bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Darwin's finches and their diet niches: the sympatric coexistence of imperfect generalists
Authors: De León L. F. , Podos J. , Gardezi T. , Herrel A. , Hendry A. P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAdaptive radiation can be strongly influenced by interspecific competition for resources, which can lead to diverse outcomes ranging from competitive exclusion to character displacement. In each case, sympatric species are expected to evolve into distinct ecological niches, such as different food types, yet this expectation is not always met when such species are examined in nature. The most common hypotheses to account for the coexistence of species with substantial diet overlap rest on temporal variation in niches (often diets). Yet spatial variation in niche overlap might also be important, pointing to the need for spatiotemporal analyses of diet and diet overlap between closely related species persisting in sympatry. We here perform such an analysis by characterizing the diets of, and diet overlap among, four sympatric Darwin's ground finch species at three sites and over 5 years on a single Galápagos island (Santa Cruz). We find that the different species have broadly similar and overlapping diets – they are to some extent generalists and opportunists – yet we also find that each species retains some ‘private’ resources for which their morphologies are best suited. Importantly, use of these private resources increased considerably, and diet overlap decreased accordingly, when the availability of preferred shared foods, such as arthropods, was reduced during drought conditions. Spatial variation in food resources was also important. These results together suggest that the ground finches are ‘imperfect generalists’ that use overlapping resources under benign conditions (in space or time), but then retreat to resources for which they are best adapted during periods of food limitation. These conditions likely promote local and regional coexistence.
Generative models versus underlying symmetries to explain biological pattern
Authors: Frank S. A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMathematical models play an increasingly important role in the interpretation of biological experiments. Studies often present a model that generates the observations, connecting hypothesized process to an observed pattern. Such generative models confirm the plausibility of an explanation and make testable hypotheses for further experiments. However, studies rarely consider the broad family of alternative models that match the same observed pattern. The symmetries that define the broad class of matching models are in fact the only aspects of information truly revealed by observed pattern. Commonly observed patterns derive from simple underlying symmetries. This article illustrates the problem by showing the symmetry associated with the observed rate of increase in fitness in a constant environment. That underlying symmetry reveals how each particular generative model defines a single example within the broad class of matching models. Further progress on the relation between pattern and process requires deeper consideration of the underlying symmetries.
A Standardized, Bundled Approach to Providing Geriatric‐Focused Acute Care
Authors: Mattison Melissa L. P. , Catic Angela , Davis Roger B. , Olveczky Daniele , Moran Julie , Yang Julius , Aronson Mark , Zeidel Mark , Lipsitz Lewis , Marcantonio Edward R. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo determine whether a bundled intervention can increase detection of delirium and facilitate safer use of high‐risk medications.DesignPre‐post interventional trial.SettingLarge academic medical center.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 70 and older (n = 19,949) admitted between May 1, 2008, September 30, 2011. Individuals aged 80 and older admitted after April 26, 2010, received the intervention, those aged 80 and older admitted before were primary controls, and those aged 70 to 79 were concurrent controls.InterventionThe intervention uses a checklist promoting delirium prevention, recognition and management, and modifies the computerized provider order entry system to provide care focused on elderly adults.MeasurementsFrequency of orders for activating the rapid response team for altered mental status, frequency of orders for haloperidol in excess of 0.5 mg or intravenous (IV) morphine in excess of 2 mg, and discharge disposition.ResultsParticipants receiving the intervention had a mean age of 86.1 ± 4.6; 58.2% were female. The number of orders to activate the rapid response team for altered mental status increased in participants receiving the bundle and in controls (odds ratio (OR) for the difference of differences = 1.23 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.68–2.24, P = .49)). Participants receiving the bundle were less likely to receive more than 0.5 mg of IV, intramuscular, or oral haloperidol (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.39–0.91, P = .02) and more than 2 mg of IV morphine (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.42–0.63, P < .001). Participants who received the bundle were more likely to be discharged home than to extended care facilities (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.04–1.35, P = .01).ConclusionAn intervention focused on delirium prevention and recognition by bedside staff combined with computerized decision support facilitates safer prescribing of high‐risk medications and possibly results in less need for extended care.
Licensed Nurse Staffing and Health Service Availability in Residential Care and Assisted Living
Authors: Beeber Anna S. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Reed David , Mitchell C. Madeline , Sloane Philip D. , Harris‐Wallace Brandy , Perez Rosa , Schumacher John G. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo create data‐driven typologies of licensed nurse staffing and health services in residential care and assisted living (RC/AL).DesignCluster analysis was used to describe the patterns of licensed nurse staffing and 47 services and the extent to which these clusters were related.SettingRC/AL communities in the United States.ParticipantsA convenience sample of administrators and healthcare supervisors from 89 RC/AL communities in 22 states.MeasurementRC/AL characteristics, licensed nurse staffing (total number of hours that registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) worked), number of hours that contract nurses worked, and availability of 47 services.ResultsAnalysis revealed four licensed nurse staffing clusters defined according to total number of hours and the type of nurse providing the hours (RN, LPN, or a mix of both). They ranged from no or minimal RN and LPN hours to high nursing hours with a mix of RNs and LPNs. The 47 services clustered into five clusters: basic services; technically complex services; assessments, wound care, and therapies; testing and specialty services; and gastrostomy and intravenous medications. The availability of services was related to the presence of nurses (RNs and LPNs) except for the gastrostomy and intravenous medication services, which were not readily available.ConclusionThe amount and skill mix of licensed nurse staffing varies in RC/AL and is related to the types of services available. These findings may have implications for resident care and outcomes. Future work in this area, including extension to include nonnurse direct care workers, is needed.
Effect of Health Protective Factors on Health Deficit Accumulation and Mortality Risk in Older Adults in the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Wang Chunxiu , Song Xiaowei , Mitnitski Arnold , Fang Xianghua , Tang Zhe , Yu Pulin , Rockwood Kenneth 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate transitions in health status and risk of death in older adults in relation to baseline health deficits and protective factors.DesignProspective cohort study with reassessments at 5, 8, and 15 years.SettingSecondary analysis of data from the Beijing Longitudinal Study on Aging.ParticipantsUrban and rural community‐dwelling people aged 55 and older at baseline (n = 3,275), followed from 1992 to 2007, during which time 51% died.MeasurementsHealth status was quantified using the deficit accumulation–based frailty index (FI), constructed from 30 intrinsic health measures. A protection index was constructed using 14 extrinsic items (e.g., exercise, education). The probabilities of health changes, including death, were evaluated using a multistate transition model.ResultsWomen had more health deficits (mean baseline FI 0.13 ± 0.11) than did men (mean baseline FI 0.11 ± 0.10). Although health declined on average (mean FIs increased), improvement and stability were common. Baseline health significantly affected health transitions and survival over various follow‐up durations (odds ratio (OR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17–1.37 for men; OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.16–1.33 for women for each increment of deficits). Each protective factor reduced the risk of health decline and the risk of death in men and women by 13% to 25%.ConclusionDeficit accumulation–based transition modeling demonstrates persisting effects of baseline health status on age‐related health outcomes. Some mitigation by protective factors can be demonstrated, suggesting that improving physical and social conditions might be beneficial.
Cardiovascular risk and lifestyle habits of consumers of a phytosterol‐enriched yogurt in a real‐life setting
Authors: Paillard F. , Bruckert E. , Naelten G. , Picard P. , van Ganse E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundData on the characteristics of consumers of phytosterol‐enriched products and modalities of consumption are rare. An observational study evaluating the lifestyle characteristics and cardiovascular risk (CVR) profile of phytosterol‐enriched yogurt consumers was performed in France.MethodsSubjects were recruited from general practitioners via electronic medical records. Data were obtained from 358 consumers and 422 nonconsumers with 519 subject questionnaires (243 consumers, 276 nonconsumers; 67% response).ResultsConsumers had more cardiovascular risk factors than nonconsumers (2.0 ± 1.5 versus 1.6 ± 1.4; P < 0.001) and a higher 10‐year SCORE cardiovascular risk (1.8 ± 2.0% versus 1.6 ± 2.2%; P = 0.008); they were older (P = 0.030) and had a higher incidence of hypercholesterolaemia (P < 0.001) and family or personal history of heart disease (P = 0.023/P = 0.026, respectively). Among consumers not on cholesterol‐lowering medication, 99% were eligible for lifestyle interventions and 56% were eligible for lipid‐lowering drug according to European guidelines. Consumers had a healthier lifestyle, with a higher (fruit/vegetable – saturated fatty acid) score than nonconsumers (P = 0.035), focused more on low‐intensity leisure activity (P = 0.023), spent more time travelling by foot or bicycle (P = 0.012) and were more likely to act to reduce CVR. Phytosterol‐enriched yogurt intake conformed to recommendations in two‐thirds of consumers and was mainly consumed because of concerns over cholesterol levels and CVR.ConclusionsThe higher cardiovascular disease risk profile of phytosterol‐enriched yogurt consumers corresponds to a population for whom European guidelines recommend lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol. The coherence of the data in terms of risk factors, adherence to lifestyle recommendations and the consumption of phytosterol‐enriched yogurt conforming to recommendations reflects a health‐conscious consumer population.
A Financial and Environmental Analysis of Constructed Wetlands for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: DiMuro Johnathan L. , Guertin France M. , Helling Rich K. , Perkins Jessica L. , Romer Scanlon 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe Dow Chemical Co. (Dow) is actively working to develop an approach to value ecosystem services and incorporate them in business decisions. This study investigates the use of replacement cost methodology (RCM) for financial analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) for environmental assessment. The case study analyzes a business decision made in 1995, where a constructed wetland was built instead of a sequencing batch reactor to solve a regulatory compliance issue in meeting suspended solids requirements for a wastewater treatment system at the Union Carbide Corp. (a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Co.) plant in Seadrift, Texas. The financial results indicate that the total net present value savings calculated for implementing the constructed wetland instead of the sequencing batch reactor is $282 million over the project's lifetime. The LCA demonstrates that the lower energy and material inputs to the constructed wetland resulted in lower potential impacts for fossil fuel use, acidification, smog formation, and ozone depletion and likely lead to lower potential impacts for global warming and marine eutrophication. The result from the inventory of land use shows that both the upstream land burdens (for the sequencing batch reactor) and the on‐site acreage of the constructed wetland are similar in magnitude and importance, contrary to the assumption that green infrastructure always requires greater land area. This case study illustrates how Dow can consider financial and environmental analyses in comparing gray and green infrastructure solutions and further understand the benefits of implementing green infrastructure in an appropriate industrial application.
The protein interacting with C‐kinase (PICK1) interacts with and attenuates parkin‐associated endothelial‐like (PAEL) receptor‐mediated cell death
Authors: Dutta Priyanka , O'Connell Kara E. , Ozkan Sefika B. , Sailer Andreas W. , Dev Kumlesh K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe parkin‐associated endothelial‐like receptor (PAELR, GPR37) is an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor that interacts with and is degraded by parkin‐mediated ubiquitination. Mutations in parkin are thought to result in PAELR accumulation and increase neuronal cell death in Parkinson's disease. In this study, we find that the protein interacting with C‐kinase (PICK1) interacts with PAELR. Specifically, the Postsynaptic density protein‐95/Discs large/ZO‐1 (PDZ) domain of PICK1 interacted with the last three residues of the c‐terminal (ct) located PDZ motif of PAELR. Pull‐down assays indicated that recombinant and native PICK1, obtained from heterologous cells and rat brain tissue, respectively, were retained by a glutathione S‐transferase fusion of ct‐PAELR. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation studies isolated a PAELR‐PICK1 complex from transiently transfected cells. PICK1 interacts with parkin and our data showed that PICK1 reduces PAELR expression levels in transiently transfected heterologous cells compared to a PICK1 mutant that does not interact with PAELR. Finally, PICK1 over‐expression in HEK293 cells reduced cell death induced by PAEALR over‐expression during rotenone treatment and these effects of PICK1 were attenuated during inhibition of the proteasome. These results suggest a role for PICK1 in preventing PAELR‐induced cell toxicity.image
Parkin mutations lead to parkin‐associated endothelial‐like receptor (PAELR) aggregation resulting in reduced neuronal cell viability. We find protein interacting c‐kinase interacts with PAELR, regulating its expression and cell viability. The study adds to the repertoire of protein interacting c‐kinase (PICK1) interacting proteins, such as dopamine transporter and parkin, which have been shown to play roles in dopaminergic neuronal function.
Effects of Chronic Oestradiol, Progesterone and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Adrenal Mass in Adult Female Rats
Authors: Chan M. , Chow C. , Hamson D. K. , Lieblich S. E. , Galea L. A. M. 
Published: April 2014

Both natural oestrogens and progesterone influence synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis within the female hippocampus. However, less is known of the impact of synthetic hormones on hippocampal structure and function. There is some evidence that the administration of the synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is not as beneficial as natural progesterone and can attenuate oestrogen‐induced neuroprotection. Although the effects of oestradiol have been well studied, little is known about the effects of natural and synthetic progestins alone and in combination with oestradiol on adult neurogenesis in females. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic oestradiol, progesterone, MPA and the co‐administration of each progestin with oestradiol on neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus of adult ovariectomised female rats. Twenty‐four hours after a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU; 200 mg/kg) injection, female rats were repeatedly administered either progesterone (1 or 4 mg), MPA (1 or 4 mg), oestradiol benzoate (EB), progesterone or MPA in combination with EB (10 μg), or vehicle for 21 days. Rats were perfused on day 22 and brain tissue was analysed for the number of BrdU‐labelled and Ki67 (an endogenous marker of cell proliferation)‐expressing cells. EB alone and MPA + EB significantly decreased neurogenesis and the number of surviving BrdU‐labelled cells in the dorsal region of the dentate gyrus, independent of any effects on cell proliferation. Furthermore, MPA (1 and 4 mg) and MPA + EB treated animals had significantly lower adrenal/body mass ratios and reduced serum corticosterone (CORT) levels. By contrast, progesterone + EB treated animals had significantly higher adrenal/body mass ratios and 1 mg of progesterone, progesterone + EB, and EB significantly increased CORT levels. The results of the present study demonstrate that different progestins alone and in combination with oestradiol can differentially affect neurogenesis (via cell survival) and regulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. These findings have implications for women using hormone replacement therapies with MPA for both neuroprotection and stress‐related disorders.
Tyrosine Hydroxylase in the Olfactory System, Forebrain and Pituitary of the Indian Major Carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus: Organisation and Interaction with Neuropeptide Y in the Preoptic Area
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh U. , Saha S. , Singru P. S. 
Published: April 2014

Dopamine (DA) inhibits, whereas gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates, luteinisiing (LH) cells in the pituitary of some but not all teleosts. A reduction in the hypophysiotropic dopaminergic tone is necessary for the stimulatory effect of GnRH on LH cells. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has emerged as one of the potent, endogenous agent that modulates LH secretion directly or indirectly via GnRH. Involvement of NPY in the regulation of hypophysiotropic DA neurones, however, is not known, but there is good evidence suggesting an interaction in the mammalian hypothalamus. DA neurones, identified by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐immunoreactivity, were observed widely throughout the brain of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus. The granule cells and ganglion cells of terminal nerve in the olfactory bulb, and cells in ventral telencephalon and preoptic area (POA) showed conspicuous TH immunoreactivity. In the POA, the nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPP), divisible into anterior (NPPa) and posterior (NPPp) components, showed prominent TH‐immunoreactivity. The majority of TH neurones in NPPa showed axonal extensions to the pituitary and were closely associated with LH cells. The NPPa also appeared to be the site for intense interaction between NPY and DA because it contains a rich network of NPY fibres and few immunoreactive cells. Approximately 89.7 ± 1.5% TH neurones in NPPa were contacted by NPY fibres. Superfused POA slices treated with a NPY Y2‐receptor agonist, NPY 13‐36 resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in TH‐immunoreactivity in NPPa. TH neurones in NPPa did not respond to NPY Y1‐receptor agonist, [Leu31, Pro34] Neuropeptide Y treatment. We suggest that, by inhibiting DAergic neurones in NPPa via Y2‐receptors, NPY may contribute to the up‐regulation of the GnRH–LH cells axis. The microcircuitry of DA and NPY and their interaction in NPPa might be a crucial component in the central regulation of LH secretion in the teleosts.
The mediating effect of psychological distress on functional dependence in stroke patients
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chuan , Huang Li‐Kai , Hu Chaur‐Jong , Chang Chien‐Hung , Lee Hsin‐Chien , Chi Nai‐Fang , Shyu Meei‐Ling , Chang Hsiu‐Ju 
Published: April 2014

Aims and objectivesTo explore varied forms of psychological distress and to determine the mediating influence of psychological distress on functional outcomes in stroke patients.BackgroundPrevious studies attest to the influence of depression on poststroke functional recovery. While there is evidence for neuropathological deficits that occur after stroke to be associated with psychological distress, few studies have explored the effect of various types of psychological distress on functional recovery.DesignA cross‐sectional study was used.MethodsData were collected from 178 first‐time stroke patients. Study variables included demographic and disease characteristics (stroke location and stroke syndrome classification), psychological distress (the Chinese language version of the Emotional and Social Dysfunction Questionnaire) and functional outcome (Barthel index). Regression and mediation models were used to evaluate the effect of psychological distress on functional outcome.ResultsResults revealed that stroke patients experience various forms of mild psychological distress, including anger, helplessness, emotional dyscontrol, indifference, inertia and euphoria, after stroke. Regression and mediation analyses further confirmed that various forms of psychological distress significantly mediated the effect of severe stroke syndromes on functional dependence.ConclusionThe various forms of psychological distress after stroke might play a mediating role in functional recovery and explain how stroke severity affects functional dependence.Relevance to clinical practiceBy understanding the nature of various forms of psychological distress, healthcare professionals should adopt appropriate assessment instruments and design effective interventions to help improve mental and physical function of stroke patients.
Relationship between self‐reported sleep bruxism and pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Blanco Aguilera A. , Gonzalez Lopez L. , Blanco Aguilera E. , De la Hoz Aizpurua J. L. , Rodriguez Torronteras A. , Segura Saint‐Gerons R. , Blanco Hungría A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between self‐reported sleep bruxism and the age, gender, clinical subtypes of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), pain intensity and grade of chronic pain in patients previously diagnosed with TMD. Thousand two‐hundred and twenty patients of the Andalusian Health Service were examined using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were those included in the RDC/TMD criteria. The bruxism diagnosis was drawn from the question, ‘Have you been told, or do you notice that you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while sleeping at night?’ in the anamnestic portion of the questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was conducted, comparing the presence of perceived parafunctional activity with age (over age 60 and under age 60), gender, different subtypes of TMD, pain intensity, grade of chronic pain and presence of self‐perceived locked joints. The overall prevalence of self‐reported sleep bruxism (SB) was 54·51%. A statistically significant association was found between the presence of SB and patients under age 60, women, greater pain intensity, greater pain interference with activities of daily living, and the axis‐I groups affected by both muscular and articular pathology. There is a statistically significant association between self‐reported sleep bruxism and women under age 60 who have painful symptoms of TMD. There is also a positive association between this parafunctional habit and the presence of chronic pain. However, more studies that cover larger samples and differentiate between sleep bruxism and awake bruxism are needed.