bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does moonlight increase predation risk? Meta‐analysis reveals divergent responses of nocturnal mammals to lunar cycles
Authors: Prugh Laura R. , Golden Christopher D. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

The risk of predation strongly affects mammalian population dynamics and community interactions. Bright moonlight is widely believed to increase predation risk for nocturnal mammals by increasing the ability of predators to detect prey, but the potential for moonlight to increase detection of predators and the foraging efficiency of prey has largely been ignored. Studies have reported highly variable responses to moonlight among species, calling into question the assumption that moonlight increases risk.

Here, we conducted a quantitative meta‐analysis examining the effects of moonlight on the activity of 59 nocturnal mammal species to test the assumption that moonlight increases predation risk. We examined patterns of lunarphilia and lunarphobia across species in relation to factors such as trophic level, habitat cover preference and visual acuity.

Across all species included in the meta‐analysis, moonlight suppressed activity. The magnitude of suppression was similar to the presence of a predator in experimental studies of foraging rodents (13·6% and 18·7% suppression, respectively). Contrary to the expectation that moonlight increases predation risk for all prey species, however, moonlight effects were not clearly related to trophic level and were better explained by phylogenetic relatedness, visual acuity and habitat cover.

Moonlight increased the activity of prey species that use vision as their primary sensory system and suppressed the activity of species that primarily use other senses (e.g. olfaction, echolocation), and suppression was strongest in open habitat types. Strong taxonomic patterns underlay these relationships: moonlight tended to increase primate activity, whereas it tended to suppress the activity of rodents, lagomorphs, bats and carnivores.

These results indicate that visual acuity and habitat cover jointly moderate the effect of moonlight on predation risk, whereas trophic position has little effect. While the net effect of moonlight appears to increase predation risk for most nocturnal mammals, our results highlight the importance of sensory systems and phylogenetic history in determining the level of risk.
Has Medicare Part D Reduced Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Prescription Drug Use and Spending?
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Jensen Gail A. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether Medicare Part D has reduced racial/ethnic disparities in prescription drug utilization and spending.DataNationally representative data on white, African American, and Hispanic Medicare seniors from the 2002–2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey are analyzed. Five measures are examined: filling any prescriptions during the year, the number of prescriptions filled, total annual prescription spending, annual out‐of‐pocket prescription spending, and average copay level.Study DesignWe apply the Institute of Medicine's definition of a racial/ethnic disparity and adopt a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences (DDD) estimator using a multivariate regression framework. The treatment group consists of Medicare seniors, the comparison group, adults without Medicare aged 55–63 years.Principal FindingsDifference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences estimates suggest that for African Americans Part D increased the disparity in annual spending on prescription drugs by $258 (p = .011), yet had no effect on other measures of prescription drug disparities. For Hispanics, DDD estimates suggest that the program reduced the disparities in annual number of prescriptions filled, annual total and out‐of‐pocket spending on prescription drugs by 2.9 (p = .077), $282 (p = .019) and $143 (p < .001), respectively.ConclusionMedicare Part D had mixed effects. Although it reduced Hispanic/white disparities related to prescription drugs among seniors, it increased the African American/white disparity in total annual spending on prescription drugs.
The importance of food issues in society: Results from a national survey in Australia
Authors: Meyer Samantha B. , Mamerow Loreen , Henderson Julie , Taylor Anne W. , Coveney John , Ward Paul R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimIt has been demonstrated previously that consumer attitudes about food issues influence and shape consumer behaviour. The aim of this paper was to identify demographic and socioeconomic variables associated with a range of consumer opinions regarding the importance of four pre‐selected food issues.MethodsA national survey conducted in Australia (random sample n = 1109; response rate 41.2%) was undertaken in 2009 to investigate consumer opinions regarding food issues that may influence food choice and behaviour. Respondents were specifically asked whether the following were important food issues in society; additives, genetically modified (GM) foods, unhealthy eating and food allergies.ResultsMost respondents considered unhealthy eating (96.1%) and food allergies (92.1%) to be important issues in society. Fewer participants, but still the majority, regarded additives (78.5%) and GM foods (67.7%) as important. The study identified that specific food issues were of particular concern to women, older respondents, respondents with an income between $A30 000 and $A60 000, and respondents living in a household of five or more people. Concerns about GM foods and additives were associated with the greatest number of demographic and socioeconomic variables studied.ConclusionsThis paper has confirmed that the food issues studied were important to the participants surveyed. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were predictive of consumer opinion on the importance of individual food issues and may be useful to inform strategies and campaigns to address consumer concerns and public worries about food.
Dissimilarity measurements and the size structure of ecological communities
Authors: De Cáceres Miquel , Legendre Pierre , He Fangliang 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Measurements of community resemblance in ecology are often based on species composition, and the starting point for calculations is usually a site‐by‐species data table. However, resemblance measurements may not be sufficiently accurate when communities are described using species composition only. Characteristics such as the size of their constituting organisms are also important to understand community organization.
Here, we provide a framework that generalizes conventional resemblance measurements by incorporating the size structure of the compared communities. We first introduce the concept of cumulative abundance profile, which generalizes traditional species abundance values, and describe how to calculate it. We then explain our approach to compare cumulative abundance profiles in community resemblance measurements and use a small simulation study to determine which resemblance coefficients appropriately deal with compositional and structural differences. After that, we present an illustrative example where we study the structural and compositional variation between and within six Douglas‐fir forest plots in British Columbia, Canada.
According to our investigations, the generalizations we suggest for the percentage difference (alias Bray–Curtis dissimilarity) and the Ružička coefficients are appropriate to measure community resemblance in terms of size structure, species composition or both.
Our framework allows community resemblance to be measured in terms of either size structure or species composition, or both. A broad range of applications is expected. In the case of terrestrial plant communities, potential applications include analyses of community dynamics and classification of vegetation.
Does regular exercise in pregnancy influence duration of labor? A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Salvesen Kjell Å. , Stafne Signe N. , Eggebø Torbjørn M. , Mørkved Siv 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo study effects of regular physical exercise in pregnancy on duration of the active phase of labor and the proportions of women with prolonged active second stage.DesignA two‐armed, two‐center randomized controlled trial.SettingSt. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital and Stavanger University Hospital.PopulationA total of 855 women were randomized to intervention or control groups.MethodsThe intervention was a 12‐week exercise program, including aerobic and strengthening exercises, conducted between the 20th and 36th week of gestation. One weekly group session was led by physiotherapists and home exercises were encouraged twice a week. Controls received standard antenatal care.Main outcome measuresThe duration of active phase of labor and number of prolonged second stage deliveries (active pushing > 60 min). We also studied labor outcomes. Supplementary analyses were done in a subgroup of nulliparous women with a singleton cephalic fetus and spontaneous start of term delivery.ResultsDuration of labor was similar in the two groups, and there were no differences in labor outcomes. In a subgroup analysis the duration of active second stage labor was shorter in the control group (p = 0.01).ConclusionsRegular physical exercise during pregnancy did not influence duration of the active phase of labor or the proportion of women with prolonged active second stage.
The homoeobox gene SIX1 alters myosin heavy chain isoform expression in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Hetzler K. L. , Collins B. C. , Shanely R. A. , Sue H. , Kostek M. C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimSix1 is necessary for the genesis of several tissues, but in adults, it is expressed primarily in skeletal muscle where its function is unclear. Overexpression of Six1 with a cofactor in skeletal muscle causes slow‐to‐fast fibre‐type transition. We sought to characterize the effects of a physiologically relevant Six1 knockdown.MethodsThe tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of C57BL/6 mice were electroporated with Six1 knockdown vector (siRNA) or empty vector. Muscles were collected at 2 or 14 days after transfection for Six1 and myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression analysis. C2C12 mouse myoblasts were grown in standard conditions. Cells were cotransfected with MHC promoter vectors and Six1 expression vectors. Cells were harvested after 4 days of differentiation.ResultsIn vivo, the Six1 siRNA caused a decreased expression of Six1,1.8‐fold (±0.1, P < 0.05). With decreased Six1, MHC IIB expression decreased 2.7‐fold (±0.7, P = 0.04). Proportion of muscle fibres expressing MHC IIB decreased (45.3 ± 4.8% vs. 65.1 ± 7.3% in control group, P = 0.04), and total area expressing MHC IIB decreased with decreased Six1 (59.6 ± 4.3% vs. 75.2 ± 5.4% in control group, P < 0.05). Decreased Six1 increased MHC IIA expression 1.9‐fold (±0.3, P = 0.04). In vitro, Six1 overexpression increased promoter activation of MHC IIB 2.9‐fold (±0.3, P < 0.01). Six1 knockdown repressed MHC IIB promoter 2.9‐fold (±0.1, P < 0.05) and MHC IIX 3.7‐fold (±0.08, P < 0.01).ConclusionSix1 knockdown caused a fast‐to‐slow shift in MHC isoform, and this was confirmed by promoter activity of MHC genes. Six1 may ultimately control the contractile and metabolic properties that define muscle fibre phenotype.
DEFENCE AND NON‐DEFENCE SPENDING IN THE USA: STIMULI TO ECONOMIC GROWTH? COMPARATIVE FINDINGS FROM A SEMIPARAMETRIC APPROACH
Authors: Kollias Christos , Paleologou Suzanna‐Maria 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTGiven its significant policy implications, the nexus between public expenditures and economic growth has been the subject of an extensive and often emotive theoretical and empirical debate. In this paper, a semiparametric model is used to explore the link between GDP and defence and non‐defence government spending in the USA over the period 1929–2009. Evidence reported herein indicates that the latter represents a greater stimulus vis‐à‐vis the former.
Consequences of Seed Dispersal for Plant Recruitment in Tropical Forests: Interactions Within the Seedscape
Authors: Beckman Noelle G. , Rogers Haldre S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSeed dispersal sets the stage for the suite of biotic and abiotic interactions that determine the fate of individual seeds. In this review, we first focus on how dispersal influences the ‘seedscape’, or the combination of abiotic and biotic factors that affect the probability of recruitment once a seed has reached its final location. We review recent papers that examine the effect of different dispersal vectors on (1) the quality of the habitat in which a seed lands; (2) the distance seeds are dispersed from the parent tree; and (3) the density and composition of plants within the neighborhood of a seed following deposition. Next, we explore methods used to scale these processes up to the level of populations. We highlight demographic models that integrate across multiple life history stages and predict the impact of dispersal in variable environments on population growth. We also review studies that analyze existing spatial patterns of trees within large forest plots and use various strategies to infer the processes that led to those patterns. We continue to scale up from populations to communities, and discuss approaches that have been taken to understand how dispersal may affect diversity and abundance in the community. We then turn to human disturbances and discuss the implications of frugivore defaunation for plant communities. We finish by highlighting several areas of research that are particularly promising for future directions of study.
Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Activity of Novel Thiadiazolylhydrazones of 1‐Substituted Indole‐3‐carboxaldehydes
Authors: Haj Mohammad Ebrahim Tehrani Kamaleddin , Mashayekhi Vida , Azerang Parisa , Sardari Soroush , Kobarfard Farzad , Rostamizadeh Kobra 
Published: October 2013

A series of novel thiocarbohydrazones of substituted indoles and their corresponding thiadiazole derivatives were prepared, and their structures were confirmed by different analytical and spectroscopic methods. The derivatives were prepared by a sequential synthetic strategy including substitution at N‐1 position of indole ring by various aliphatic and benzylic substituents, followed by condensation with thiocarbohydrazide, and finally cyclization by triethyl orthoformate. The derivatives were tested for their antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and the results revealed that among the synthesized compounds, thiadiazole derivatives 4e, 4f, 4n, 4p, 4q, and 4t exhibited the highest activity with IC50 value of 3.91 μg/mL. The results indicate that the thiadiazole moiety plays a vital role in exerting antimycobacterial activity.
Potentially preventable admissions to New Zealand public hospitals for dental care: a 20‐year review
Authors: Whyman Robin A. , Mahoney Erin K. , Morrison David , Stanley James 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of admissions to New Zealand public hospitals for dental care and associated time trends for people of all ages during the 20‐year period 1990–2009.MethodsThe New Zealand Ministry of Health National Minimum Data Set (NMDS), a collection that covers all publicly funded hospital discharges, was the primary data source for this study. Data over a 20‐year period from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2009 were included, and a subset of ICD 10 codes (K02–K09 and K12 and K13) were selected to identify potentially preventable or ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) leading to admission to hospital. Volumes, proportions and rates of admission are presented to describe the patterns of admission to hospital.ResultsThere were 120 046 admissions to public hospitals in New Zealand between 1990 and 2009 for which the provision of dental care was the primary reason for admission. The rate of admission to hospital for dental care increased from 0.92 per 1000 population in the period 1990–1994 to 2.15 per 1000 population in 2005–2009. Dental admission rates were greatest in the 3‐ to 4‐year‐old age group, for Maori and Pacific people and for people in the most deprived quintile of the NZDep 2006 index. Almost one‐third of people aged 18–34 years who were admitted to hospital primarily for dental care were acute admissions.ConclusionBoth the volume and the rate of admission to New Zealand public hospitals for dental care have increased over the period of this study. A continued focus on strategies to reduce the impact of dental disease, particularly in the early childhood population and on ensuring accessible primary dental care for the adult population, is required.
Evaluation of a new experimental model to study bone healing after ridge expansion with simultaneous implant placement – a pilot study in minipigs
Authors: Stricker Andres , Fleiner Jonathan , Dard Michel , Voss Pit , Sauerbier Sebastian , Bosshardt Dieter D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the suitability of a minipig model for the study of bone healing and osseointegration of dental implants following bone splitting and expansion of narrow ridges.Material and MethodsIn four minipigs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted together with removal of the buccal bone plate. Three months later, ridge splitting and expansion was performed with simultaneous placement of three titanium implants per quadrant. On one side of the mandible, the expanded bone gap between the implants was filled with an alloplastic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) material, while the gap on the other side was left unfilled. A barrier membrane was placed in half of the quadrants. After a healing period of 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed for histological evaluation.ResultsIn all groups, no bone fractures occurred, no implants were lost, all 24 implants were osseointegrated, and the gap created by bone splitting was filled with new bone, irrespective of whether BCP or a barrier membrane was used. Slight exposure of five implants was observed, but did not lead to implant loss. The level of the most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact varied without being dependent on the use of BCP or a barrier membrane. In all groups, the BCP particles were not present deep in the bone‐filled gap. However, BCP particles were seen at the crestal bone margin, where they were partly integrated in the new bone.ConclusionsThis new minipig model holds great promise for studying experimental ridge splitting/expansion. However, efforts must be undertaken to reduce implant exposure and buccal bone resorption.
Systemic allergic dermatitis caused by Apiaceae root vegetables
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Petersen Thomas H. , Fretté Xavier C. , Andersen Klaus E. , Christensen Lars P. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundImmediate hypersensitivity reactions to root vegetables of the Umbelliferae plant family (Apiaceae) is well known. Delayed‐type hypersensitivity is rarely reported.ObjectiveTo report the first case of systemic contact dermatitis caused by root vegetables and some chemical implications.Materials and methodsPrick and patch testing were performed with fresh vegetables and selected allergens, and this was followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis of the falcarinol syringe.ResultsThe patient was contact‐sensitive to celeriac, parsnip, and carrot, but tested negative to falcarinol. Subsequent analysis showed that the syringe contained falcarinol.ConclusionThe non‐occupational sensitization resulting from both direct and systemic contact with Apiaceae root vegetables was apparently not caused by falcarinol.
Patch testing with serial dilutions and thin‐layer chromatograms of oak moss absolutes containing high and low levels of atranol and chloroatranol
Authors: Mowitz Martin , Zimerson Erik , Svedman Cecilia , Bruze Magnus 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundOak moss absolute (Evernia prunastri extract) contains a large number of substances, among them the potent allergens atranol and chloroatranol. Since 2008, their content in oak moss absolute has been restricted by the International Fragrance Association to a maximum level of 100 ppm each.ObjectivesTo compare the elicitation capacities of a traditional (sample A) and a treated (sample B) oak moss absolute containing, in total, 27 000 and 66 ppm of atranol and chloroatranol, respectively, and to investigate reactions to components of oak moss absolute separated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC).MethodsFifteen oak moss‐allergic subjects were patch tested with serial dilutions and TLC strips of samples A and B.ResultsFifteen subjects reacted to sample A at concentrations ≤ 2.0%, and 2 subjects reacted to sample B at 2.0% but not to lower concentrations. Among 13 subjects reacting to the TLC strip of sample A, 11 reacted to spots with retardation factor values corresponding to those of atranol and/or chloroatranol, and 11 reacted to other areas on the TLC strip. Only one subject reacted to the TLC strip of sample B.ConclusionsThe patch test reactivity of sample B was significantly lower than that of sample A. The TLC patch tests indicate the presence of sensitizers other than atranol and chloroatranol in oak moss absolute.
Cost and quality of life in patients with severe chronic hand eczema refractory to standard therapy with topical potent corticosteroids
Authors: Cortesi Paolo A. , Scalone Luciana , Belisari Andrea , Bonamonte Domenico , Cannavò Serafinella Patrizia , Cristaudo Antonio , De Pità Ornella , Gallo Rosella , Giannetti Alberto , Gola Massimo , Pigatto Paolo D. , Mantovani Lorenzo G. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundLittle is known about the socio‐economic burden of severe chronic hand eczema in patients refractory to treatment with potent corticosteroids.ObjectivesTo estimate the socio‐economic burden of severe chronic hand eczema refractory to potent topical corticosteroids, and to establish an algorithm for the estimation of the health‐related quality of life EuroQol five‐dimensional (EQ‐5D) utility index from theDermatologyLifeQualityIndex (DLQI) summary score.MethodsA multicentre cost of illness study was conducted, adopting the societal perspective. Adult patients with severe and refractory chronic hand eczema were enrolled. Direct (e.g. drug treatment and travel) and indirect (i.e. loss of productivity) mean costs/patient‐month were estimated. Health‐related quality of life was assessed with theEQ‐5DandDLQIquestionnaires. An ordinary least square regression model was used to investigate relationships between health‐related quality of life scores.ResultsOne hundred and four valid patients (mean age 44.5 years, 39.4% male) participated. Overall mean costs were €418.3/patient‐month: loss of productivity contributed 43.7%, followed by hospitalization (16.1%) and travel (10.3%). Health‐related quality of life scores were, on average, 0.50 (EQ‐5Dutility) and 11.3 (DLQI). Utility andDLQIsummary were significantly related to each other.ConclusionsWellbeing and loss of productivity are the most important consequences in these patients. Appropriate treatment is necessary to improve patient health and productivity, which will contribute to reducing societal costs.