Direct and Indirect Patient Care and the Workload Indicator for Nursing‐score of the surgical, internal medicine and intensive care units were 0·85, 0·88 and 0·89 respectively. Significant differences in standard time utilization for nursing activities at the patient level are directly related to the level of mobility assistance required. Units needing significantly more time for Direct and Indirect Patient Care than predicted by the Workload Indicator for Nursing‐score had a higher mean number of complex nursing activities per patient.ConclusionsThe high correlation coefficients between the total time utilized for direct patient care and the WiN‐score indicate that the standard time values of the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset are valid.
Multicoloured greenbeards, bacteriocin diversity and the rock‐paper‐scissors game
Authors: Biernaskie J. M. , Gardner A. , West S. A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractGreenbeard genes identify copies of themselves in other individuals and cause their bearer to behave nepotistically towards those individuals. Bacterial toxins (bacteriocins) exemplify the greenbeard effect because producer strains carry closely linked genes for immunity, such that toxicity is limited to nonproducer strains. Bacteriocin producers can be maintained in a dynamic polymorphism, known as rock‐paper‐scissors (RPS) dynamics, with immune and susceptible strains. However, it is unclear whether and how such dynamics will be maintained in the presence of multiple toxin types (multiple beard ‘colours’). Here, we analyse strain dynamics using models of recurrent patch colonization and population growth. We find that (i) polymorphism is promoted by a small number of founding lineages per patch, strong local resource competition and the occurrence of mutations; (ii) polymorphism can be static or dynamic, depending on the intensity of local interactions and the costs of toxins and immunity; (iii) the occurrence of multiple toxins can promote RPS dynamics; and (iv) strain diversity can be maintained even when toxins differ in toxicity or lineages can exhibit multitoxicity/multi‐immunity. Overall, the factors that maintain simple RPS dynamics can also promote the coexistence of multiple toxin types (multiple beard colours), thus helping to explain the remarkable levels of bacteriocin diversity in nature. More generally, we contrast these results with the maintenance of marker diversity in genetic kin recognition.
Correlational selection does not explain the evolution of a behavioural syndrome
Authors: Han C. S. , Brooks R. C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCorrelated suites of behaviours, or behavioural syndromes, appear to be widespread, and yet few studies have explored how they arise and are maintained. One possibility holds that correlational selection can generate and maintain behavioural syndrome if certain behavioural combinations enjoy greater fitness than other combinations. Here we test this correlational selection hypothesis by comparing behavioural syndrome structure with a multivariate fitness surface based on reproductive success of male water striders. We measured the structure of a behavioural syndrome including dispersal ability, exploration behaviour, latency to remount and sex recognition sensitivity in males. We then measured the relationship between these behaviours and mating success in a range of sex ratio environments. Despite the presence of some significant correlational selection, behavioural syndrome structure was not associated with correlational selection on behaviours. Although we cannot conclusively reject the correlational selection hypothesis, our evidence suggests that correlational selection and resulting linkage disequilibrium might not be responsible for maintaining the strong correlations between behaviours. Instead, we suggest alternative ways in which this behavioural syndrome may have arisen and outline the need for physiological and quantitative genetic tests of these suggestions.
Building Materials in the Operational Phase
Authors: Nordby Anne Sigrid , Shea Andrew David 
Published: August 2013

SummaryHow sustainable are the various building materials, and what are the criteria for assessment? The scope of this article is to explore in what ways responsible and conscious use of materials can yield environmental benefits in buildings. In particular, it discusses how material properties related to thermal and hygroscopic mass can be utilized for achieving energy efficiency and good indoor air quality, and how these gains can be included into the context of life cycle assessment (LCA).A case study investigates and compares carbon impacts related to three design concepts for an exterior wall: (A) concrete/rock wool; (B) wood studs/wood fiber; and (C) wood studs/hemp lime. The thermal performance of concepts B and C are modeled to comply with concept A regarding both thermal transmittance (U‐value) and dynamic heat flow (Q24h) using the design tool WUFI Pro. An environmental cost‐benefit analysis is then accomplished in four steps, regarding (1) manufacturing and transport loads, (2) carbon sequestration in plant‐based materials and recarbonation in concrete/lime, and (3 and 4) potentially reduced operational energy consumption caused by heat and moisture buffering. The input data are based on suggested values and effects found in the literature.The summarized results show that wall A has the highest embodied carbon and the lowest carbon storage and recarbonation effects, whereas wall C2 has the lowest embodied carbon and the highest carbon storage and recarbonation effects. Regarding buffering effects, wall A has the highest potential for thermal buffering, whereas wall C has the highest potential for moisture buffering.
Characterization of a Purine Permease Family Gene OsPUP7 Involved in Growth and Development Control in Rice
Authors: Qi Zhuyun , Xiong Lizhong 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this study, PUP‐type cytokinin transporter genes were identified in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The Oryza sativa purine permease (OsPUP) family has 12 members that show similar predicted protein sequences with AtPUPs. To reveal the functions of OsPUP genes, we searched the T‐DNA mutant library of rice and found one mutant for the member OsPUP7. The T‐DNA insertion caused a new transcript that encodes a protein with 26 amino acids different from the native OsPUP7 at the C‐terminus. The mutant showed multiple phenotypic changes including increased plant height, big seeds, and delayed flowering. The mutant also showed increased sensitivity to drought and salt stresses and treatments with kinetin and abscisic acid. OsPUP7 is expressed mainly in the vascular bundle, pistil, and stamens. The measurement of cytokinins (CKs) showed that CK content in the mutant spikelets accumulated higher than that in the wild type. Moreover, uptake experiment in the yeast fcy2 mutant suggested that OsPUP7 has the ability to transport caffeine, a CK derivative. Our results indicate that the PUP transport system also exists in rice, and OsPUP7 has an important role in the transport of CK, thus affecting developmental process and stress responses.
Conductively driven, high‐thermal gradient metamorphism in the Anmatjira Range, Arunta region, central Australia
Authors: Anderson J. R. , Kelsey D. E. , Hand M. , Collins W. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLA–ICP–MS in situ U–Pb monazite geochronology and P–T pseudosections are combined to evaluate the timing and physical conditions of metamorphism in the SE Anmatjira Range in the Aileron Province, central Australia. All samples show age peaks at c. 1580–1555 Ma, with three of five samples showing additional discrete age peaks between c. 1700 and 1630 Ma. P–T phase diagrams calculated for garnet–sillimanite–cordierite–K‐feldspar–ilmenite–melt bearing metapelitic rocks have overlapping peak mineral assemblage stability fields at ~870–920 °C and ~6.5–7.2 kbar. P–T modelling of a fine‐grained spinel–cordierite–garnet–biotite reaction microstructure suggests retrograde P–T conditions evolved down pressure and temperature to ~3–5.5 kbar and ~610–850 °C. The combined geochronological and P–T results indicate the SE Anmatjira Range underwent high‐temperature, low‐pressure metamorphism at c. 1580–1555 Ma, and followed an apparently clockwise retrograde path. The high apparent thermal gradient necessary to produce the estimated P–T conditions does not appear to reflect decompression of high‐P assemblages, nor is there syn‐metamorphic magmatism or structural evidence for extension. Similar to previous workers, we suggest the high‐thermal gradient P–T conditions could have been achieved by heating, largely driven by high heat production from older granites in the region.
Activation of α7‐containing nicotinic receptors on astrocytes triggers AMPA receptor recruitment to glutamatergic synapses
Authors: Wang Xulong , Lippi Giordano , Carlson David M. , Berg Darwin K. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAstrocytes, an abundant form of glia, are known to promote and modulate synaptic signaling between neurons. They also express α7‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7‐nAChRs), but the functional relevance of these receptors is unknown. We show here that stimulation of α7‐nAChRs on astrocytes releases components that induce hippocampal neurons to acquire more α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors post‐synaptically at glutamatergic synapses. The increase is specific in that no change is seen in synaptic NMDA receptor clusters or other markers for glutamatergic synapses, or in markers for GABAergic synapses. Moreover, the increases in AMPA receptors on the neuron surface are accompanied by increases in the frequency of spontaneous miniature synaptic currents mediated by the receptors and increases in the ratio of evoked synaptic currents mediated by AMPA versus NMDA receptors. This suggests that stimulating α7‐nAChRs on astrocytes can convert ‘silent’ glutamatergic synapses to functional status. Astrocyte‐derived thrombospondin is necessary but not sufficient for the effect, while tumor necrosis factor‐α is sufficient but not necessary. The results identify astrocyte α7‐nAChRs as a novel pathway through which nicotinic cholinergic signaling can promote the development of glutamatergic networks, recruiting AMPA receptors to post‐synaptic sites and rendering the synapses more functional.
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We find that activation of nicotinic receptors on astrocytes releases a component that specifically recruits AMPA receptors to glutamatergic synapses. The recruitment appears to occur preferentially at what may be ‘silent synapses’, that is, synapses that have all the components required for glutamatergic transmission (including NMDA receptors) but lack sufficient AMPA receptors to generate a response. The results are unexpected and open up new possibilities for mechanisms underlying network formation and synaptic plasticity.
THE IMPACT OF LABOR MARKET REGULATION ON EMPLOYMENT IN LOW‐INCOME COUNTRIES: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Nataraj Shanthi , Perez‐Arce Francisco , Kumar Krishna B. , Srinivasan Sinduja V. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractControversy over labor market policy often centers on achieving a balance between preventing worker exploitation, and avoiding loss of productivity or employment through excessive regulation. Although the literature documenting the impact of labor market regulation on employment is extensive, there is a dearth of evidence on the impact of such policies in low‐income countries (LICs). Since it is easier for workers, especially women, to slip into the informal sector in LICs, regulations are likely to have stronger impacts on formal employment in these countries (but lower impacts on unemployment). We systematically reviewed available research from countries that are, or were until recently, LICs. Most studies document that more stringent labor regulations are associated with lower formal sector employment and higher informal sector employment. We also conducted a metaregression analysis of the impact of minimum wages on formal and informal employment. After controlling for publication bias, higher minimum wages are associated with lower formal employment and a higher share of informal workers.