bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Directness and tempo of avian seed dispersal increases emergence of wild chiltepins in desert grasslands
Authors: Carlo Tomás A. , Tewksbury Joshua J. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Seed dispersal is thought to be unpredictable and outside a plant's control. But directed seed dispersal by mutualistic birds can increase probabilities of germination and survival by the non‐random deposition of seeds in suitable microhabitats.

In the Sonoran Desert grasslands of southern Arizona (USA), bird‐dispersed wild chiltepin peppers (Capscium annuum var. glabriusculum) grow in non‐random association under bird‐dispersed nurse trees and shrubs that serve as perches. We tested the hypothesis that the pattern is maintained by directional avian seed‐dispersal patterns. Alternatively, post‐dispersal processes, such as differential seed predation and seedling mortality, could create the associations.

For 3 years, we sampled the bird‐generated seed rain under desert trees in four chiltepin subpopulations, comparing seed dispersal into microhabitats of fleshy‐fruited trees and non‐fleshy‐fruited trees. Celtis pallida (fleshy‐fruited) and Prosopis vellutina (non‐fleshy‐fruited) trees accounted for > 90% of the cover available for chiltepin recruitment. We tracked seedling emergence and survival in the two microhabitats and conducted a controlled seed‐addition experiment to measure the effects of microhabitat, seed‐addition density and temporal seed deposition on chiltepin emergence, growth and survival.

Approximately twice as many bird‐dispersed seeds arrived at fleshy‐fruited microhabitats compared with non‐fleshy microhabitats. The numbers of seeds arriving and the number of seedlings emerging in microhabitats the following year were positively correlated. Survival of naturally emerged seedlings was similar at both microhabitats, but the seed‐addition experiment revealed that more seeds are able to emerge under the denser foliage of fleshy‐fruited microhabitats. The experiment also shows a significant effect of temporal deposition: when seeds were added gradually in a microhabitat (emulating repeated avian seed deposition under perches) instead of all at once, seedling emergence increased twofold on average.

Synthesis: Birds dispersed disproportionally high quantities of chiltepin seeds into favourable recruitment microhabitats, showing a case of directed dispersal. Birds also increase seedling emergence through the temporal deposition of seeds under fleshy‐fruited trees, most likely as a result of reducing the odds of seed predation. A coupling between directed seed dispersal with classic facilitative plant–plant interactions leads to the formation of pattern and self‐organization in a plant community.
Community assembly by limiting similarity vs. competitive hierarchies: testing the consequences of dispersion of individual traits
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Goldberg Deborah E. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

The degree of dispersion of trait values among species in a community has frequently been used to infer processes of community assembly. However, multiple assembly processes can lead to the same pattern of trait dispersion or the same process can lead to different patterns of dispersion. In particular, competitive processes can lead both to trait overdispersion (if the trait controls niche differentiation and only substantial differences allow coexistence) or to trait underdispersion (if the trait controls position in a competitive hierarchy and only similar values enhance coexistence).

Because different traits are likely to contribute to stabilizing (niche differentiation) and equalizing (competitive hierarchies) mechanisms of coexistence, we compare the role of dispersion of a number of individual traits for species diversity by conducting in silico experiments using field‐parameterized spatially explicit models of communities of clonally growing plants. We manipulate both dispersion and means of different traits and examine consequent changes of species diversity in the whole community. We hypothesize that growth traits, which are directly linked to resource acquisition, are likely related to position in competitive hierarchies and thus diversity and trait dispersion will be negatively associated. In contrast, we hypothesize that architectural traits, which control spatial deployment of new plants and are thus less directly linked to resource acquisition, are more likely to be linked to niche differentiation and thus diversity and trait dispersion will be positively associated.

Individual traits differed considerably in effects of trait dispersion on community diversity. Specifically, increasing dispersion in growth traits often decreased diversity, presumably reflecting widening competitive differences and exclusion of weaker competitors, which is consistent with the action of equalizing mechanisms of species coexistence. In contrast, increasing dispersion in architectural traits either increased diversity or had no effect, which possibly indicates niche‐based mechanisms of diversity maintenance. Changes of community‐wide trait means can have large effects on diversity for a given degree of dispersion, although not usually changing the sign of the relationship.

Synthesis. These results suggest inference of community assembly processes from patterns of trait dispersion without understanding how particular traits function in community assembly may often be misleading. Effects of dispersion of traits that are likely associated with position in a competitive hierarchy are very different from those of traits associated with niche differences.
Fertility treatment, twin births, and unplanned pregnancies in women with eating disorders: findings from a population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Micali N , dos‐Santos‐Silva I , De Stavola B , Steenweg‐de Graaf J , Jaddoe V , Hofman A , Verhulst FC , Steegers EAP , Tiemeier H 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate fertility treatment, twin births, and unplanned pregnancies in pregnant women with eating disorders in a population‐based sample.DesignA longitudinal population‐based birth cohort (Generation R).SettingRotterdam, the Netherlands.SampleWomen from the Generation R study who reported a history of (recent or past) anorexia nervosa (n = 160), bulimia nervosa (n = 265), or both (n = 130), and a history of psychiatric disorders other than eating disorders (n = 1396) were compared with women without psychiatric disorders (n = 4367).MethodsWomen were compared on the studied outcomes using logistic regression. We performed crude and adjusted analyses (adjusting for relevant confounding factors).Main outcome measuresFertility treatment, twin births, unplanned pregnancies, and women's feelings towards unplanned pregnancies.ResultsRelative to women without psychiatric disorders, women with bulimia nervosa had increased odds (odds ratio, OR, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.1–5.2) of having undergone fertility treatment. Women with all eating disorders had increased odds of twin births (anorexia nervosa, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0–7.7; bulimia nervosa, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.6; anorexia and bulimia nervosa, OR 3.795% CI 1.3–10.7). Anorexia nervosa was associated with increased odds of unplanned pregnancies (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.6) and mixed feelings about these pregnancies (adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.7–14.4). Pre‐pregnancy body mass index did not explain the observed associations.ConclusionsEating disorders are associated with increased odds of receiving fertility treatment and twin births. Women with anorexia nervosa were more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy and have mixed feelings about the unplanned pregnancy. Fertility treatment specialists should be aware that both active and past eating disorders (both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) might underlie fertility problems.
The cervical mucus plug inhibits, but does not block, the passage of ascending bacteria from the vagina during pregnancy
Authors: Hansen Lea K. , Becher Naja , Bastholm Sara , Glavind Julie , Ramsing Mette , Kim Chong J. , Romero Roberto , Jensen Jørgen S. , Uldbjerg Niels 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the microbial load and the inflammatory response in the distal and proximal parts of the cervical mucus plug.DesignExperimental research.PopulationTwenty women with a normal, singleton pregnancy.SampleVaginal swabs and specimens from the distal and proximal parts of the cervical mucus plug.MethodsImmunohistochemistry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histology.ResultsThe total bacterial load (16S rDNA) was significantly lower in the cervical mucus plug compared with the vagina (p = 0.001). Among women harboring Ureaplasma parvum, the median genome equivalents/g were 1574 (interquartile range 2526) in the proximal part, 657 (interquartile range 1620) in the distal part and 60 240 (interquartile range 96 386) in the vagina. Histological examinations and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed considerable amounts of lactobacilli and inflammatory cells in both parts of the cervical mucus plug. The matrix metalloproteinase‐8 concentration was decreased in the proximal part of the plug compared with the distal part (p = 0.08).ConclusionThe cervical mucus plug inhibits, but does not block, the passage of Ureaplasma parvum during its ascending route from the vagina through the cervical canal.
1 Home Turf: Archaeology, Territoriality, and Politics
Authors: VanValkenburgh Parker , Osborne James F. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTArchaeological studies of political life have often assumed that the control of territory is an inherent aspect of social power, particularly within complex polities. Frustration with the rigid territorialism of archaeological approaches to politics has fostered enthusiasm for alternative models of political space, including networks. While we concur with this frustration, we argue that territorial models should still be integral to archaeological studies of political landscapes. However, archaeologists should reframe the control of territory as one of many modalities through which authority can be claimed and reproduced and focus attention on variability in territorial patterns and processes. In this introduction, we review previous approaches to territoriality in anthropology and corollary fields, outline dimensions of variability in territorial behaviors and institutions, and provide a foundation for the series of essays in this volume, which collectively seek to invigorate the study of territoriality in anthropological archaeology. [territoriality, archaeological theory, landscape archaeology]
6 Monumentality, Territoriality, and Networks during the Middle Preclassic in Northwest Honduras
Authors: Urban Patricia , Schortman Edward 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWe propose that relations among hierarchy, political centralization, monumentality, and territoriality are mediated through the actions of people organized in social networks. The ways in which conceptual and tangible assets are continually mobilized within these overlapping webs shape and challenge political formations operating on multiple spatial scales. This network approach to the study of political form and change is used to disentangle the complex relations among power and place that characterized political relations in two adjoining portions of northwest Honduras during the Middle Preclassic (1200–200 B.C.E.). Attention is particularly directed to the variable success enjoyed by would‐be magnates as they sought to mobilize local assets in the form of arable land, perennial water sources, labor, and material styles to fashion hierarchically structured webs focused on specific monumental centers. The implications of this study for understanding ancient political geography are reviewed. [social networks, power contests, Mesoamerica, Middle Preclassic, monumental architecture]
Zinc Protects Human Kidney Cells from Depleted Uranium‐induced Apoptosis
Authors: Hao Yuhui , Ren Jiong , Liu Cong , Li Hong , Liu Jing , Yang Zhangyou , Li Rong , Su Yongping 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDepleted uranium (DU) is a weak radioactive heavy metal, and zinc (Zn) is an effective antidote to heavy metal poisoning. However, the effect of Zn on DU‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zn on DU‐induced cell apoptosis in human kidney cells (HK‐2) and explore its molecular mechanism. Pre‐treatment with Zn significantly inhibited DU‐induced apoptosis. It reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species in the cells, increased the catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, suppressed the DU‐induced soluble Fas receptor (sFasR) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) overexpression, suppressed the release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inhibitor factor (AIF) from mitochondria to cytoplasm, inhibited the activation of caspase‐9, caspase‐8 and caspase‐3, and induced metallothionein (MT) expression. Furthermore, exogenous MT effectively inhibited DU‐induced cell apoptosis. In conclusion, mitochondrial and FasR‐mediated apoptosis pathways contribute to DU‐induced apoptosis in HK‐2 cells. Through independent mechanisms, such as indirect antioxidant effects, inhibition of the activation of caspase‐9, caspase‐8 and caspase‐3, and induction of MT expression, Zn inhibits DU‐induced apoptosis.
Sex differences in rates of obesity in bipolar disorder: postulated mechanisms
Authors: Baskaran Anusha , Cha Danielle S , Powell Alissa M , Jalil Dalya , McIntyre Roger S 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThe increased standardized mortality ratio (SMR) from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with bipolar disorder (BD), relative to men with BD and individuals of both sexes in the general population, provides the impetus to identify factors that contribute to the differential association of obesity with BD in women.MethodsWe conducted a selective PubMed search of English‐language articles published from September 1990 to June 2012. The key search terms were bipolar disorder and metabolic syndrome cross‐referenced with gender, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The search was supplemented with a manual review of relevant article reference lists. Articles selected for review were based on author consensus, the use of a standardized experimental procedure, validated assessment measures, and overall manuscript quality.ResultsIt is amply documented that adults with BD are affected by the metabolic syndrome at a rate higher than the general population. Women with BD, when compared to men with BD and individuals of both sexes in the general population, have higher rates of abdominal obesity. The course and clinical presentation of BD manifest differently in men and women, wherein women exhibit a higher frequency of depression predominant illness, a later onset of BD, more seasonal variations in mood disturbance, and increased susceptibility to relapse. Phenomenological factors can be expanded to include differences in patterns of comorbidity between the sexes among patients with BD. Other factors that contribute to the increased risk for abdominal obesity in female individuals with BD include reproductive life events, anamnestic (e.g., sexual and/or physical abuse), lifestyle, and iatrogenic.ConclusionsA confluence of factors broadly categorized as broad‐ and sex‐based subserve the increased rate of obesity in women with BD. It remains a testable hypothesis that the increased abdominal obesity in women with BD mediates the increased SMR from CVD. A clinical recommendation that emerges from this review is amplified attention to the appearance, or history, of factors that conspire to increase obesity in female patients with BD.
Implementation of the Exeter Enhanced Recovery Programme for patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Dutton Thomas J. , Daugherty Mark O. , Mason Robert G. , McGrath John S. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives
To describe our experience with the implementation and refinement of an enhanced recovery programme (ERP) for radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion.
To assess the impact on length of stay (LOS), complication and readmission rates.
Patients and Methods
In all, 165 consecutive patients undergoing open RC (ORC) and urinary diversion between January 2008 and April 2013 were entered into an ERP.
A retrospective case note review was undertaken.
Outcomes recorded included LOS, time to mobilisation, complication rates within the first 30 days (Clavien‐Dindo classification) and readmissions.
Results
All patients were successfully entered into the ERP.
As enhanced recovery principles became embedded in the unit, LOS reduced from a mean of 14 days over the initial year of the ERP to a mean of 9.2 days.
The complication rate was 6.6% for Clavien ≥3, and 43.5% for Clavien ≤2. The 30‐day mortality rate was 1.2%.
The 30‐day readmission rate was 13.9%.
In the most contemporary subset of 52 patients: the median time after ORC to sit out of bed, mobilise and open bowels was day 1, 2 and 6, respectively.
Conclusions
The ERP described for patients undergoing ORC appears to be safe.
Benefits include early feeding, mobilisation and hospital discharge.
The ERP will continue to develop with the incorporation of advancing evidence and technology, in particular the introduction of robot‐assisted RC.
Effect of phacoemulsification on trabeculectomy function
Authors: Nguyen Dan Q , Niyadurupola Nuwan , Tapp Robyn J , O'Connell Rachael A , Coote Michael A , Crowston Jonathan G 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on trabeculectomy function.DesignRetrospective case–control study.ParticipantsForty‐eight patients who underwent trabeculectomy surgery and had at least 2 years of follow up.MethodsPatients were classified into two groups: patients who had phacoemulsification subsequent to trabeculectomy (Trab_phaco, n = 18) and patients who were pseudophakic for greater than 6 months preceding their trabeculectomy (Phaco_trab, n = 30). Groups were matched for length of follow up of 2 years from time of trabeculectomy.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measures were target intraocular pressure of criteria A, ≤12 mmHg; B, ≤15 mmHg; C, ≤18 mmHg with or without additional topical treatment. A separate measure for bleb function failure was also used; with failure defined as the need for additional topical antiglaucoma therapy or surgical intervention to achieve control of intraocular pressure.ResultsThere was no significant difference in achieving each intraocular pressure criterion between groups (12 months, P = 1.0; 24 months, P = 0.330). In the first 12 months, significantly more trabeculectomies in the Trab_phaco group failed, requiring additional intervention to control the IOP (39%) compared with the Phaco_trab (10%) group (P = 0.028). Although this trend continued at 24 months, there were no significant differences in failure rates (P = 0.522).ConclusionsPhacoemulsification performed after trabeculectomy significantly increased rates of bleb failure in the following 12 months but not at 24 months.
Cell‐mediatedBMP‐2 release from a novel dual‐drug delivery system promotes bone formation
Authors: Liu Tie , Wu Gang , Zheng Yuanna , Wismeijer Daniel , Everts Vincent , Liu Yuelian 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, a novel biomimetic calcium phosphate bone substitute (BioCaP) is introduced as a dual‐drug release system with two drug/protein delivery modes: protein is incorporated into (i) the interior ofBioCaP(an internal depot); and (ii) a superficial calcium phosphate coating onBioCaP(a surface‐coated depot). Our aim is to investigate each of the two delivery modes ofBioCaP. Our hypotheses are that (i) both of the drug delivery modes, inin vitroas well asin vivoenvironment, can achieve a sustained cell‐mediated protein release; and (ii)BioCaPwith these two delivery modes with incorporated bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) promotes bone formation.Materials and MethodsTablets ofBioCaPwere prepared with different carrying modes using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model protein. The release of this protein was analysed (n = 6 per group). Granules ofBioCaPwith different carrying modes ofBMP‐2 were implanted subcutaneously in rats (n = 6 animals per group). Samples were collected after 5 weeks for histomorphometric analysis.ResultsIn vitrodata showed that the internal and surface‐coated depots ofBSAresulted in a sustained osteoclast‐mediated release, while the adsorbedBSAwas rapidly released, and this release was not affected by osteoclasts.In vivodata showed that the volume densities of bone, bone marrow, and blood vessels were significantly higher in samples whereBMP‐2 was incorporated internally or in the coating compared with granules with adsorbed growth factor. Osteoclast‐like cells were associated with the granules, and resorption lacunae were frequently observed.ConclusionIt is shown that different modes of incorporation ofBMP‐2 on and in BioCaP granules have a beneficial effect on the formation of ectopic bone. This dual‐drug release system makes BioCaP granule a promising tool for delivering multiple therapeutic agents for different clinical applications.
Effect of implementing the 5As of Obesity Management framework on provider–patient interactions in primary care
Authors: Rueda‐Clausen C. F. , Benterud E. , Bond T. , Olszowka R. , Vallis M. T. , Sharma A. M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
Obesity counselling in primary care is positively associated with self‐reported behaviour change in patients with obesity.
Obesity counselling is rare, and when it does occur, it is often of low quality because of poor training and/or competency of providers' obesity management, lack of time and economical disincentives, and negative attitude towards obesity and obesity management.
5As frameworks are routinely used for behaviour‐change counselling and addiction management (e.g. smoking cessation), but few studies have examined its efficacy for weight management.
What this study adds
This study presents pilot data from the implementation and evaluation of an obesity management tool (5As of Obesity Management developed by the Canadian Obesity Network) in a primary care setting.
Results show that the tool facilitates weight management in primary care by promoting physician–patient communications, medical assessments for obesity and plans for follow‐up care.
Obesity remains poorly managed in primary care. The 5As of Obesity Management is a theory‐driven, evidence‐based minimal intervention designed to facilitate obesity counselling and management by primary care practitioners. This project tested the impact of implementing this tool in primary care clinics. Electronic self‐administered surveys were completed by pre‐screened obese subjects at the end of their appointments in four primary care clinics (over 25 healthcare providers [HCPs]). These measurements were performed before (baseline, n = 51) and 1 month after implementing the 5As of Obesity Management (post‐intervention, n = 51). Intervention consisted of one online training session (90 min) and distribution of the 5As toolkit to HCPs of participating clinics. Subjects completing the survey before and after the intervention were comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, satisfaction and self‐reported health status (P > 0.2). Implementing the 5As of Obesity Management resulted in a twofold increase in the initiation of obesity management (19 vs. 39%, P = 0.03), and caused a statistically significant increase in the perceived follow‐up/coordination efforts (self‐reported Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care components, 45 ± 22 vs. 67 ± 12 points, P = 0.002), as well as two components of the 5As framework: Assess (50 ± 29 vs. 66 ± 15 points, P = 0.03) and Assist (54 ± 26 vs. 72 ± 13 points, P = 0.01). Our results suggest that using the 5As of Obesity Management facilitates weight management in primary care by promoting physician–patient communications, medical assessments for obesity and plans for follow‐up care.