bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual (co)variation in thermal reaction norms of standard and maximal metabolic rates in wild‐caught slimy salamanders
Authors: Careau Vincent , Gifford Matthew E. , Biro Peter A. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximal metabolic rate (MMR) are fundamental measures in ecology and evolution because they set the scope within which animals can perform activities that directly affect fitness. In ectotherms, both SMR and MMR are repeatable over time when measured at a single ambient temperature (Ta).

Many ectotherms encounter variable Ta from day to day and over their lifetime, yet it is currently unknown whether individual differences hold across an ecologically relevant range of Ta (i.e. thermal repeatability; RT). Moreover, it is possible that thermal sensitivity of SMR and MMR are important individual attributes, and correlated with one another, but virtually nothing is known about this at present.

We measured SMR and MMR across an ecologically relevant Ta gradient (i.e. from 10 to 25 °C) in wild‐caught salamanders (Plethodon albagula) and found that RT was significant in both traits. SMR and MMR were also positively correlated, resulting in a lower RT in absolute and factorial aerobic scopes (AAS and FAS).

We found significant individual differences in thermal sensitivity for both SMR and MMR, but not for AAS and FAS. The intercept (at Ta = 0 °C) and the slope of the thermal reaction norms were negatively correlated; individuals with low MR at low Ta had a higher thermal sensitivity. Finally, individuals with a high thermal sensitivity for SMR also had high thermal sensitivity for MMR.

Our results suggest that natural selection occurring over variable Ta may efficiently target the overall level of – and thermal sensitivity in – SMR and MMR. However, this may not be the case for metabolic scopes, as the positive correlation between SMR and MMR, in addition to their combined changes in response to Ta, yielded little individual variation in AAS and FAS.

Our results support the idea that organisms with low metabolism at low Ta have a high metabolic thermal sensitivity as a compensatory mechanism to benefit in periods of warmer environmental conditions. Hence, our study reveals the importance of considering within‐individual variation in metabolism, as it may represent additional sources of adaptive (co)variation.
Variation in early‐life testosterone within a wild population of red deer
Authors: Pavitt Alyson T. , Walling Craig A. , McNeilly Alan S. , Pemberton Josephine M. , Kruuk Loeske E. B. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Individual differences in circulating hormone concentrations can affect life‐history traits throughout an animal's life. Despite this, relatively little is known about the potential drivers or consequences of individual variation in hormone levels, particularly in early life. In animals showing maternal care, early development is often dependent on maternal characteristics and condition. It is therefore possible that individual hormone profiles early in life are dependent on condition‐linked characteristics of the mother.

Using data from a long‐term study of a wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) population, we investigated the potential role of maternal effects on offspring early‐life testosterone concentrations and the relationship between these testosterone levels and juvenile survival.

Most of the variation among neonatal calves was accounted for by their age and sex. Both sexes showed a steep decline in testosterone levels within 24 h of birth, although concentrations were consistently higher in males, and females showed a steeper decline in testosterone after 24 h. Furthermore, male calves born in years after a brother had lower concentrations than those who were preceded by a sister or who were firstborns. We did not find any evidence of repeatable differences among mothers in the testosterone levels of their calves, but there was significant interannual variation across the 17‐year study period.

We also found early‐life testosterone to be associated with calf survival, but only among individuals already at higher mortality risk: male calves born to first‐time mothers were increasingly less likely to survive with higher neonatal testosterone concentrations.

These results support the suggestion that a neonate's circulating testosterone concentrations can be linked to both individual and maternal characteristics and that interindividual variation in these levels can have implications for juvenile fitness within a wild mammal population.
Chemical Profile and Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activity of Juices and Extracts of 4 Black Currants Varieties (Ribes nigrum L.)
Authors: Miladinović Bojana , Kostić Milica , Šavikin Katarina , Đorđević Boban , Mihajilov‐Krstev Tatjana , Živanović Slavoljub , Kitić Dušanka 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe aim of this article was to determine the chemical composition (anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents, total phenols, and tannins), and the antioxidative, and antimicrobial activities of the juices and methanol extracts of 4 varieties—Tenah, Triton, Ben Sarek, and Ometa. The juices were made during 2008, 2009, and 2010 from the berries grown on the same location. Statistically significant differences were found in all the tested parameters of each variety for every year. Ometa variety exhibited the best antioxidative activity. The highest ascorbic acid value had Tenah juice from 2010 (211 mg/100 g) and Ben Sarek methanol extract (656 mg/100 g). Delphinidin‐3‐ruthenoside was the dominant anthocyanin in Triton, Tenah, and Ben Sarek variety during all 3 y and Ometa in 2010 where Ometa in 2008 and 2009 had slightly higher content of cyanidin‐3‐ruthenoside. The minimum inhibitory and microbicidal concentrations ranged from MIC/MBC(MFC) = 62.5 to 500 mg/mL for juices and 0.4 to 500 mg/mL for extracts. There was no significant difference in the effect of the juices against Gram(+) and Gram(−) bacteria. All the extracts acted in lower concentrations than juices.Practical ApplicationData contained in this article provide an insight into the effects the weather condition has on the content of the bioactive compounds in genetically different types of black currants, during the 3‐y observation period. This article is relevant to the commercial application of black currants‐based dietary supplements.
Clinical profile of 266 Filipino patients with rheumatoid arthritis included in the rheumatoid arthritis database and registry (RADAR) of the Philippine General Hospital
Authors: Penserga Ester G. , Natividad Therese Aileen L. , Salido Evelyn S. ,   for the RADAR Study Group
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo describe Filipino patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) entered in the Rheumatoid arthritis database and registry (RADAR) of the Philippine General Hospital.MethodsCases entered to RADAR from 2010–2012 were included. All fulfilled the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for classification of RA. Included cases gave written infomed consent. Data extracted were demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, treatment and disease course. Means and proportions were used for population characteristics.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐six cases were included. Mean age was 44 years, with 9 : 1 female preponderance and mean diagnosis time of 5 years. There was symmetrical polyarthritis with high tender and swollen joint count and mean Disease Activity Score of 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 5.27 (3.39, 8.13). Rheumatoid factor was positive in 2/3 of cases. Hypertension, tuberculosis and diabetes were important co‐morbidities. Treatment included prednisone, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and methotrexate. At 12 months of treatment, evaluable cases (< 20%) showed improvement from high to moderate disease activity. Methotrexate average dose was 8.6 mg/week. Nine cases received biologic agents. Factors affecting treatment included access to rheumatology centers, low socioeconomic status, presence of co‐morbid diseases and treatment adverse events.ConclusionThis study reports a cohort of Filipino RA patients seen in a government arthritis unit whose disease characteristics are similar to what is reported worldwide. This cohort differs from most studies in having a high female to male ratio, a long delay in diagnosis, and high attrition rate. Mean methotrexate dose was low and there was less access to biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs.
The changing face of urinary continence surgery in England: a perspective from the Hospital Episode Statistics database
Authors: Withington John , Hirji Sadaf , Sahai Arun 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo quantify changes in surgical practice in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and post‐prostatectomy stress incontinence (PPI) in England, using the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database.Patients and MethodsWe used public domain information from the HES database, an administrative dataset recording all hospital admissions and procedures in England, to find evidence of change in the use of various surgical procedures for urinary incontinence from 2000 to 2012.ResultsFor the treatment of SUI, a general increase in the use of synthetic mid‐urethral tapes, such as tension‐free vaginal tape (TVTO) and transobturator tape (TOT), was observed, while there was a significant decrease in colposuspension procedures over the same period. The number of procedures to remove TVT and TOT has also increased in recent years. In the treatment of overactive bladder and UUI, there has been a significant increase in the use of botulinum toxin A and neuromodulation in recent years. This coincided with a steady decline in the recorded use of clam ileocystoplasty. A steady increase was observed in the insertion of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) devices in men, related to PPI.ConclusionsMid‐urethral synthetic tapes now represent the mainstream treatment of SUI in women, but tape‐related complications have led to an increase in procedures to remove these devices. The uptake of botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation has led to fewer clam ileocystoplasty procedures being performed. The steady increase in insertions of AUSs in men is unsurprising and reflects the widespread uptake of radical prostatectomy in recent years. There are limitations to results sourced from the HES database, with potential inaccuracy of coding; however, these data support the trends observed by experts in this field.
Naïveté in novel ecological interactions: lessons from theory and experimental evidence
Authors: Carthey Alexandra J. R. , Banks Peter B. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe invasion of alien species into areas beyond their native ranges is having profound effects on ecosystems around the world. In particular, novel alien predators are causing rapid extinctions or declines in many native prey species, and these impacts are generally attributed to ecological naïveté or the failure to recognise a novel enemy and respond appropriately due to a lack of experience. Despite a large body of research concerning the recognition of alien predation risk by native prey, the literature lacks an extensive review of naïveté theory that specifically asks how naïveté between novel pairings of alien predators and native prey disrupts our classical understanding of predator–prey ecological theory. Here we critically review both classic and current theory relating to predator–prey interactions between both predators and prey with shared evolutionary histories, and those that are ecologically ‘mismatched’ through the outcomes of biological invasions. The review is structured around the multiple levels of naïveté framework of Banks & Dickman (2007), and concepts and examples are discussed as they relate to each stage in the process from failure to recognise a novel predator (Level 1 naïveté), through to appropriate (Level 2) and effective (Level 3) antipredator responses. We discuss the relative contributions of recognition, cue types and the implied risk of cues used by novel alien and familiar native predators, to the probability that prey will recognise a novel predator. We then cover the antipredator response types available to prey and the factors that predict whether these responses will be appropriate or effective against novel alien and familiar native predators. In general, the level of naïveté of native prey can be predicted by the degree of novelty (in terms of appearance, behaviour or habitat use) of the alien predator compared to native predators with which prey are experienced. Appearance in this sense includes cue types, spatial distribution and implied risk of cues, whilst behaviour and habitat use include hunting modes and the habitat domain of the predator. Finally, we discuss whether the antipredator response can occur without recognition per se, for example in the case of morphological defences, and then consider a potential extension of the multiple levels of naïveté framework. The review concludes with recommendations for the design and execution of naïveté experiments incorporating the key concepts and issues covered here. This review aims to critique and combine classic ideas about predator–prey interactions with current naïveté theory, to further develop the multiple levels of naïveté framework, and to suggest the most fruitful avenues for future research.
Kaleidoscope model of diabetes care: time for a rethink?
Authors: Barnard K. D. , Lloyd C. E. , Dyson P. A. , Davies M. J. , O'Neil S. , Naresh K. , Lawton J. , Ziegler R. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractNational Audit Data highlight persistent sub‐optimum control among increasing numbers of people living with diabetes, with severe consequences for the individual and the NHS. The aim of the present review was to introduce a new cohesive, holistic model of care, tailored to individual needs to support optimum diabetes outcomes. This model of diabetes is necessary in order to understand the driving forces behind behaviour and their impact on diabetes management. Feelings (an emotional state or reaction) and beliefs (an acceptance that something is true or real) are fundamental behavioural drivers and influence diabetes self‐management choices. Individually, these explain some of the complexities of behaviour and, collectively, they impact on personal motivation (rationale/desire to act) to achieve a specific outcome. Inevitably, they independently affect diabetes self‐management and the environment in which individuals live. A model of care that proposes the encompassing of environment, intrinsic thought and therapy regimens to provide tailored, personalized healthcare should support enhanced diabetes self‐management and outcomes from diagnosis. The Kaleidoscope model of care could be deliverable in routine care, incorporating each of the influences on diabetes self‐management, and should benefit both individuals with diabetes and healthcare professionals.
In vitro fracture resistance of mandibular incisors restored with modified partial‐coverage ceramic restorations
Authors: Vilaplana‐Vivo Jaime , Vilaplana‐Vivo Carlos , Miguel‐Sánchez Alfonso , García‐Ballesta Carlos , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground/AimThe aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the impact fracture resistance of anterior teeth that had been fractured and restored with modified partial‐coverage ceramics using the edge‐up technique.Material and methodsA total of 178 extracted human mandibular central and lateral incisors were included in this study. The incisors were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 89) teeth were cleaved and restored with modified partial‐coverage ceramics using the edge‐up technique; Group 2 (n = 89) consisted of intact teeth that served as control. Impact strength was tested in a modified impact testing machine (pendulum type), and the severity of crown fracture after fracture resistance test was registered.ResultsImpact strength was insignificantly lower in restored teeth (median 5.39 and range 0.81–14.12 kJ m−2) than in intact teeth (median 5.45 and range 0.31–16.47 kJ m−2), although no statistically significant differences were observed. Regarding the severity of crown fracture, restored teeth showed a lower rate of severe fractures (20.22%) compared to intact teeth (25.84%), but no statistically significant differences were observed.ConclusionsRestoration of cleaved mandibular incisors with modified partial‐coverage ceramics using the edge‐up technique shows fracture resistance and severity of crown fracture following traumatism similar to intact teeth. In this way, this technique can be used successfully for the treatment of fractured anterior teeth.
Fracture resistance and failure mode of fatigued endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber‐reinforced resin posts and metallic posts in vitro
Authors: A. Alharbi Fahad , Nathanson Dan , Morgano Steven M. , Baba Nadim Z. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundFracture of restored endodontically treated teeth is a common complication. The mechanical properties of post systems may play a role in the incidence of tooth fracture.AimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the fracture resistance and pattern of fracture of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different post systems.Material and methodsPosts used were fiber‐reinforced composite resin posts (FRC post), custom cast silver‐palladium, and nickel‐chromium posts and cores. A 3‐point bending test was performed to calculate flexural strengths and elastic moduli of the specimens. Sixty extracted human maxillary canines were endodontically treated and divided into three groups (n = 20). All‐ceramic crowns were fabricated and cemented with Variolink II resin cement. Ten specimens of each group were subjected to a constantly increasing load until fracture. The other 10 specimens were fatigued for 106 cycles in a custom‐made fatigue machine. Recorded failure loads and modes were statistically compared with one‐way anova and Tukey‐HSD tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe resistance to fracture of teeth restored with FRC posts, composite resin cores, and Empress II crowns was similar to that of teeth restored with cast posts and cores (P = 0.162). Supracrestal (above root/level of acrylic resin base) oblique fracture was the predominant mode of fracture associated with teeth restored with FRC posts (70%), while vertical root fractures were more common with teeth restored with cast posts and cores.ConclusionsTeeth restored with the FRC post system did not exhibit vertical root fractures and were less likely to show root fracture. Sixty to 80% of teeth restored with both types of cast posts and cores showed vertical and subcrestal root fractures.
Reduced survival and reproductive success generates selection pressure for the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to evolve resistance against infection by the microsporidian parasite Vavraia culicis
Authors: Sy Victoria E. , Agnew Philip , Sidobre Christine , Michalakis Yannis 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe success and sustainability of control measures aimed at reducing the transmission of mosquito‐borne diseases will depend on how they influence the fitness of mosquitoes in targeted populations. We investigated the effects of the microsporidian parasite Vavraia culicis on the survival, blood‐feeding behaviour and reproductive success of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the main vector of dengue. Infection reduced survival to adulthood and increased adult female mosquito age‐dependent mortality relative to uninfected individuals; this additional mortality was closely correlated with the number of parasite spores they harboured when they died. In the first gonotrophic cycle, infected females were less likely to blood‐feed, took smaller meals when they did so, and developed fewer eggs than uninfected females. Even though the conditions of this laboratory study favoured minimal developmental times, the costs of infection were already being experienced by the time females reached an age at which they could first reproduce. These results suggest there will be selection pressure for mosquitoes to evolve resistance against this pathogen if it is used as an agent in a control program to reduce the transmission of mosquito‐borne human diseases.
Trophic‐level dependent effects on CO2 emissions from experimental stream ecosystems
Authors: Atwood Trisha B. , Hammill Edd , Richardson John S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractConcern over accelerating rates of species invasions and losses have initiated investigations into how local and global changes to predator abundance mediate trophic cascades that influence CO2 fluxes of aquatic ecosystems. However, to date, no studies have investigated how species additions or losses at other consumer trophic levels influence the CO2 flux of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we added a large predatory stonefly, detritivorous stonefly, or grazer tadpole to experimental stream food webs and over a 70‐day period quantified their effects on community composition, leaf litter decomposition, chlorophyll‐a concentrations, and stream CO2 emissions. In general, streams where the large grazer or large detritivore were added showed no change in total invertebrate biomass, leaf litter loss, chlorophyll‐a concentrations, or stream CO2 emissions compared with controls; although we did observe a spike in CO2 emissions in the large grazer treatment following a substantial reduction in chlorophyll‐a concentrations on day 28. However, the large grazer and large detritivore altered the community composition of streams by reducing the densities of other grazer and detritivore taxa, respectively, compared with controls. Conversely, the addition of the large predator created trophic cascades that reduced total invertebrate biomass and increased primary producer biomass. The cascading effects of the predator additions on the food web ultimately led to decreased CO2 emissions from stream channels by up to 95%. Our results suggest that stream ecosystem processes were more influenced by changes in large predator abundance than large grazer or detritivore abundance, because of a lack of functionally similar large predators. Our study demonstrates that the presence/absence of species with unique functional roles may have consequences for the exchange of CO2 between the ecosystem and the atmosphere.
Conventional and Microwave‐Assisted Sintering of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Obtained from Coprecipitated Powders
Authors: Thomazini Daniel , Gelfuso Maria Virginia , Volpi Gabriela Maira Sanches , Eiras José Antonio 
Published: February 2014

CaCu3Ti4O12(CCTO) powders were prepared by coprecipitated method starting from CaCO3, Cu(NO3)2, and Ti‐butoxide. The exclusive presence of CCTO phase was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analyses after calcination at 850°C for 2 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed nanosized particles of CCTO phase. Samples were sintered in conventional and microwave oven at 1050°C, producing differences on particles and grain size, densification, microstructure, and dielectric properties of the ceramics. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed in the grain and grain boundary to investigate the formation and composition of the secondary phase formed during sintering methods. It could be noted that the presence of this secondary phase interferes directly on dielectric constant and loss factor values.