bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive ethology
Authors: Ristau Carolyn A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCognitive Ethology, the field initiated by Donald R Griffin, was defined by him as the study of the mental experiences of animals as they behave in their natural environment in the course of their normal lives. It encompasses both the problems defined by Chalmers as the ‘hard’ problem of consciousness, phenomenological experience, and the ‘easy’ problems, the phenomena that appear to be explicable (someday) in terms of computational or neural mechanisms. Sources for evidence of consciousness and other mental experiences that Griffin suggested and are updated here include (1) possible neural correlates of consciousness, (2) versatility in meeting novel challenges, and (3) animal communication which he saw as a potential ‘window’ into their mental experiences. Also included is a very brief discussion of pertinent philosophical and conceptual issues; cross‐species neural substrates underlying selected cognitive abilities; memory capacities especially as related to remembering the past and planning for the future; problem solving, tool use and strategic behavioral sequences such as those needed in anti‐predator behaviors. The capacity for mirror self‐recognition is examined as a means to investigate higher levels of consciousness. The evolutionary basis for morality is discussed. Throughout are noted the admonitions of von Uexküll to the scientist to attempt to understand the Umwelt of each animal. The evolutionary and ecological impacts and constraints on animal capacity and behavior are examined as possible.WIREs Cogn Sci2013, 4:493–509. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1239This article is categorized under:Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of CognitionPsychology > Comparative Psychology
Metastases from Neuroendocrine Tumors to the Breast Are More Common than Previously Thought. A Diagnostic Pitfall?
Authors: Crona Joakim , Granberg Dan , Norlén Olov , Wärnberg Fredrik , Stålberg Peter , Hellman Per , Björklund Peyman 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundMetastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) to the breast have been described as a rare phenomenon. Presentation, imaging results, and cytopathologic findings of these tumours may closely mimic those of a mammary carcinoma.MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of 661 patients with metastatic NETs, of whom 280 were females, treated at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Patients with pathological breast lesions were identified. Histopathological slides from available NET breast lesions were analyzed for mammary carcinoma and neuroendocrine markers.ResultsWe have identified 20 female patients with NET metastases to the breast, 11/235 with small intestinal NETs, 8/55 with lung NETs, and 1/6 with thymic NETs. There were no male patients with NET metastatic to the breast. Four patients had their breast lesion initially diagnosed as mammary carcinoma. Retrospectively, these lesions showed negative staining for mammary carcinoma markers.ConclusionsMetastases to the breast from neuroendocrine tumors may be more common than previously thought. Patients with a lesion to the breast and symptoms typical for NET may benefit from additional histopathological investigation, because NET metastases and mammary carcinoma have different immunohistochemical profiles.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques for pancreatic cancer: ready for prime time?
Authors: Mesleh Marc G. , Stauffer John A. , Asbun Horacio J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundMinimally invasive surgical techniques for pancreatic cancer are being applied with increasing frequency. With support of the literature, the location of the tumor within the pancreas is the factor which determines if these techniques can be safely used routinely by pancreatic surgeons.MethodsLiterature supporting minimally invasive techniques for all types of resections for pancreatic cancer was reviewed.ResultsMultiple meta‐analysis regarding laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy all support the routine use of laparoscopy for these lesions. There are several case series describing the safety and efficacious use of laparoscopy in pancreaticoduodenectomy, and results have been promising in these highly specialized centers.ConclusionsThe location of the tumor within the pancreas remains the most critical factor in the use of laparoscopy as the standard of care. Lesions in the body and tail, which are readily resected with a distal or subtotal pancreatectomy should be performed laparoscopically unless there is a clear reason why not to do so. Lesions in the head of the pancreas have been shown to be removed safely and effectively with laparoscopy. However, the technical skills necessary and the ability to teach these to trainees are the limiting factors to widespread use. Further series are necessary to assess if the laparoscopic approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy will play a similar role as the one it plays in the surgical treatment for distal lesions.
Structural equation modelling analysis of evolutionary and ecological patterns in AustralianBanksia
Authors: He Tianhua 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEvolutionary history of species, their geographic ranges, ecological ranges, genetic diversity, and resistance to pathogen infection, have been viewed as being mutually linked through a complex network of interactions. Previous studies have described simple correlations between pairs of these factors, while rarely separated the direct effects among multiple interacting factors. This study was to separate the effect of multiple interacting factors, to reveal the strength of the interactions among these factors, and to explore the mechanisms underlying the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping the geographic range, genetic diversity and fitness of species. I assembled comparative data on evolutionary history, geographic range, ecological range, genetic diversity, and resistance to pathogen infection for thirteenBanksiaspecies from Australia. I used structural equation modelling to test multivariate hypotheses involving evolutionary history, geographic range, genetic diversity and fitness. Key results are: (1) Species with longer evolutionary times tend to occupy larger geographic ranges; (2) higher genetic diversity is directly associated with longer flowering duration inBanksia; and (3) species with higher genotypic diversity have higher level of resistance to infection caused by the pathogenPhytophthoracinnamomi,whereas heterozygosity has the opposite relationship with capacity of resistance to the infections caused by this pathogen. These results revealed a mutually linked and complex network of interactions among gene, species, environment and pathogen in evolutionary and ecological scales. These findings also have great practical significance and help to provide preemptive management options in pathogen control.
Effects of Ultrasonic Parameters on the Crystallization Behavior of Palm Oil
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Zhang Hong , Sun Xiaoyang , Wang Xingguo , Xu Xuebing 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe crystallization behavior of palm oil (PO) without and with the application of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) was investigated as the function of irradiation time (20, 60, 120, and 240 s), ultrasonic intensity (47.5, 95, 270, and 475 W) and temperature (20, 25, 30, and 36 °C). The effects on the crystallization behavior of PO were evaluated by ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance and polarized light microscopy. Results indicated that all these parameters affected crystallization behavior. HIU significantly reduced the induction time and accelerated the crystallization rate at operating temperatures above 25 °C, but there was no significant difference at 20 °C due to high supercooling. The effects of HIU were more significant at higher power level and longer irradiation time, however, the thermal effect of ultrasound also increased with longer sonication time. The optimal sonication time was approximately 120 s which accelerated the crystallization rate of PO the most. The morphology studies suggested that HIU changed the growth mechanisms of crystals and generated smaller and uniformly crystals. At 36 °C, with extremely low supercooling condition, a combined effect was observed that prevented the separation of solid phase and liquid phase of the crystallized sample, and then led to a uniform distribution of crystals.
BoerhaaviadiffusaL. attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells via modulating oxidative stress and down-regulating NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1
Authors: Prathapan A. , Vineetha V. P. , Abhilash P. A. , Raghu K. G. 
Published: April 2013

The present study evaluated the antihypertrophic potential of the ethanolic extract ofBoerhaavia diffusa(BDE), a well-known edible cardiotonic plant reported in Ayurveda against angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells. Markers of hypertrophy such as cell size, protein content and the concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were analysed for the confirmation of hypertrophy induction. Angiotensin II (100 nm) caused an increase in cell volume (69·26 (sd1·21) %), protein content (48·48 (sd1·64) %), ANP (81·90 (sd1·22) %) and BNP (108·57 (sd1·47) %). BDE treatment significantly reduced cell volume, protein content and the concentrations of ANP and BNP (P≤ 0·05) in H9c2 cells. The activity of various antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of reduced glutathione, which was lowered due to hypertrophy, were increased in BDE-treated cells. The BDE treatment also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls in cells. In addition, the expression patterns of NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1 were found to be increased during hypertrophy, and their expressions were reduced on BDE treatment.In vitrochemical assays showed that BDE inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme and xanthine oxidase in a dose-dependent manner with an estimated 50 % effective concentration (EC50) value of 166·12 (sd2·42) and 60·05 (sd1·54) μg/ml, respectively. The overall results clearly indicate the therapeutic potential ofB. diffusaagainst cardiac hypertrophy, in addition to its nutritional qualities.
n-3 PUFA status in school children is associated with beneficial lipid profile, reduced physical activity and increased blood pressure in boys
Authors: Damsgaard Camilla T. , Stark Ken D. , Hjorth Mads F. , Biltoft-Jensen Anja , Astrup Arne , Michaelsen Kim F. , Lauritzen Lotte 
Published: April 2013

Dietaryn-3 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) improve dyslipidaemia and hypertension and may affect insulin resistance and adiposity. Increasing numbers of children show signs of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but few studies have investigated the association withn-3 LC-PUFA status. We examined the relationship between fasting whole-blood EPA or DHA (w/w% of the total fatty acids, FA%) and markers of the MetS (anthropometry, blood pressure, plasma lipids and glucose homeostasis) cross-sectionally in seventy-three 8–11-year-old Danish children from the OPUS School Meal Pilot Study (OPUS is an acronym of the project ‘Optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet’ and is supported by a grant from the Nordea Foundation). Also, we explored the potential mediating effects of physical activity and energy intake. Girls had higher body fat percentage (BF%), diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, plasma TAG, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and glycosylated Hb than boys. Sexes did not differ in fish or macronutrient intake or whole-blood fatty acids. After adjustment for sex, age and total whole-blood fatty acid concentration, BF% and HDL:TAG increased with whole-blood EPA (β>0·25,P< 0·05), and HDL increased 0·35 (sem0·13) mmol/l per FA% EPA increase (β = 0·30,P= 0·008). Unexpectedly, DHA was positively associated with mean arterial pressure in boys (6·3 (sem1·7) mmHg/FA% DHA increase, β = 0·62,P= 0·001) and reduced physical activity in both sexes ( − 44 (sem19) counts/min per FA%, β = − 0·22,P= 0·024). The associations with blood pressure and HDL remained after adjustment for physical activity, BF% and energy intake. The present study confirmed the beneficial association betweenn-3 LC-PUFA status and lipid profile seen in adults, but showed unexpected relationships with physical activity, BF% and blood pressure. This is the third time we have observed such tendencies in Danish children.
The role of menaquinones (vitamin K2) in human health
Authors: Beulens Joline W. J. , Booth Sarah L. , van den Heuvel Ellen G. H. M. , Stoecklin Elisabeth , Baka Athanasia , Vermeer Cees 
Published: April 2013

Recent reports have attributed the potential health benefits of vitamin K beyond its function to activate hepatic coagulation factors. Moreover, several studies have suggested that menaquinones, also known as vitamin K2, may be more effective in activating extra-hepatic vitamin K-dependent proteins than phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1. Nevertheless, present dietary reference values (DRV) for vitamin K are exclusively based on phylloquinone, and its function in coagulation. The present review describes the current knowledge on menaquinones based on the following criteria for setting DRV: optimal dietary intake; nutrient amount required to prevent deficiency, maintain optimal body stores and/or prevent chronic disease; factors influencing requirements such as absorption, metabolism, age and sex. Dietary intake of menaquinones accounts for up to 25 % of total vitamin K intake and contributes to the biological functions of vitamin K. However, menaquinones are different from phylloquinone with respect to their chemical structure and pharmacokinetics, which affects bioavailability, metabolism and perhaps impact on health outcomes. There are significant gaps in the current knowledge on menaquinones based on the criteria for setting DRV. Therefore, we conclude that further investigations are needed to establish how differences among the vitamin K forms may influence tissue specificities and their role in human health. However, there is merit for considering both menaquinones and phylloquinone when developing future recommendations for vitamin K intake.
Local ecological knowledge as a tool for assessing the status of threatened vertebrates: a case study in Vietnam
Authors: Cano Luis Santiago , Tellería José Luis 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study draws on the local ecological knowledge of 58 hunters from seven communes in the Ngoc Son Ngo Luong Nature Reserve (Hoa Binh province, North Vietnam) to examine the local status of 40 threatened vertebrates. The reserve forms part of a biodiversity-rich mountainous corridor. Respondents were shown photographs of the species and asked to rate their abundance on a scale of 0–3 (0, extinct; 3, very abundant) in two periods: pre-1975 (before Doi Moi) and in 2009. The results show that 39 species have lived in the area and five are now extinct (Delacour's langur Trachypithecus delacouri, northern white-cheeked crested gibbon Nomascus leucogenys, dhole Cuon alpinus, oriental small-clawed otter Aonyx cinereus, Indochinese tiger Panthera tigris corbetti) and the presence of another six is doubtful (Phayre's leaf-monkey Trachypithecus phayrei ssp. crepuscula, sun bear Helarctos malayanus, binturong Arctictis binturong, fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus, leopard Panthera pardus, wreathed hornbill Anorrhinus undulatus). The results show a general decline in numbers and abundance, with mammals declining fastest, especially carnivores and primates. The differences in abundance between species have narrowed since 1975, converging towards trends of general impoverishment at similar low abundances. The survey results were similar among communes and also concord with the findings of research in nearby areas. This study demonstrates the usefulness of local ecological knowledge for planning, decision-making and management of protected areas in the absence of historical records or financial resources for conducting intensive fieldwork in remote and little-known areas.
Large carnivore attacks on humans in central India: a case study from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
Authors: Dhanwatey Harshawardhan S. , Crawford Joanne C. , Abade Leandro A. S. , Dhanwatey Poonam H. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Sillero-Zubiri Claudio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe examined human and ecological attributes of attacks by tigers Panthera tigris and leopards Panthera pardus on humans in and around the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in the Chandrapur District of central India to provide recommendations to prevent or mitigate conflicts between people and large carnivores. During 2005–2011 132 carnivore attacks on humans occurred, 71 (54%) of which were lethal to humans. Tigers and leopards were responsible for 78% and 22% of attacks, respectively. Significantly more victims were attacked while collecting minor forest products than during other activities. Probability of attack significantly decreased with increasing distance from forests and villages, and attacks occurred most frequently in the forested north-eastern corridor of the study area. Human activities near the Reserve need to be regulated and limited as much as possible to reduce human mortality and other conflicts. Increasing access to alternative fuel sources (e.g. biogas, solar) may reduce the pressure of timber harvesting on protected areas. Residents should be trained in identifying carnivore sign and in ways to reduce their vulnerability when working outdoors.
Forest cover outside protected areas plays an important role in the conservation of the Vulnerable guiña Leopardus guigna
Authors: Gálvez Nicolás , Hernández Felipe , Laker Jerry , Gilabert Horacio , Petitpas Robert , Bonacic Cristián , Gimona Alessandro , Hester Alison , Macdonald David W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation are affecting populations of forest dwelling mammalian carnivores worldwide. In southern Chile, a biodiversity hotspot, anthropogenic activities have resulted in high loss of native forest cover. The guiña, or kodkod cat, Leopardus guigna is a small forest-dwelling felid with a narrow range in the temperate forest of southern Chile. The few existing studies of the species have suggested that it is almost exclusively restricted to large tracts of native forest. This paper reports a study in the temperate forest within a fragmented Andean piedmont landscape which demonstrates that smaller forest fragments in the farmland matrix are playing a key role in the persistence of the guiña. We estimated occupancy in both continuous native forest and remnant forest fragments and, with single-species/single-season models, evaluated the extent to which forest cover, habitat type and proximity to protected areas have a modulating effect on occupancy. A continuous survey during 2008–2009, in three seasons of 90–100 days each, accumulated 6,200 camera trap days and returned 47 photographs of guiña. Total detection in fragments was higher than in continuous forests, with detection confirmed in almost 70% of studied fragments. We found that probability of a site being occupied significantly increased with forest cover (adult/secondary forest, scrubland) and probability was low (< 0.2) in sites with < 50% of surrounding forest cover. Our study highlights the importance of remnant forest fragments in the mosaic of extensive agriculture for the spatial dynamics of a guiña population and hence for the future conservation of the species.
Using community knowledge in data-deficient regions: conserving the Vulnerable dugong Dugong dugon in the Sulu Sea, Malaysia
Authors: Rajamani Leela 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCommunity knowledge of the status, threats and conservation issues affecting the dugong Dugong dugon was investigated in the Sulu Sea, Malaysia. Interviews with local fishermen were conducted in 12 villages from the tip of Tanjung Inaruntung to Jambongan Island, in northern Sabah, Malaysia. According to the respondents dugong numbers are low and sightings are rare. Dugongs have been sighted around Jambongan, Tigabu, Mandidarah and Malawali Islands. The apparent decline of the dugong in this area is possibly because of incidental entanglement in nets, and opportunistic hunting. Seagrasses are present and have economic importance to the community. The fishermen have difficulty in understanding issues of conservation in relation to dugongs. I recommend that conservation initiatives begin with dialogue and an education programme, followed by incentives for development of alternative livelihoods. Using community knowledge for conservation purposes may be the only option in data-deficient regions, especially where financial constraints are high and the need for management intervention for threatened species is urgent.
Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan: a hot spot for wild felids
Authors: Tempa Tshering , Hebblewhite Mark , Mills L. Scott , Wangchuk Tshewang R. , Norbu Nawang , Wangchuk Tenzin , Nidup Tshering , Dendup Pema , Wangchuk Dorji , Wangdi Yeshi , Dorji Tshering 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe non-uniformity of the distribution of biodiversity makes allocation of the limited resources available for conservation of biodiversity a difficult task. Approaches such as biodiversity hotspot identification, endemic bird areas, crisis ecoregions, global 200 ecoregions, and the Last of the Wild are used by scientists and international conservation agencies to prioritize conservation efforts. As part of the biodiverse Eastern Himalayan region, Bhutan has been identified as a conservation priority area by all these different approaches, yet data validating these assessments are limited. To examine whether Bhutan is a biodiversity hot spot for a key taxonomic group, we conducted camera trapping in the lower foothills of Bhutan, in Royal Manas National Park, from November 2010 to February 2011. We recorded six species of wild felids of which five are listed on the IUCN Red List: tiger Panthera tigris, golden cat Pardofelis temminckii, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa and common leopard Panthera pardus. Our study area of 74 km2 has c. 16% of felid species, confirming Bhutan as a biodiversity hot spot for this group.