bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of hybridization on niche shifts in expanding coyote populations
Authors: Thornton Daniel H. , Murray Dennis L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe degree to which niches of species change over time or space has important implications for ecology and evolutionary biology. However, conditions that give rise to niche shifts remain poorly understood. In particular, the relative influence of release from predation or competition (change in realized niche) vs. genetically based alterations (change in fundamental niche) has received little attention. We studied niche shifts in expanding coyote (Canis latrans) populations. During expansion from their historic range, coyotes experienced marked changes in competitive regimes and also genetic changes (i.e. hybridization), and these alterations occurred unevenly across the expanding front. The goal of this study was to determine the presence and degree of niche shifts in expanding coyote populations and the potential influence of hybridization on these patterns.LocationNorth America.MethodsWe developed species distribution models and compared climatic niche overlap between historic and expanding coyote populations with different levels of genetic introgression with wolves. We also developed harvest models to examine differences in how coyote and coyote hybrids responded to human disturbance and land use.ResultsNiche differentiation is most pronounced for expanding coyote populations that have experienced substantial hybridization with wolves. An examination of response curves suggests that coyotes in the north‐east may have shifted to a more wolflike niche.Main conclusionsHybridization or other processes that promote genetic changes in populations may be associated with niche shifts. These findings help explain why hybridization often leads to increased invasiveness, and further support the notion that genetic differentiation below the level of species can lead to niche divergence. Our results also highlight the caution needed when predicting distributional changes due to invasion or climate change, particularly among populations exposed to genetic change.
The association between congenital anomalies and autism spectrum disorders in a Finnish national birth cohort
Authors: Timonen‐Soivio Laura , Vanhala Raija , Malm Heli , Leivonen Susanna , Jokiranta Elina , Hinkka‐Yli‐Salomäki Susanna , Gissler Mika , Brown Alan S , Sourander Andre 
Published: September 2014

AimThe first aim of this study was to evaluate the association between different subgroups of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) (childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder/pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified [PDD/PDD‐NOS]) and congenital anomalies. Second, we assessed the association among intellectually disabled children with ASDs in the subgroups of childhood autism and PDD/PDD‐NOS.MethodNationwide population‐based register data for children with a diagnosis of ASD (n=4449; 3548 males, 901 females) were collected during years 1987–2000 from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Data on congenital anomalies were derived from the National Register of Congenital Malformations. Conditional logistic regression models were used as a statistical method. The association between ASD subgroups and congenital anomalies was stratified by the presence or absence of intellectual disability.ResultsCongenital anomalies occurred more frequently in all subgroups of ASD than in comparison participants (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for major congenital anomalies 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–2.2, p<0.001). The association between congenital anomalies and childhood autism (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.6, p<0.001) and between congenital anomalies and PDD/PDD‐NOS (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.4–5.7, p<0.001) among children with an intellectual disability was strong but remained significant also without intellectual disability (childhood autism: OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.3, p<0.001; PDD/PDD‐NOS: OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9–2.8, p<0.001).InterpretationThe results suggest a significant association between ASDs and congenital anomalies regardless of the ASD subgroup. The association between childhood autism and PDD/PDD‐NOS and congenital anomalies is stronger among children with intellectual disability is stronger than among those without intellectual disability. These results may have relevance in examining early risk factors in autism during fetal neurodevelopment.
Increased arginase levels contribute to impaired perfusion after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Jung Christian , Quitter Felix , Lichtenauer Michael , Fritzenwanger Michael , Pfeil Alexander , Shemyakin Alexey , Franz Marcus , Figulla Hans R. , Pfeifer Ruediger , Pernow John 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe postcardiac arrest syndrome occurs after global hypoxia leading to microcirculatory impairment. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule regulating microvascular function. The enzyme arginase has been suggested to modulate microvascular function by regulating NO metabolism. Therefore, we investigated whether arginase increases following global hypoxia and resuscitation and tested whether arginase inhibition influences altered microcirculation in resuscitated patients.MethodsTo determine the effect of global hypoxia on circulating arginase levels, fourteen healthy subjects were exposed to hypoxia in a normobaric hypoxia chamber (FiO² = 9·9%). In addition, 31 resuscitated patients were characterized clinically, and arginase 1 was measured on days 1 and 3. In eight resuscitated patients, a microcirculatory analysis was performed using a sidestream darkfield microcirculation camera. Perfused capillary density (PCD) was recorded before and after sublingual incubation of N‐omega‐hydroxy‐nor‐l‐arginine (nor‐NOHA) alone or together with the NOS inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA).ResultsCirculating arginase 1 levels increased in healthy volunteers following global hypoxia in the hypoxic chamber (P < 0·01). In addition, arginase 1 levels were higher on day 1 (69·1 ± 83·3 ng/mL) and on day 3 (44·2 ± 65·6 ng/mL) after resuscitation than in control subjects (P < 0·001). Incubation of the sublingual mucosa with nor‐NOHA increased microcirculatory perfusion (P < 0·001). This effect was inhibited by co‐incubation with K‐NMMA.ConclusionsCirculating arginase 1 levels are increased following exposure to global hypoxia and in patients who have been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest. Topical arginase inhibition improves microcirculatory perfusion following resuscitation. This is of potential therapeutic importance for the postcardiac arrest syndrome.
Uricaemia and left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients
Authors: Catena Cristiana , Colussi GianLuca , Capobianco Frine , Brosolo Gabriele , Sechi Leonardo A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundBoth hyperuricaemia and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are associated with the metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk. The relationship between uric acid levels and left ventricular mass in hypertension, however, is unclear. In this study, we have investigated this relationship in hypertensive patients without the metabolic syndrome.Materials and methodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 367 nondiabetic, essential hypertensive patients (age 52 ± 14; 194 males and 173 females) free of clinically relevant cardiovascular complications and without the metabolic syndrome were consecutively recruited at a university hypertension clinic. In these patients, we measured plasma levels of uric acid, lipids, glucose and insulin at fast and after an oral glucose load (OGTT), renal function and performed both conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography.ResultsHypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy had higher uric acid levels and greater prevalence of hyperuricemia than patients with normal left ventricular mass. Uric acid levels were directly related with fasting and post‐OGTT plasma insulin and with the HOMA index and inversely with 24‐h creatinine clearance. Uric acid was also significantly and directly related with the left ventricular mass and multivariate regression analysis showed that this relationship was independent from components of the metabolic syndrome and renal function in women, but not in men.ConclusionsElevated uric acid levels are independently related to the left ventricular mass in hypertensive women without the metabolic syndrome. In these patients with a low cardiovascular risk profile, uric acid might contribute to the development of subclinical cardiac damage.
First report of seed dispersal by ants in Dicentra peregrina (Papaveraceae), an alpine plant in the Japanese Alps
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Itino Takao , Ueda Shouhei 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSeed dispersal by ants, known as myrmecochory, is commonly observed among various plant taxa. The seeds of these plants have an elaiosome to attract ants. In Japan, myrmecochory has been well studied in several lowland plant species, but not in highland plant species that grow above the tree line. We investigated whether the seeds of Dicentra peregrina, known as the “queen of the alpine plants” in Japan, are carried by Formica gagatoides ants at 2510 m a.s.l. on Mt Norikura, Kita‐Alps, Japan. We observed F. gagatoides workers picking up D. peregrina seeds by grasping the elaiosome and carrying the seeds into their nests. We inferred from the observed ant behavior and the seed morphology that D. peregrina is a myrmecochorous species.
Memantine delayed N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate ‐induced convulsions in neonatal rats
Authors: Dhir Ashish , Chopra Kanwaljit 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMemantine (1‐amino‐3,5‐dimethyladamantane) is a moderate‐affinity uncompetitive antagonist of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In this study, we have explored the effect of memantine against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced seizures in neonatal rats. Here, we evaluated various behavioral seizure abnormalities in neonatal rats (Sprague–Dawley; postnatal day 9) after an intraperitoneal administration of NMDA. Further, we explored whether an acute administration of memantine could protect these neonates against different phases of convulsions induced by NMDA. In a separate study, we have compared the effect of levetiracetam in the same animal model. Exogenous administration of NMDA (30 mg/kg., i.p.) in neonatal rats resulted in arrest of activity, emprosthotonos curvature (trunk is bent forward by the entire muscles), myoclonic jerks, and forelimb/hindlimb clonus. The clonus phase in neonates was followed by loss of righting reflex and continuous seizures (for more than 5 min) suggesting status epilepticus, tonic extension, and death. Pretreatment of memantine hydrochloride (10–30 mg/kg., i.p.) dose‐dependently delayed the onset of different phases of convulsions induced by NMDA. Memantine at the highest dose was found to be ataxic in rat neonates, while lower doses were free of any observed behavioral signs of toxicity. Levetiracetam (25 mg/kg., i.p.) when administered 30 min before the NMDA challenge blocked only the jerk phase and did not affect other phases of NMDA‐induced convulsions. These data indicated that memantine and other safer uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists may be protective in the management of neonatal seizures.
Spatial patterns of recreational exploitation in eastern Australian ROFAs: implications for zonal management
Authors: Ochwada‐Doyle F. A. , Mcleod J. , Barrett G. , Clarke G. , Gray C. A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEffective management of recreational fisheries requires information on fine‐scale spatial patterns of recreational exploitation. Such information is particularly important for specially designated regions such as recreational‐only fishing areas (ROFAs). Using data acquired through progressive counts and interview‐based surveys, this study quantitatively compared recreational effort, harvest‐per‐unit‐effort (HPUE) and species composition among zonal habitats in three representative estuarine ROFAs in eastern Australia. The zones compared were as follows: (1) entrance channels; (2) lake areas; (3) artificial reefs; (4) tributary creeks; (5) rivers; and (6) canals. In most cases, effort was concentrated in the lake zones, which had the greatest access to fisheries resources. The lake and channel zones were associated with some of the highest HPUEs for key taxa [Acanthopagrus spp. (hybrid complex of Acanthopagrus butcheri (Munro) × Acanthopagrus australis (Owen)), Platycephalus fuscus (Cuvier), Sillago ciliata (Cuvier) and Girella tricuspidata (Quoy & Gaimard)] and a greater number of highly sought‐after species. Drawing on specific examples from these findings, this paper concludes by illustrating how spatial information on exploitation gained from this type of research can be used to meet the fundamental goals of recreational fisheries management at fine spatial scales.
Tropical tree assembly depends on the interactions between successional and soil filtering processes
Authors: Réjou‐Méchain Maxime , Flores Olivier , Pélissier Raphaël , Fayolle Adeline , Fauvet Nicolas , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimSuccessional and soil filtering processes are key drivers of the assembly of tropical tree communities, yet little is known about how they interact. Herein, we determine whether successional pathways depend on soil type, how the soil filtering effect varies during forest succession and whether succession is accompanied by changes in trait composition.LocationSouth‐western Central African Republic.MethodsWe used inventory data on 90 dominant tree species (72% of the stems ≥ 30 cm d.b.h.) in 15,420 plots (each 0.5 ha) distributed over an 8300‐km2 mosaic of primary and secondary forests on contrasting clay and sandy soils. We gathered data on six traits: dispersal mode, nitrogen fixation, deciduousness, leaf area, wood density and maximum diameter. After validation with historical information, we used a successional index based on pioneer proportion to assess variations in trait composition, and in α‐ and β‐diversity, in forest succession, and within and between soil types.ResultsTaxonomic and functional dissimilarities between clay and sandy soils decreased continuously during forest succession. Within soil types, early‐successional communities had a low taxonomic but relatively high functional α‐diversity. At the landscape scale, β‐diversity was higher among earlier successional stages, except in rich soils where taxonomic β‐diversity was high throughout the succession. Mean values for all traits, except leaf area, showed marked variations during forest succession in both soil types.Main conclusionsThe effect of soil type on community composition declines during succession, suggesting that the relative importance of neutral processes is higher in mature forests. Successional pathways were fairly similar in both soil types: disturbances reduced taxonomic diversity locally and enhanced β‐diversity between sites, probably because the disturbances varied in type. We also demonstrated how easy‐to‐collect traits help improve predictions of ecological patterns and deepen our understanding of species assembly processes.
How Different Are Higher Education Institutions in the UK, US and Australia? The Significance of Government Involvement
Authors: Moodie Gavin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGovernments in the UK and many other countries have long sought to promote the diversity of their higher education institutions. However, diversity is hard to define, harder to measure and even more difficult to compare between countries. Most empirical analyses of the diversity of higher education systems use categorical variables, which shape the extent of diversity found. This study examines continuous variables of institutions’ enrolment size and proportions of postgraduate, fulltime and international students to find the extent of variation amongst doctoral granting and all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia. The study finds that there is less variety amongst all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom than in Australia, which in turn has much less variety than the United States. The paper argues that the extent of government involvement in higher education is not so important for institutional variety as the form that it takes. More tentatively, the paper suggests that the more limited the range of institutions for which government funding is available the stronger government involvement is needed to have variety among the limited range of institutions for which government financial support is available.
Influence of a new push‐out test method on the bond strength of three resin‐based sealers
Authors: Scelza M. Z. , da Silva D. , Scelza P. , de Noronha F. , Barbosa I. B. , Souza E. , De Deus G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimCompare the displacement resistance of AH Plus, Ad Seal and Real Seal on dentine discs (DDs) treated with 10% citric acid, 17% EDTA or 2.5% NaOCl, through a new push‐out test method.MethodologyFrom the middle third of the roots of 15 maxillary central incisors, three dentine discs 1 ± 0.1 mm thick were obtained. On the axial surface of each dentine disc, three 1.2‐mm‐wide holes were drilled. In the third dentine disc from the same root, each hole was treated with one of three irrigating solutions for 30 s, rinsed with distilled water and dried. Each hole of the same dentine disc was filled with sealer, and the discs were maintained at 37 °C for 7 days. The dentine discs were fixed on a testing machine to test the shear strength. Data were compared using the univariate anova test with a 5% significance level. The Tukey test was used for multiple comparisons.ResultsThe irrigating solutions did not affect the adhesion of the sealers (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the Ad Seal and AHPlus (P > 0.05); however, Real Seal had a significantly lower shear bond strength (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe use of different irrigating solutions did not affect resistance to the displacement of resin sealers. Real Seal sealer was less resistant than Ad Seal and AHPlus.
John Henry Newman on Mystery as a Hermeneutical Problem
Authors: Ekeh Ono 
Published: September 2014

AbstractJohn Henry Newman believed that all Christian doctrines must be accessible to all Christian believers, both the intellectually sophisticated and the uneducated. This implied that the intellectually simple must be able to apprehend and assent to mysteries, such as that of the Trinity. This paper discussion what Newman understood by the idea of mystery. Mystery for Newman was primarily a hermeneutical problem. Mystery was a result of the human incapacity and inability to grasp the fullness of truth. In Newman, the hermeutical problematic is one of limitations of language thus leading to submission of intellect to a sublime truth.
Misunderstood as mothers: women's stories of being hospitalized for illness in the postpartum period
Authors: Power Tamara , Jackson Debra , Carter Bernie , Weaver Roslyn 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThis paper aims to explore women's experiences with healthcare providers to ascertain ways health care may be improved for women disrupted in their mothering.BackgroundWomen can find it difficult to relinquish care even when they are acutely unwell requiring hospitalization. Despite mothering being a priority for women, many healthcare professionals do not understand the importance of continuing to mother during maternal illness.DesignThis research used a qualitative methodology drawing on principles of feminism and storytelling.MethodsWomen's stories were collected through face‐to‐face interviews, email and via the telephone. The twenty‐seven women who participated were from either Australia or the USA, had between one and six children and identified themselves as having been disrupted in their mothering by illness. Data were collected in 2011 and were analysed thematically.FindingsThe majority of participants had been hospitalized at some point in time for acute illness. A subset of participants reported feeling judged by nurses and that their efforts to continue to mother their newborn children despite their illness were misunderstood and not facilitated.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest that women are more likely to remember times that health professionals failed to understand the primacy that mothering held for them or facilitate their efforts to continue to mother despite illness. Nurses and midwives should regularly reflect on their personal values in regard to mothering, validate women's attempts to mother to the best of their ability during illness and find ways to support and empower women in their mothering.
Quality of life in stroke survivor–caregiver dyads: a new conceptual framework and longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Savini Serenella , Buck Harleah G. , Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Simeone Silvio , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Fida Roberta , Matarese Maria , Alvaro Rosaria , Vellone Ercole 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo describe a new conceptual framework and the research protocol of a study designed to examine the quality of life in stroke survivor–caregiver dyads.BackgroundStroke has a significant impact on the patient–caregiver dyad. Few studies have been guided by a specific conceptual framework which considers the interactions among pre‐existing situations prior to stroke, the new situation caused by the stroke and the moderating effects of environmental and caregiver‐related variables.DesignLongitudinal study.MethodsA sample of stroke survivor–caregiver dyads will be enrolled at patient discharge from rehabilitation hospitals and will be surveyed every 3 months for 1‐year. Hypotheses generated from the conceptual framework will test predictors, mediators and moderators of stroke survivor and caregiver quality of life from the pre‐existing situation prior to the stroke, the new situation mediation poststroke and situation moderators. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, December 2013.DiscussionThis study seeks to identify variables in the pre‐existing situation prior to the stroke (e.g. living condition), the new situation mediation poststroke (e.g. type of stroke and caregiver burden) as well as situation moderators (e.g. social support) that influence stroke survivor‐caregiver dyad's quality of life across the stroke trajectory. Also, the study will inform clinical practice and research by identifying variables that are potentially modifiable and therefore amenable to intervention. The proposed framework will also be helpful for future research focused on stroke survivor–caregiver dyads.
Adipokines: Novel Players in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: de Faria Ana Paula , Modolo Rodrigo , Fontana Vanessa , Moreno Heitor 
Published: September 2014

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a multifactorial disease, frequently associated with obesity and characterized by blood pressure above goal (140/90 mm Hg) despite the concurrent use of ≥3 antihypertensive drugs of different classes. The mechanisms of obesity‐related hypertension include, among others, aldosterone excess and inflammatory adipokines, which have demonstrated a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome andRH. This review aims to summarize recent studies on the role of the adipokines leptin, resistin, and adiponectin in the pathophysiology ofRHand target‐organ damage associated with this condition. The deregulation of adipokine levels has been associated with clinical characteristics frequently recognized inRHsuch as diabetes, hyperactivity of sympathetic and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone systems, and vascular and renal damage. Strategies to regulate adipokines may be promising for the management ofRHand some clinical implications must be considered when managing controlled and uncontrolled patients withRH.