bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generating spatially constrained null models for irregularly spaced data using Moran spectral randomization methods
Authors: Wagner Helene H. , Dray Stéphane 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Spatial autocorrelation jeopardizes the validity of statistical inference, for example correlation and regression analysis. Restricted randomization methods can account for the effect of spatial autocorrelation in the observed data by building it into an empirical null model for hypothesis testing. This can be achieved, for example, based on conditional simulation, which fits a highly parameterized geostatistical model to the observed spatial structure, or, for data observed on a regular transect or grid, with Fourier spectral randomization methods that can flexibly model spatial structure at any scale. This study uses Moran eigenvector maps to extend spectral randomization to irregularly spaced samples.

We present different algorithms to perform restricted randomization to suit different types of research questions: individual randomization of each variable, joint randomization of a group of variables while keeping within‐group correlations fixed, and randomization with a fixed correlation between original data and randomized replicates (e.g. as input for simulation studies). The performance of the proposed Moran spectral randomization methods for regularly and irregularly spaced samples is assessed with correlation analysis of simulated data.

Moran spectral randomization closely matched the spatial structure of original simulated data sets, with identical or nearly identical Moran's I values and power spectra, depending on the algorithm. In correlation analysis of two spatially autocorrelated variables, Moran spectral randomization produced correct type I error rates for stationary spatial data, even for very small and highly irregular samples, but was sensitive to linear trend. When one or both variables lacked spatial structure, Moran spectral randomization tests were more conservative than correlation t‐tests.

The proposed Moran spectral randomization method requires a minimum of parameterization and is able to address multivariate data with spatial structure at multiple scales, with the option of controlling levels of correlation with the original data. It can provide technically unlimited numbers of randomizations even for small samples while closely maintaining the spatial characteristics of uni‐ or multivariate data at all spatial scales. The method is applicable for correlation analysis of stationary, autocorrelated spatial or temporal series. Further research should assess whether the method can be extended to multiple regression analysis.
Brain structural changes in schizoaffective disorder compared to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Amann B. L. , Canales‐Rodríguez E. J. , Madre M. , Radua J. , Monte G. , Alonso‐Lana S. , Landin‐Romero R. , Moreno‐Alcázar A. , Bonnin C. M. , Sarró S. , Ortiz‐Gil J. , Gomar J. J. , Moro N. , Fernandez‐Corcuera P. , Goikolea J. M. , Blanch J. , Salvador R. , Vieta E. , McKenna P. J. , Pomarol‐Clotet E. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveBrain structural changes in schizoaffective disorder, and how far they resemble those seen in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have only been studied to a limited extent.MethodForty‐five patients meeting DSM‐IV and RDC criteria for schizoaffective disorder, groups of patients with 45 matched schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and 45 matched healthy controls were examined using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).ResultsAnalyses comparing each patient group with the healthy control subjects found that the patients with schizoaffective disorder and the patients with schizophrenia showed widespread and overlapping areas of significant volume reduction, but the patients with bipolar disorder did not. A subsequent analysis compared the combined group of patients with the controls followed by extraction of clusters. In regions where the patients differed significantly from the controls, no significant differences in mean volume between patients with schizoaffective disorder and patients with schizophrenia in any of five regions of volume reduction were found, but mean volumes in the patients with bipolar disorder were significantly smaller in three of five.ConclusionThe findings provide evidence that, in terms of structural gray matter brain abnormality, schizoaffective disorder resembles schizophrenia more than bipolar disorder.
Differentiation of spring carabid beetle assemblages between semi‐natural habitats and adjoining winter wheat
Authors: Anjum‐Zubair Muhammad , Entling Martin H. , Bruckner Alexander , Drapela Thomas , Frank Thomas 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Semi‐natural habitats are part of agri‐environment programmes throughout Europe. Little is known about activity‐density and assemblage composition of carabid beetles within sown wildflower areas (SWA) compared with conventional grassy field margins and adjoining arable fields.
In 10 landscapes, two pairs of winter wheat fields with adjoining SWA and grassy field margin were studied. We compared activity‐density, species richness, ecological traits and assemblage composition of carabids among 20 winter wheat fields, 10 adjoining grassy field margins and 10 adjoining SWA.
Beetle activity‐density was higher in wheat fields compared with adjoining semi‐natural habitats regarding total carabids, macropterous, polyphagous‐carnivorous and euryoecious open habitat beetles. Although total species richness (analysis of variance) did not significantly differ among habitat types, we found significantly higher species numbers in SWA than in wheat fields adjoining SWA and grassy margins when the number of recorded species was standardized to the number of individuals (rarefaction). Carabid assemblages in wheat fields differed from assemblages in adjoining SWA and grassy margins.
The results of the present study emphasize the important contribution of semi‐natural habitats to diversify the spring carabid fauna in agroecosystems. In particular, SWA were shown to be useful to enhance carabid biodiversity conservation in agroecosystems, rather than to enhance their density‐dependent functions.
A plant pathogen causes extensive mortality in an invasive insect herbivore
Authors: Graziosi Ignazio , Rieske Lynne K. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

We investigate a plant–microbe–insect interaction where a plant pathogenic microorganism is utilizing an invasive insect herbivore as an alternate resource, and test the hypothesis that the microorganism is affecting the population dynamics of the herbivore on its woody host plant.
We investigated the presence of necrotic lesions formed by an unknown microbe on galls induced by the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), a global pest on Castanea hosts. We hypothesize that colonization by this plant‐associated microbe impacts survival and invasiveness of the gallmaker and, using Koch's postulates, we evaluate its effects on the gallmaker and on the gallmaker's primary natural enemy.
Morphologically identical colonies were isolated from galls and insects, and DNA sequences matched with the fungal genus Colletotrichum, a causal agent of plant‐pathogenic anthracnose. Inoculations generated comparable symptoms. After the formation of superficial lesions, the pathogen rapidly penetrates galls, colonizing insect tissue in gall chambers and causing extensive larval mortality. Minimal effects were evident on the associated parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae).
We report a plant pathogen utilizing a gall‐inducing arthropod at the same time as sparing its parasite and expand reports of Colletotrichum impacting insects. We shed light on a complex of interactions influencing an important invader.
The potential global distribution of the Bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinusCarpintero and Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae)
Authors: Saavedra Maria C. , Avila Gonzalo A. , Withers Toni M. , Holwell Gregory I. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Thaumastocoris peregrinus is a sap‐feeding insect native to Australia that has become a serious global pest of Eucalyptus species. To date, T. peregrinus has been found in more than 10 countries across Europe, Africa, South America and Oceania.
In the present study, we used the climate modelling software climex (Hearne Scientific Software Pty Ltd, Australia) to predict the potential distribution of T. peregrinus globally and in New Zealand. climex parameters were based on experimental data obtained in the present study and from records collated from the insect's native and invasive distribution.
The model of the potential native geographical distribution closely agrees with the known distribution of T. peregrinus and predicts potential expansion into more tropical areas of Australia. In New Zealand, the predicted potential distribution of T. peregrinus matches its current distribution and predicts that, if a suitable host is present, the species will be able to establish in most of the North Island and in northern and eastern regions of the South Island.
Globally, the model predicts that many of the world's temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical areas are climatically suitable for establishment of T. peregrinus. This predicted distribution closely matches the global distribution of eucalypt plantations, which are essential for the establishment of this pest.
climex projections of potential suitability for T. peregrinus reported in the present study may prove useful for risk assessments and for the identification of areas susceptible to invasion by this pest.
Resuscitating preterm infants with 100% oxygen is associated with higher oxidative stress than room air
Authors: Tataranno ML , Oei JL , Perrone S , Wright IM , Smyth JP , Lui K , Tarnow‐Mordi WO , Longini M , Proietti F , Negro S , Saugstad OD , Buonocore G 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThe starting fraction of inspired oxygen for preterm resuscitation is a matter of debate, and the use of room air in full‐term asphyxiated infants reduces oxidative stress. This study compared oxidative stress in preterm infants randomised for resuscitation with either 100% oxygen or room air titrated to internationally recommended levels of preductal oxygen saturations.MethodsBlood was collected at birth, two and 12 hours of age from 119 infants <32 weeks of gestation randomised to resuscitation with either 100% oxygen (n = 60) or room air (n = 59). Oxidative stress markers, including advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP) and isoprostanes (IsoP), were measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.ResultsSignificantly higher levels of AOPP were found at 12 hours in the 100% oxygen group (p < 0.05). Increases between two‐ and 12‐hour AOPP (p = 0.004) and IsoP (p = 0.032) concentrations were significantly higher in the 100% oxygen group.ConclusionInitial resuscitation with room air versus 100% oxygen was associated with lower protein oxidation at 12 hour and a lower magnitude of increase in AOPP and IsoP levels between two and 12 hours of life. Correlations with clinical outcomes will be vital to optimise the use of oxygen in preterm resuscitation.
Use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors and the heart rate corrected QT interval in a real‐life setting: the population‐based Rotterdam Study
Authors: Maljuric Nevena M. , Noordam Raymond , Aarts Nikkie , Niemeijer Maartje N. , van den Berg Marten E. , Hofman Albert , Kors Jan A. , Stricker Bruno H. , Visser Loes E. 
Published: May 2015

AimsSelective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), specifically citalopram and escitalopram, are thought to cause QTc prolongation, although studies have shown contradictory results. Nevertheless, a maximum citalopram dosage of 20 mg in high risk patients (e.g. >60 years of age) is recommended. We aimed to investigate the association between use of (individual) SSRIs and QTc in a population‐based study in older adults.MethodsThis study, which was part of the prospective Rotterdam Study (period 1991–2012), included participants with up to five electrocardiograms (ECGs). We used linear mixed models to compare QTcF (QT corrected according to Fridericia) measured during use of individual SSRIs with QTcF measured during non‐use of any antidepressant. For citalopram, analyses were additionally restricted to a maximum dosage of 20 mg in participants aged 60 years and older.ResultsWe included 12 589 participants with a total of 26 620 ECGs of which 436 ECGs were made during SSRI use. The mean QTcF was similar during use of any drugs from the SSRI class and during non‐use. After stratifying to individual SSRIs, ECGs recorded during use of citalopram had the longest QTc compared with ECGs recorded during non‐use (+12.8 ms, 90% CI 7.5, 18.2). This result remained similar in the analysis comprising participants aged 60 years and older with a maximum prescribed daily dosage of 20 mg citalopram.ConclusionsAlthough no SSRI class effect was observed, use of citalopram was associated with a longer QTcF, even after considering the recommended restrictions. Other SSRIs may not give a clinically relevant QTcF prolongation.
The evolution of an annual life cycle in killifish: adaptation to ephemeral aquatic environments through embryonic diapause
Authors: Furness Andrew I. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTAn annual life cycle is characterized by growth, maturity, and reproduction condensed into a single, short season favourable to development, with production of embryos (seeds, cysts, or eggs) capable of surviving harsh conditions which juveniles or adults cannot tolerate. More typically associated with plants in desert environments, or temperate‐zone insects exposed to freezing winters, the evolution of an annual life cycle in vertebrates is fairly novel. Killifish, small sexually dimorphic fishes in the Order Cyprinodontiformes, have adapted to seasonally ephemeral water bodies across much of Africa and South America through the independent evolution of an annual life history. These annual killifish produce hardy desiccation‐resistant eggs that undergo diapause (developmental arrest) and remain buried in the soil for long periods when fish have perished due to the drying of their habitat. Killifish are found in aquatic habitats that span a continuum from permanent and stable to seasonal and variable, thus providing a useful system in which to piece together the evolutionary history of this life cycle using natural comparative variation. I first review adaptations for life in ephemeral aquatic environments in killifish, with particular emphasis on the evolution of embryonic diapause. I then bring together available evidence from a variety of approaches and provide a scenario for how this annual life cycle evolved. There are a number of features within Aplocheiloidei killifish including their inhabitation of marginal or edge aquatic habitat, their small size and rapid attainment of maturity, and egg properties that make them particularly well suited to the colonization of ephemeral waters.
Risk factors for elevated blood lead levels among children aged 6–36 months living in Greece
Authors: Kapitsinou A. , Soldatou A. , Tsitsika A. , Kossiva L. , Tsentidis Ch. , Nisianakis P. , Theocharis S. , Garoufi A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundChildhood lead poisoning remains a critical environmental health concern because even low blood lead levels (BLLs) can result in permanent adverse health effects. Social factors and living conditions have been correlated with BLLs. There is no recent survey about the prevalence of elevated BLLs among children in Greece. The purpose of this study was to assess BLLs among children aged 6–36 months born and living in Greece and to evaluate their association with demographic, socio‐economic and housing conditions.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional hospital‐based study including 814 randomly selected children aged 6–36 months, BLLs and haematological parameters were evaluated. A questionnaire investigating demographic and socio‐economic conditions was completed in all children. Statistical analysis was performed usingSTATAfor Windows v.8.5, andP< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean BLLs of the population were 2.78 (SD = 2.34) µg/dl, and the median was 2.02 µg/dl; 11.7% had BLLs above 5 µg/dl, while 15 children (1.8%) exceeded 10 µg/dl. Being a toddler, being Roma or Asian, living in an industrial/low‐income neighbourhood or in an old house, using traditional herbs and/or spices and having a mother with a manual occupation were independent risk factors for elevated BLLs.ConclusionLead exposure remains a threat for optimal health especially for toddlers and children of socio‐economically disadvantaged families living in Greece. A nationwide survey to assess lead exposure in children is necessary to guide prevention governmental policies.
Comorbid depression/anxiety and teeth removed: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2010
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Wiener Michael A. , McNeil Daniel W. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between participants (i) who reported having had clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety with 6+ teeth removed and (ii) who reported having had clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety with edentulism.MethodsThe Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey 2010 was used for the study. Analyses involved using SAS 9.3® to determine variable frequencies, Rao–Scott chi‐square bivariate analyses, and Proc Surveylogistic for the logistic regressions on complex survey designs. Participants eligibility included being 18 years or older and having complete data on depression, anxiety, and number of teeth removed.ResultsThere were 76 292 eligible participants; 13.4% reported an anxiety diagnosis, 16.7% reported a depression diagnosis, and 8.6% reported comorbid depression and anxiety. The adjusted logistic regression models were significant for anxiety and depression alone and in combination for 6+ teeth removed (AOR: anxiety 1.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.38; P = 0.0773; AOR: depression 1.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.37; P = 0.0275; P < 0.0001; and AOR: comorbid depression and anxiety 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.49; P = 0.0001). However, the adjusted models with edentulism as the outcome failed to reach significance.ConclusionsComorbid depression and anxiety are associated independently with 6+ teeth removed compared with 0–5 teeth removed in a national study conducted in United States. Comorbid depression and anxiety were not shown to be associated with edentulism as compared with any teeth present.
Patterns in the use of rainforest vertical space by Neotropical aerial insectivorous bats: all the action is up in the canopy
Authors: Marques J. Tiago , Ramos Pereira M. J. , Palmeirim J. M. 
Published: May 2015

In tropical rainforests environmental conditions vary dramatically from the ground to the canopy, resulting in a marked stratification in the way vertical space is used by organisms, but research work is often limited to the understorey layer. Aerial insectivorous bats are a highly diverse group that plays key roles in the ecology of rainforests, but their use of vertical space remains elusive.Using automatic ultrasound recording stations placed in the canopy, subcanopy and understorey we tested if bat activity and species diversity are vertically stratified, both in the forest interior and near the edges of water bodies. These patterns were tested separately for individual species, and for two functional groups – open space and edge space bats.Insectivorous bat activity increased by roughly seven fold, and species diversity doubled, from the understorey to the canopy. Both edge space and open space bats were more active in the upper strata, but this tendency was much more accentuated in the latter. Myotis riparius was the only species with greater activity near the understorey. These patterns were altered at the edges of water bodies, where vertical stratification was much less marked.The observed patterns are parsimoniously explained by constraints imposed by vegetation clutter that change across strata, which affect bat species differently. Only bats better adapted to closed spaces are usually capable of foraging within the understorey, whereas the majority of species can exploit the free spaces immediately below the canopy; open space bats seem to concentrate their activity above the canopy. This importance of the inter strata open spaces for bat foraging highlights the need to preserve pristine stratified rainforests, as even selective logging usually disrupts vertical stratification. Moreover, the concentration of insectivorous bats at the upper strata of rainforests underlines the need to include canopy level sampling in ecological studies.
Identification of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma ziziphi’ associated with persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fasciation in China
Authors: Wang J. , Gao R. , Yu X. M. , An M. , Qin Z. H. , Liu J. , Ai C. X. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryPersimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) trees, with fasciation symptoms (PF), were observed in an orchard located in suburban Tai'an, Shandong Province, China. A specific fragment of the phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene, approximately 1.2 kb in length, was amplified from two symptomatic plants via nested polymerase chain reaction, while no fragment was obtained from healthy controls. The two samples (PF1 and PF2) resulted with 99.5% nucleotide sequence identity. Phylogenetic and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that PF1 was a member of ribosomal subgroup B of the elm yellows group (16SrV), and PF2 may represent a novel subgroup within the 16SrV group, designed as 16SrV‐I. This is the first report of phytoplasmas of the 16SrV group associated with persimmon fasciation disease.
Comparison of porcine anti‐human lymphocyte globulin and rabbit anti‐human thymocyte globulin in the treatment of severe aplastic anemia: a retrospective single‐center study
Authors: Ma Xiaorong , Wang Jin , Zhang Wanggang , Cao Xingmei , Chen Yinxia , He Aili , Liu Jie , Yang Nan , Wang Jianli , Yang Yun , Xu Yan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the safety and efficacy of porcine antilymphocyte globulin (pALG) and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) in treating severe aplastic anemia (SAA).MethodsSeventy‐seven patients with SAA that received immunosuppressive therapy between July 2004 and December 2013 at the Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, were retrospectively analyzed. Forty‐five patients received treatment including pALG (pALG group), and 32 patients received treatment including rATG (rATG group). Effective treatment rates between the two groups 1 yr after the treatment were compared; Kaplan–Meier 5‐yr survival curve and log‐rank test compared survival rates between the groups. All adverse responses were recorded.ResultsThe 1‐yr overall response rate in the pALG group (83.78%) was significantly higher than that in the rATG group (66.67%, P = 0.036), and the 5‐yr overall survival rate in the pALG group (82.22%) was also higher than that in the rATG group (68.75%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups, and no treatment‐related deaths occurred.ConclusionsThe efficacies, survival, and safety profiles of pALG‐based treatments are similar to or even better than those of rATG‐based treatments. These results may help guide the clinical use of pALG in immunosuppressive therapy for SAA.