bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic niche conservatism – common pitfalls and ways forward
Authors: Münkemüller Tamara , Boucher Florian C. , Thuiller Wilfried , Lavergne Sébastien 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe prevalence of phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) in nature is still a conflicting issue. Disagreement arises from confusion over its precise definition and the variety of approaches to measure its prevalence. Recent work highlighted that common measures ofPNCstrongly depend on the assumptions of the underlying model of niche evolution. However, this warning has not been well recognized in the applied literature and questionable approaches are still frequently applied.The aim of this study is to draw attention to the assumptions underlying commonly applied simple measures ofPNC. We used a series of simulations to illustrate how misleading results can be if assumptions of niche evolution are violated, that the violation of assumptions is a common phenomenon and that testing assumptions requires in‐depth pretest.We conclude that the seemingly simple measures ofPNC, such as phylogenetic signal (PS) and evolutionary rate, are not so easy to apply if one accounts for the necessity to test model assumptions. In addition, these measures can be difficult to interpret. The common assumption that strong PS indicatesPNCwill be often invalid. In addition, the interpretation of some measures, for example the conclusion that evolutionary rate is slow enough to indicatePNC, requires a comparison with another clade, another trait or well‐developed null model assumptions and thus additional data.We suggest that studies investigatingPNCshould always compare alternative evolutionary models and that model comparisons should in particular include flexible niche evolution models such as multiple‐optimaOUmodels, although these are computational intensive. These models are directly inherited from the concept of macroevolutionary adaptive landscape and can indicatePNCeither by relative few peak shifts or by narrow peaks in the adaptive landscape. A test ofPNCthus requires comparing these parameters of the macroevolutionary landscape between clades or time periods.The general prevalence ofPNCin nature should be evaluated only based on studies keeping up to the high standards of communicating the used definition ofPNC, testing the assumptions made in the modelling approaches and including newly developed models in a model comparison approach.
Cruising the rain forest floor: butterfly wing shape evolution and gliding in ground effect
Authors: Cespedes Ann , Penz Carla M. , DeVries Philip J. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Flight is a key innovation in the evolutionary success of insects and essential to dispersal, territoriality, courtship and oviposition. Wing shape influences flight performance and selection likely acts to maximize performance for conducting essential behaviours that in turn results in the evolution of wing shape. As wing shape also contributes to fitness, optimal shapes for particular flight behaviours can be assessed with aerodynamic predictions and placed in an ecomorphological context.

Butterflies in the tribe Haeterini (Nymphalidae) are conspicuous members of understorey faunas in lowland Neotropical forests. Field observations indicate that the five genera in this clade differ in flight height and behaviour: four use gliding flight at the forest floor level, and one utilizes flapping flight above the forest floor. Nonetheless, the association of ground level gliding flight behaviour and wing shape has never been investigated in this or any other butterfly group.

We used landmark‐based geometric morphometrics to test whether wing shapes in Haeterini and their close relatives reflected observed flight behaviours. Four genera of Haeterini and some distantly related Satyrinae showed significant correspondence between wing shape and theoretical expectations in performance trade‐offs that we attribute to selection for gliding in ground effect. Forewing shape differed between sexes for all taxa, and male wing shapes were aerodynamically more efficient for gliding flight than corresponding females. This suggests selection acts differentially on male and female wing shapes, reinforcing the idea that sex‐specific flight behaviours contribute to the evolution of sexual dimorphism.

Our study indicates that wing shapes in Haeterini butterflies evolved in response to habitat‐specific flight behaviours, namely gliding in ground effect along the forest floor, resulting in ecomorphological partitions of taxa in morphospace. The convergent flight behaviour and wing morphology between tribes of Satyrinae suggest that the flight environment may offset phylogenetic constraints. Overall, this study provides a basis for exploring similar patterns of wing shape evolution in other taxa that glide in ground effect.
Erosion of beta diversity under interacting global change impacts in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Eskelinen Anu , Harrison Susan 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Human impacts are often thought of as homogenizing natural communities, but it is unclear how these impacts interact to alter the beta diversity (spatial variability) of plant communities.

In a grassland with high beta diversity along a soil fertility gradient, we asked which combinations of nutrient enrichment, precipitation enhancement and disturbance would homogenize communities along the gradient by allowing dominant species from one part of the gradient to increase their abundances in other parts of the gradient. In particular, joint addition of nutrients and water might especially benefit resource‐acquisitive and/or exotic species, which have been observed to compete well in resource‐rich conditions; this would tend to reduce variation in species composition across the gradient. To alleviate dispersal limitation as a constraint on treatment responses, we added seeds of 15 species abundant in different parts of the soil fertility gradient to our 132 plots.

Fertilization and water addition allowed species from fertile soils to increase their abundance in infertile soils, an effect that strengthened with time. Disturbance permitted species from infertile soils to increase in abundance in infertile soils, but only transiently. Plant height, specific leaf area and exotic status best predicted the abilities of species to attain greater cover in harsh habitats under ameliorated conditions. Among‐habitat beta diversity of seeded species was reduced by the interactive effect of fertilization and watering, although not by watering alone.

Synthesis. Our findings are a novel demonstration of how interacting global change factors reduce beta diversity by eroding the biotic and abiotic resistances that control community structure along soil fertility gradients.
The development and validation of a method for quantifying olanzapine in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Cavalcanti Bedor Noely Camila Tavares , Galindo Bedor Danilo César , Miranda de Sousa Carlos Eduardo , Nunes Bonifácio Felipe , da Mota Castelo Branco Daniel , Bastos Leal Leila , Pereira de Santana Davi 
Published: December 2014

Summary

A rapid method using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of olanzapine (OLZ) in human plasma was developed and validated. Venlafaxine was used as the internal standard (IS), and the samples were extracted from 400‐μL human plasma with methyl tert‐butyl ether for liquid–liquid extraction.

Chromatography was performed using an ACE C18, 125 × 4.6‐mm i.d., 5‐μm column. The mobile phase consisted of water with 0.1% formic acid for solvent A and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid for solvent B (50 : 50 v/v) in isocratic mode. The flow rate was 1.2 mL/min. The retention times for OLZ and the IS were 0.78 and 1.04 min, respectively. Tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring was used to detect OLZ and the IS (m/z: 313.1 > 256.1 and 278.1 > 260.2, respectively).

No significant matrix effects were observed on OLZ and the IS retention times, and the mean recovery of OLZ was 90.08%. The assay was linear in the concentration range of 1–20 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9976). The intra‐ and inter‐day precision were < 11.60% and the accuracy was < 1.66%.

This validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in which 10‐mg OLZ tablets were administered to healthy volunteers and their plasma OLZ levels were monitored over time. The tests showed that the OLZ test and reference drug (Zyprexa®) were bioequivalent, as 90% of the confidence intervals were within the 80–125% interval proposed by regulatory agencies.
Drivers of Inpatient Hospital Experience Using the HCAHPS Survey in a Canadian Setting
Authors: Kemp Kyle A. , Chan Nancy , McCormack Brandi , Douglas‐England Kathleen 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with patients’ overall rating of inpatient hospital care.Data SourcesTwo years of patient interview data (April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013), linked to inpatient administrative records.Study DesignPatients rated their overall health on a scale of 0 (worst care) to 10 (best care) using the HCAHPS instrument administered via telephone, up to 42 days postdischarge. Logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios for each independent predictor.Data ExtractionHCAHPS data were linked to inpatient records based on health care numbers and dates of service. The outcome (overall health experience) was collapsed into two groups (10 vs. 0–9).Principal FindingsOverall hospital experience of 0–9 was associated with younger age, male gender, higher level of education, being born in Canada, urgent admission, not having a family practitioner as the most responsible provider service, and not being discharged home. A length of stay of less than 3 days was protective. The c‐statistic for the multivariate model was 0.635.ConclusionsOur results are novel in the Canadian population. Several questions for future research have been generated, in addition to opportunities for quality improvement within our own organization.
Assessing the Implications of a Structured Decision‐Making Tool for Recidivism in a Statewide Analysis
Authors: Baglivio Michael T. , Greenwald Mark A. , Russell Mark 
Published: December 2014

Research SummaryThe Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has implemented a disposition matrix to guide recommendations made by juvenile probation officers to the court. This study examines whether recidivism rates for dispositions/placements made within the suggested range of this matrix differ from those outside of the suggested range. Using a sample of 38,117 juvenile offenders, we found that the dispositions/placements within the suggested range had an average recidivism rate of 19.4%, whereas those whose dispositions were outside the range had an average recidivism rate twice as high (38.7%). Furthermore, dispositions/placements that were the least restrictive option within the suggested range performed best. Dispositions above the suggested range (more restrictive) performed poorly, although those below the suggested range (less restrictive than suggested) performed the worst. These results held for males and females, across race/ethnicity, and across risk to reoffend levels.Policy ImplicationsImplementation of structured decision‐making tools leads to questions from stakeholders and front‐line staff charged with using those tools regarding their effectiveness. Research and theory‐based justifications do not hold the weight actual data from the implementation population provide. These tools help control costs, facilitate planning, and can improve outcomes. Monthly monitoring of adherence rates, development of override and management oversight protocols, and regular feedback to front‐line staff are critical components of success.
Selection of Autochthonous Strains as Starter Cultures for Fermented Fish Products
Authors: Speranza Barbara , Racioppo Angela , Bevilacqua Antonio , Beneduce Luciano , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper was the 1st research focusing on the design of a halophilic lactic starter for the production of fermented fish products using a quantitative approach, based on the evaluation of the growth index and acidification score, as well as on the use of a multivariate approach to select the most promising strains. Fifty‐nine strains were randomly selected from salted fish and phenotypically characterized through Gram staining, catalase activity, glucose metabolism, H2S and indole production, nitrate reduction, citrate utilization, and hydrolysis of arginine, esculin, casein, gelatin, starch, Tween 80, and urea. Then the Gram positive isolates (44 out of 59) were studied for their growth at different temperatures (10, 25, 40, and 55 °C), salt (0%, 20%, and 30%), pHs (4.5 and 9.5), and acidification score in lab medium. Data were modelled through growth index and used as input to run a preliminary cluster analysis and a principal component analysis. Three promising strains were selected, identified as members of the genus Pediococcus and used for the validation at laboratory level through the assessment of their performances in the production of a fermented fish sauce. The results were really promising as their use not only reduced the fermentation time (2 d) but also improved the microbiological quality of the final product. This paper represents a 1st report on the use of a simple step‐by‐step methodology to select promising halophilic strains for the optimization of a starter for fish‐fermented products.
Power analysis for generalized linear mixed models in ecology and evolution
Authors: Johnson Paul C. D. , Barry Sarah J. E. , Ferguson Heather M. , Müller Pie 
Published: December 2014

Summary

‘Will my study answer my research question?’ is the most fundamental question a researcher can ask when designing a study, yet when phrased in statistical terms – ‘What is the power of my study?’ or ‘How precise will my parameter estimate be?’ – few researchers in ecology and evolution (EE) try to answer it, despite the detrimental consequences of performing under‐ or over‐powered research. We suggest that this reluctance is due in large part to the unsuitability of simple methods of power analysis (broadly defined as any attempt to quantify prospectively the ‘informativeness’ of a study) for the complex models commonly used in EE research. With the aim of encouraging the use of power analysis, we present simulation from generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) as a flexible and accessible approach to power analysis that can account for random effects, overdispersion and diverse response distributions.

We illustrate the benefits of simulation‐based power analysis in two research scenarios: estimating the precision of a survey to estimate tick burdens on grouse chicks and estimating the power of a trial to compare the efficacy of insecticide‐treated nets in malaria mosquito control. We provide a freely available R function, sim.glmm, for simulating from GLMMs.

Analysis of simulated data revealed that the effects of accounting for realistic levels of random effects and overdispersion on power and precision estimates were substantial, with correspondingly severe implications for study design in the form of up to fivefold increases in sampling effort. We also show the utility of simulations for identifying scenarios where GLMM‐fitting methods can perform poorly.

These results illustrate the inadequacy of standard analytical power analysis methods and the flexibility of simulation‐based power analysis for GLMMs. The wider use of these methods should contribute to improving the quality of study design in EE.
Exposure to point‐of‐sale displays and changes in susceptibility to smoking: findings from a cohort study of school students
Authors: Bogdanovica Ilze , Szatkowski Lisa , McNeill Ann , Spanopoulos Dionysis , Britton John 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate the association between frequency of visiting shops and noticing of tobacco point‐of‐sale (PoS) displays and the development of susceptibility to smoking, or smoking uptake, in secondary school students.DesignTwo surveys of a school based cohort study carried out in 2011 and 2012.SettingsNottinghamshire, UK.ParticipantsA total of 2270 children aged 11–16 years from eight schools in Nottinghamshire.MeasurementsWe investigated changes in susceptibility to smoking and smoking status in relation to frequency of visiting shops and noticing PoS displays and number of tobacco brands recognized, controlling for a range of potential confounders. Susceptibility to smoking was defined using a set of three questions covering intentions to try smoking, to smoke within the next year and likelihood of smoking if a best friend offered a cigarette. For the analysis we used multinomial logistic regression.FindingsAmong non‐susceptible never smokers, noticing PoS displays more frequently was associated independently with an increased risk of becoming susceptible to smoking [adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.74; 99% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–2.69], but was not associated with smoking uptake. Recognizing a higher number of brands among non‐susceptible never smokers doubled the risk of becoming susceptible to smoking and of becoming a smoker, but this did not have a significant effect on transition to smoking among susceptible never smokers. Frequency of noticing tobacco PoS displays was not associated significantly with smoking uptake among those who were susceptible never smokers at baseline.ConclusionsNoticing tobacco point‐of‐sale displays more often and recognizing a higher number of tobacco brands is associated with an increased risk of becoming susceptible to smoking among adolescents in the United Kingdom, and recognizing a higher number of brands is associated positively with an increased risk of smoking uptake.
Assessment of sexual health and sexual needs in residential aged care
Authors: McAuliffe Linda , Bauer Michael , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Chenco Carol 
Published: December 2014

AimTo investigate if, when and how assessments regarding residents' sexual health and needs occur within Australian residential aged care facilities.MethodA census of all Australian residential aged care facilities was conducted. A survey developed specifically for the project was posted to all 2766 residential aged care services in Australia. Eight weeks were allowed for the return of surveys.ResultsA total of 1094 completed surveys were returned, representing a 39.7% response rate. The type of information most often collected concerned disruptive sexual behaviour, and assessments most frequently occurred following disruptive behaviour. One‐quarter of facilities reported having a sexual health/needs assessment form, although only 10 facilities provided evidence of this.ConclusionSurvey responses indicated that sexual health and needs are not routinely assessed in residential aged care, and facilities do not commonly have a dedicated sexual health/needs assessment form to guide them through an assessment process.
Th17‐ and Treg‐related cytokine and mRNA expression are associated with acute and resolving Kawasaki disease
Authors: Guo M. M.‐H. , Tseng W.‐N. , Ko C.‐H. , Pan H.‐M. , Hsieh K.‐S. , Kuo H.‐C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundKawasaki disease is a vasculitis most commonly afflicting children <5 years of age. Many autoimmune diseases are associated with up‐regulation of T helper (Th) 17 cells, and down‐regulation Treg cells. Few studies have examined the Th17/Treg expression in Kawasaki disease.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from 186 children with Kawasaki disease at 24 h before IVIG therapy, followed by 3 days and 21 days after IVIG therapy. Thirty children with an acute febrile infectious disease and 30 healthy children were obtained as control. Plasma levels of Th17‐ and Treg‐related cytokines including IL‐6, IL‐17A, IL‐10, TGF‐β, and mRNA expression levels of RORγt and Foxp3 were tested.ResultsPatients with Kawasaki disease had higher levels of plasma IL‐17A (25.35 ± 3.21 vs 7.78 ± 1.78 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and IL‐6 (152.29 ± 21.94 vs 38.63 ± 12.40 pg/ml, P < 0.001) when compared to the febrile control group. IVIG resulted in a reduction in IL‐6 and IL‐17A at both 3 and 21 days after IVIG therapy. FoxP3 levels increased significantly 3 days after IVIG therapy (2.28 ± 0.34 vs 0.88 ± 0.14, P < 0.001). IVIG resistance was associated with higher levels of IL‐10 and IL‐17A.ConclusionKawasaki disease was associated with higher IL‐17A and IL‐6, a cytokine profile similar to other autoimmune diseases. IVIG therapy resulted in increased expression of Treg‐related FoxP3. IVIG resistance was associated with higher levels of IL‐10 and IL‐17A. Our findings provide further evidence that Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune‐like disease.
Retinal fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy measures depend on the severity of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jentsch Susanne , Schweitzer Dietrich , Schmidtke Kai‐Uwe , Peters Sven , Dawczynski Jens , Bär Karl‐Jürgen , Hammer Martin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine alterations in the retina of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the newly developed technique of fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) in a pilot study.MethodsFLIO set‐up uses a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA2, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany), which was modified by the use of an excitation pulse laser BLD440 (Becker&Hickl, Berlin, Germany) and detection of fluorescence lifetime by time‐correlated single photon counting (TCSPC; Becker&Hickl) in two spectral channels (channel 1: 490–560 nm, channel 2: 560–700 nm). Least square fit of three exponential functions was used for fluorescence decay analysis. That resulted in three fluorescent components with lifetimes τi, amplitudes αi and relative contributions Qi. 16 patients with AD (mean age 77.2 ± 7.0 years) were investigated. After regular ophthalmic investigation, FLIO examination and OCT examination were performed. Alzheimer‐specific clinical data were collected (MMSE, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of amyloid‐β (1‐42), total‐tau and phosphorylated tau181 (p‐tau181) protein).ResultsThe FLIO parameters of the second fluorescent component α2 and Q2 (channel 2) correlated significantly with MMSE score (Q2, R = −0.757, p = 0.007; α2, R = −0.618, p = 0.043) as well as p‐tau181‐protein concentration in CSF (Q2, R = 0.919, p = 0.009; α2, R = 0.881, p = 0.020) in patients with AD. OCT measurements of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, optic disc excavation and macular thickness neither correlated with Alzheimer‐specific CSF data nor MMSE score.ConclusionsUnlike conventional techniques, such as OCT, the new technique of FLIO revealed changes in the retina of patients with AD in relation to Alzheimer‐specific markers in this pilot study.
Influence of race and crossbreeding on casein micelles size
Authors: Freitas Denise R. , Fonseca Leorges M. , Souza Fernando N. , Ladeira Cristiane V. G. , Diniz Soraia A. , Haddad João Paulo A. , Ferreira Diêgo S. , Santoro Marcelo M. , Cerqueira Mônica M. O. P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCasein (CN) micelles are colloidal aggregates of protein dispersed in milk, the importance of which in the dairy industry is related to functionality and yield in dairy products. The objective of this work was to investigate the correlation of milk CN micelles diameter from Holstein and Zebu crossbreds with milk composition (protein, fat, lactose, total and nonfat solids and milk urea nitrogen), somatic cell count (SCC), age, lactation stage and production. Average casein micelles diameters of milk samples obtained from 200 cows were measured using photon correlation spectroscopy and multiple regression analysis was used to find relationship between variables. CN micelle diameter, SCC and nonfat solids were different between animals with different Holstein crossbreed ratios, which suggests influence of genetic factors, mammary gland health and milk composition. Overall, results indicate the potential use of CN micelle diameter as a tool to select animals to produce milk more suitable to cheese production.