bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental and historical controls of floristic composition across the South American Dry Diagonal
Authors: Neves Danilo M. , Dexter Kyle G. , Pennington R. Toby , Bueno Marcelo L. , Oliveira Filho Ary T. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to test the role of environmental factors and spatially autocorrelated processes, such as historical fragmentation and dispersal limitation, in driving floristic variation across seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) in eastern South America.LocationSDTFs extending from the Caatinga phytogeographical domain of north‐eastern Brazil to the Chaco phytogeographical domain of northern Argentina, an area referred to as the Dry Diagonal.MethodsWe compiled a database of 282 inventories of woody vegetation in SDTFs from across the Dry Diagonal and combined this with data for 14 environmental variables. We assessed the relative contribution of spatially autocorrelated processes and environmental factors to the floristic turnover among SDTFs across the Dry Diagonal using variation partitioning methods. In addition, we used multivariate analyses to determine which environmental factors were most important in explaining the turnover.ResultsWe found that the environmental factors measured (temperature, precipitation and edaphic conditions) explained 21.3% of the variation in species composition, with 14.1% of this occurring independently of spatial autocorrelation. A spatially structured fraction of 4.2% could not be accounted for by the environmental factors measured. The main axis of compositional variation was significantly correlated with a north–south gradient in temperature regime. At the extreme south of the Dry Diagonal, a cold temperature regime, in which frost occurred, appeared to underlie floristic similarities between chaco woodlands and southern SDTFs.Main conclusionsEnvironmental variables, particularly those related to temperature regime, seem to be the most significant factors affecting variation in species composition of SDTFs. Thus historical fragmentation and isolation alone cannot explain the turnover in species composition within SDTFs, as is often assumed. Compositional and environmental heterogeneity needs to be taken into account both to understand the past distribution of SDTFs and to manage and conserve this key tropical biome.
Contrasting population‐level responses to Pleistocene climatic oscillations in an alpine bat revealed by complete mitochondrial genomes and evolutionary history inference
Authors: Alberdi Antton , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Razgour Orly , Aizpurua Ostaizka , Aihartza Joxerra , Garin Inazio 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimWe used an integrative approach to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the alpine long‐eared bat, Plecotus macrobullaris, to test whether the variable effects of Pleistocene climatic oscillations across geographical regions led to contrasting population‐level demographic histories within a single species.LocationThe Western Palaearctic.MethodsWe sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of 57 individuals from across the distribution of the species. The analysis integrated ecological niche modelling (ENM), approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), measures of genetic diversity and Bayesian phylogenetic methods.ResultsWe identified two deep lineages: a western lineage, restricted to the Pyrenees and the Alps, and an eastern lineage, which expanded across the mountain ranges east of the Dinarides (Croatia). ENM projections of past conditions predicted that climatic suitability was reduced during cold stages in the areas inhabited by the western lineage, while the opposite trend was observed in the mountains inhabited by the eastern lineage. The palaeodemographic scenario that best fitted our data is consistent with the western lineage population size having shrunk repeatedly because of the extensive glaciation events that occurred in the Alps and Pyrenees during the Pleistocene. In contrast, the eastern lineage maintained a constant population size as is consistent with more limited glaciation in the mountains of south‐eastern Europe and the Middle East.Main conclusionsThis study shows that the demographic response of populations to Pleistocene climatic oscillations depended on their geographical location, offering an example of population‐level variations in the effects and long‐term consequences of climate change.
Contrasting species and functional beta diversity in montane ant assemblages
Authors: Bishop Tom R. , Robertson Mark P. , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Parr Catherine L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimBeta diversity describes the variation in species composition between sites and can be used to infer why different species occupy different parts of the globe. It can be viewed in a number of ways. First, it can be partitioned into two distinct patterns: turnover and nestedness. Second, it can be investigated from either a species identity or a functional‐trait point of view. We aim to document for the first time how these two aspects of beta diversity vary in response to a large environmental gradient.LocationMaloti‐Drakensberg Mountains, southern Africa.MethodsWe sampled ant assemblages along an extensive elevational gradient (900–3000 m a.s.l.) twice yearly for 7 years, and collected functional‐trait information related to the species’ dietary and habitat‐structure preferences. We used recently developed methods to partition species and functional beta diversity into their turnover and nestedness components. A series of null models were used to test whether the observed beta diversity patterns differed from random expectations.ResultsSpecies beta diversity was driven by turnover, but functional beta diversity was composed of both turnover and nestedness patterns at different parts of the gradient. Null models revealed that deterministic processes were likely to be responsible for the species patterns but that the functional changes were indistinguishable from stochasticity.Main conclusionsDifferent ant species are found with increasing elevation, but they tend to represent an increasingly nested subset of the available functional strategies. This finding is unique and narrows down the list of possible factors that control ant existence across elevation. We conclude that diet and habitat preferences have little role in structuring ant assemblages in montane environments and that some other factor must be driving the non‐random patterns of species turnover. This finding also highlights the importance of distinguishing between different kinds of beta diversity.
Diagnosis of more gestational diabetes lead to better pregnancy outcomes: Comparing the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria, and the Carpenter and Coustan criteria
Authors: Wu En‐Tzu , Nien Feng‐Jung , Kuo Chun‐Heng , Chen Szu‐Chi , Chen Kuan‐Yu , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Li Hung‐Yuan , Lee Chien‐Nan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria for gestational diabetes are associated with increased prevalence. However, it remains unknown if intervention for more women with gestational diabetes mellitus by the IADPSG criteria results in better pregnancy outcomes than adopting the Carpenter and Coustan (C&C) criteria in Asian populations.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 1,840 women, 952 subjects by the IADPSG criteria and 888 subjects by the C&C criteria, who delivered singletons in 2011 in a single tertiary center, were included in the study. The same therapeutic interventions were offered to women with gestational diabetes mellitus by the two criteria. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated.ResultsAdopting the IADPSG criteria increased the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis to 13.44%, compared with 2.59% by the C&C criteria. The diagnosis was made 3 weeks earlier by the IADPSG criteria (27 vs 30.5 weeks, P < 0.0001). Adopting the IADPSG criteria was associated with reduced risk of primary cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.998, P < 0.05) and having any one of the adverse fetal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.998, P < 0.05), including birthweight >90th percentile, jaundice, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia and fetal death.ConclusionsAdopting the IADPSG criteria is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, at the expense of increased prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis.
Manganese homeostasis in the nervous system
Authors: Chen Pan , Chakraborty Sudipta , Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra , Lee Eunsook , Paoliello Monica M. B. , Bowman Aaron B. , Aschner Michael 
Published: May 2015

AbstractManganese (Mn) is an essential heavy metal that is naturally found in the environment. Daily intake through dietary sources provides the necessary amount required for several key physiological processes, including antioxidant defense, energy metabolism, immune function and others. However, overexposure from environmental sources can result in a condition known as manganism that features symptomatology similar to Parkinson's disease (PD). This disorder presents with debilitating motor and cognitive deficits that arise from a neurodegenerative process. In order to maintain a balance between its essentiality and neurotoxicity, several mechanisms exist to properly buffer cellular Mn levels. These include transporters involved in Mn uptake, and newly discovered Mn efflux mechanisms. This review will focus on current studies related to mechanisms underlying Mn import and export, primarily the Mn transporters, and their function and roles in Mn‐induced neurotoxicity.
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Though and essential metal, overexposure to manganese may result in neurodegenerative disease analogous to Parkinson's disease. Manganese homeostasis is tightly regulated by transporters, including transmembrane importers (divalent metal transporter 1, transferrin and its receptor, zinc transporters ZIP8 and Zip14, dopamine transporter, calcium channels, choline transporters and citrate transporters) and exporters (ferroportin and SLC30A10), as well as the intracellular trafficking proteins (SPCA1 and ATP12A2). A manganese‐specific sensor, GPP130, has been identified, which affords means for monitoring intracellular levels of this metal.
A Comparison of Human Narrative Coding of Redemption and Automated Linguistic Analysis for Understanding Life Stories
Authors: Weston Sara J. , Cox Keith S. , Condon David M. , Jackson Joshua J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe majority of life narrative research is performed using trained human coders. In contrast, automated linguistic analysis is oft employed in the study of verbal behaviors. These two methodological approaches are directly compared to determine the utility of automated linguistic analysis for the study of life narratives.In a study of in‐person interviews (N = 158) and a second study of life stories collected online (N = 242), redemption scores are compared to the output of the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (Pennebaker, Francis & Booth, 2001). Additionally, patterns of language are found using exploratory principal components analysis.In both studies, redemption scores are modestly correlated with some LIWC categories and unassociated with the components. Patterns of language do not replicate across samples, indicating that the structure of language does not extend to a broader population. Redemption scores and linguistic components are independent predictors of life satisfaction up to 3 years later.These studies converge on the finding that human‐coded redemption and automated linguistic analysis are complementary and nonredundant methods of analyzing life narratives, and considerations for the study of life narratives are discussed.
The Comparative Burden of Chronic Widespread Pain and Fibromyalgia in the United States
Authors: Schaefer Caroline , Mann Rachael , Masters Elizabeth T. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Daniel Shoshana R. , Zlateva Gergana , McElroy Heather J. , Chandran Arthi B. , Adams Edgar H. , Assaf Annlouise R. , McNett Michael , Mease Philip , Silverman Stuart , Staud Roland 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground/PurposeLittle information exists on the comparative patient and economic burden of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FM) in the United States.MethodsThis multistage, observational study included an online screening survey of a large geographically diverse US sample to assess CWP status, a physician/site visit to determine FM diagnosis, and an online subject questionnaire to capture clinical characteristics, pain, health status, functioning, sleep, healthcare resource use (HRU), productivity, and costs. Based on the screener and physician evaluation, mutually exclusive groups of subjects without CWP (CWP−), with CWP but without FM (CWP+), and with confirmed FM were identified.ResultsDisease burden was examined in 472 subjects (125 CWP‐, 176 CWP+, 171 FM). Age, race, and ethnicity were similar across groups. Mean body mass index and number of comorbidities increased from CWP− to CWP+ to FM (P = 0.0044, P < 0.0001, respectively). From CWP− to CWP+ to FM, there were reductions in health status (EQ‐5D, SF‐12) and sleep outcomes (MOS‐SS, SSQ) (all P < 0.05). Pain severity, interference with function (BPI‐SF), and overall work impairment (WPAI:SHP) increased from CWP− to CWP+ to FM (all P < 0.0001). Higher proportions of CWP+ (52.8%) and FM subjects (62.6%) were taking pain‐related prescription medications relative to CWP− subjects (32.8%; P < 0.0001). Significant differences in total direct and indirect costs across the three groups (both P < 0.0001) were observed, with highest costs among FM subjects.ConclusionFibromyalgia subjects were characterized by the greatest disease burden with more comorbidities and pain‐related medications, poorer health status, function, sleep, lower productivity, and higher costs.
Influence of Centrally Mediated Symptoms on Postoperative Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Observational Evaluation
Authors: Kim Shin Hyung , Yoon Kyung Bong , Yoon Duck Mi , Yoo Ji Hyun , Ahn Ki Ryang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundCentral sensitization plays an important role in the chronic pain experienced by osteoarthritis (OA) patients. In this prospective observational study, we investigated the influence of the level of preoperative centrally mediated symptoms measured by the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) on pain intensity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for OA.MethodsNinety‐eight female OA patients undergoing TKA were enrolled in this study. We assessed CSI scores, pain‐related data, and other clinical data preoperatively. All patients received spinal anesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia. Pain intensity (at rest and on movement) and rescue meperidine requirements were assessed during postoperative days 1 and 2. Also, pain intensity and patient satisfaction were assessed 1 month and 3 months after surgery. After the completion of all postoperative assessments, we separated the study population into a preoperative CSI score ≥40 and <40 group. We assessed pain‐related data between the 2 groups at each assessment time.ResultsNinety‐one patients completed the postoperative assessments (a preoperative CSI ≥40 group; n = 44, CSI <40 group; n = 47). Patients with preoperative CSI ≥40 complained of a greater pain intensity (P = 0.001) during postoperative days 1 and 2 and required a higher dose of meperidine rescue (P = 0.003) than those with a preoperative CSI <40. The high CSI score group also showed a less favorable outcome in terms of pain relief on follow‐up at 1 month (P = 0.006) and 3 months (P = 0.002) after surgery. In multivariate analysis, a preoperative CSI score ≥40 was the strongest determinant with 5.091 of the highest odds ratio (95% CI 1.324 to 19.523, P = 0.016) for predicting a persistent pain 3 months after surgery among demographic and pain‐related variables.ConclusionsOA patients with high levels of comorbid centrally mediated symptoms showed severe pain and increased analgesic requirements after TKA in the early postoperative period. Moreover, these patients seemed to be at higher risk of persistent pain, and a high CSI score was predictive of low patient satisfaction in terms of pain relief after surgery.
Hematological findings in children with brucellosis
Authors: Aypak Adalet , Aypak Cenk , Bayram Yasemin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis produces a variety of non‐specific hematological abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hematological findings in childhood brucellosis.MethodsMedical records of children with brucellosis admitted to a tertiary hospital in a 1 year period, were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsSixty‐nine patients (mean age, 14.5 ± 3.3 years) were diagnosed with brucellosis. The most common hematological finding was thrombocytopenia (n = 11, 15.9%). Thrombocytosis was detected in five patients (7.3%), leukopenia in four (5.8%), anemia in three (4.3%), and bicytopenia in three (4.3%). None of the patients had pancytopenia. Blood culture was positive forBrucellaspp. in 41 patients (59.4%). Among those patients with positive blood culture, six (14.6%) had serum agglutination test titer ≤1/80. Platelet (PLT) count was significantly lower in the bacteremia‐positive group. The OR (95%CI) of bacteremia for PLT cut‐off 200 000/mm3was 0.148 (95%CI: 0.031–0.718) and relative risk was 1.718 (95%CI: 1.244–2.372;P = 0.010).ConclusionsBrucellosis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of isolated thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients from endemic areas.
Conscientiousness and (un)healthy eating: The role of impulsive eating and age in the consumption of daily main meals
Authors: Olsen Svein Ottar , Tuu Ho Huy , Honkanen Pirjo , Verplanken Bas 
Published: May 2015

The present study aims to explore the relationship between conscientiousness and the consumption of healthy versus unhealthy main meals. Impulsive eating was tested as a mediator in this relationship, as well as direct effects of age on those constructs. A nationwide representative sample of 1,006 Norwegian adults (18–70 years) within a prospective design was used to test a theoretical model. The structural equation model (SEM), in combination with bootstrapping procedures in AMOS, was the principal analytical method. Conscientiousness was negatively associated with unhealthy and impulsive eating. Impulsive eating was a partial mediator between conscientiousness and unhealthy eating and a full mediator between conscientiousness and healthy eating. Age was positively correlated with conscientiousness and this relationship had an inverted U‐shape form. Finally, age was negatively associated with unhealthy and impulsive eating, and positively associated with healthy eating. This study confirmed the relevance of conscientiousness for healthy, unhealthy, and impulsive eating.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the Interactive Test of Interpersonal Behavior (ITIB): a pilot study examining interpersonal deficits in chronic depression
Authors: Klein Jan Philipp , Kensche Maria , Becker‐Hingst Nadine , Stahl Jörg , Späth Christina , Mentler Tilo , Stoislow Mathias , Herczeg Michael , Hüppe Michael , Schweiger Ulrich 
Published: May 2015

Chronic depression is assumed to be caused and maintained by interpersonal deficits. We describe the development and psychometric evaluation of the Interactive Test of Interpersonal Behavior (ITIB) that we developed for self‐assessment of these deficits. Participants with chronic depression (CD, N = 15), episodic depression (ED, N = 15) and healthy controls (HC, N = 15) participated in this pilot study. They completed the ITIB and a number of pen and paper questionnaires including the Lübeck Questionnaire of Preoperational Thinking (LQPT) and the inventory of interpersonal problems (IIP). The ITIB was highly acceptable for use in these participants. Internal consistency for the ITIB was adequate for group comparisons (Cronbach's alpha = 0.649). Item‐total correlations indicated adequate discriminatory power of five of the six items. The ITIB correlated moderately with the LQPT (r = 0.524) and the IIP (r = –0.568). The ITIB score differed significantly between the diagnostic groups (ANOVA F(2,42) = 6.22, p = 0.004). It was the only measure that – albeit at a trend level – was associated with diagnostic group (CD vs. ED) on multinomial logistic regression analysis (B = 0.049 ± 0.029; OR 1.051; p = 0.088). We found preliminary evidence that the ITIB is an acceptable and psychometrically adequate measure of interpersonal behavior that distinguishes between patients with CD and patients with ED. If replicated with an improved version of the test, our results could support the hypothesis that having interpersonal problems is a core deficit in patients with CD.
Superposition of burial and hydrothermal events: post‐Variscan thermal evolution of the Erzgebirge, Germany
Authors: Wolff Reinhard , Dunkl István , Lange Jan‐Michael , Tonk Christian , Voigt Thomas , von Eynatten Hilmar 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe post‐Variscan thermal history of the Erzgebirge (Germany) is the result of periods of sedimentary burial, exhumation and superimposed hydrothermal activity. The timing and degree of thermal overprint have been analysed by zircon and apatite (U–Th)/He and apatite fission track thermochronology. The present‐day surface of the Erzgebirge was exhumed to a near‐surface position after the Variscan orogeny. Thermal modelling reveals Permo‐Mesozoic burial to temperatures of up to 80–100 °C, although the sedimentary cover thins out towards the north resulting in maximum burial temperatures of less than 40 °C. This thermal pattern was locally modified by Cretaceous hydrothermal activity that reset the zircon (U–Th)/He thermochronometer along ore veins. The thermal models show no significant regional exhumation during Cenozoic times, indicating that the peneplain‐like morphology of the basement is a Late Cretaceous feature.
Combretastatin A4‐phosphate and its potential in veterinary oncology: a review
Authors: Abma E. , Daminet S. , Smets P. , Ni Y. , de Rooster H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFor many years, research on anticancer therapy has focussed almost exclusively on targeting cancer cells directly, to selectively kill them or restrict their growth. But limited advances in this strategy have led researchers to shift their attention to other potential targets. Active research is now on‐going on targeting tumour stroma. Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) appear a promising class of anticancer drugs that are currently under investigation as a sole or combined therapy in human cancer patients. This article will briefly touch on the history and biology of combretastatin A4‐phosphate (CA4P) as a typical example of VDAs and will concentrate on the side effects that can be expected when used in veterinary patients. Particularly, the pathogenesis of these side effects and how they may be prevented and/or treated will be discussed. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the potentials of CA4P as anticancer therapy in veterinary oncology patients.