bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tenebrionid beetle distributional patterns in Italy: multiple colonisation trajectories in a biogeographical crossroad
Authors: Fattorini Simone 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Placed in the centre of the Mediterranean Basin, Italy is a complex biogeographical crossroad between North Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and North Africa.

The distribution of 280 species and subspecies of tenebrionid beetles in 17 Italian natural regions was used to study the influence of climatic, spatial and historical (palaeogeographical and palaeoecological) factors on current patterns of species richness, endemism and turnover (i.e. inter‐regional biogeographical differences).

In accordance with the general latitudinal pattern of biodiversity in Europe, both tenebrionid richness and endemism increase southwards, in response to variations in rainfall and temperatures, as expected for thermo‐xerophilic animals. Turnover was correlated with both inter‐regional climatic dissimilarities and geographical distances. The importance of spatial relationships independent from climate, but consistent with palaeogeographical and palaeoecological history, was also confirmed by inter‐regional relationships based on all species and endemics only. Biogeographical similarities between Italian regions and adjacent European and North African source areas showed distinct geographical patterns which reflect various dispersal trajectories.

During the Pleistocene glacials, cold adapted species coming from northern areas via the Alps used the Apennines as a filter to disperse into central and southern Italy, thereafter remaining confined to high altitude areas after deglaciation. Xero‐thermophilic species coming from North Africa or east Mediterranean countries colonised southern Italian regions probably in more ancient times. Islands and southern areas acted as centres of both speciation and post‐glacial recolonisation.
Comparison of physicochemical properties of beef potentiators prepared by synergistic fermentation and traditional method
Authors: Gao Xianli , Yan Shuang , Yang Bao , Lu Jian , Jin Zhao 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBeef potentiator was prepared by beef qu, which was previously prepared by a novel synergistic fermentation method (BPSF). Three kinds of other beef potentiators were prepared by commercial enzymes (protamex, flavourzyme and papain, BPCEs), which were used as controls to investigate the physicochemical properties of BPSF. Results showed that BPSF possessed a higher protein recovery (70.99%) and degree of hydrolysis (DH, 51.39%) than BPCEs. The tests of molecular weight distribution and free amino acids (FAAs) indicated that the moderate molecular weight peptides (1–5 kDa) were dominant (70.07–74.43%) in all beef potentiators. The low molecular weight peptides (<1 kDa), umami amino acids and total amino acids in BPSF, were 1.03‐ to 5.56‐, 5.25‐ to 26.50‐ and 1.57‐ to 4.79‐fold higher than those in BPCEs, respectively. Meanwhile, hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that BPSF was significantly different to BPCEs, and sensory evaluation showed that BPSF had apparently stronger umami taste than BPCEs.
Past, Present, and Future of Stroke in Middle-Income Countries: The Brazilian Experience
Authors: Martins Sheila Cristina Ouriques , Pontes-Neto Octávio Marques , Alves Cloer Vescia , de Freitas Gabriel Rodriguez , Filho Jamary Oliveira , Tosta Elza Dias , Cabral Norberto Luiz 
Published: May 2013

Background Stroke is one of the major public health challenges in middle-income countries. Brazil is the world's sixth largest economy but was clearly behind the milestones in the fight against stroke, which is the leading cause of death and disability in the country. Nevertheless, many initiatives are now reshaping stroke prevention, care, and rehabilitation in the country. Aims The present article discusses the evolution of stroke care in Brazil over the last decade. Methods We describe the main characteristics of stroke care before 2008; a pilot study in a Southern Brazilian city between 2008 and 2010, the Brazilian Stroke Project initiative; and the 2012 National Stroke Policy Act. Results The National Stroke Project was followed by a major increased on the number of stroke center in the country. The key elements of the 2012 National Stroke Policy Act included: definition of the requirements and levels of stroke centers; improved reimbursement for stroke care; promotion of stroke telemedicine; definition of the Line of Stroke Care (to integrate available resources and other health programs); increased funding for stroke rehabilitation; funding for training of healthcare professionals and initiatives to increase awareness about stroke within the population. Conclusions The evolution of stroke care in Brazil over the last decade is a pathway that exemplifies the challenges that middle-income countries have to face in order to improve stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The reported Brazilian experience can be extrapolated to understand the past, present, and future of stroke care in middle-income countries.
Biochemical Marker of Use Is a Better Predictor of Outcomes Than Self‐Report Metrics in a Contingency Management Smoking Cessation Analog Study
Authors: McPherson Sterling , Packer Robert R. , Cameron Jennifer M. , Howell Donelle N. , Roll John M. 
Published: May 2013

Background and ObjectivesThis investigation compared cotinine (primary metabolite of nicotine) at study intake to self‐report metrics (eg, Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence [FTND]) and assessed their relative ability to predict smoking outcomes.MethodsWe used data from an analog model of contingency management for cigarette smoking. Non‐treatment seeking participants (N = 103) could earn money in exchange for provision of a negative carbon monoxide (CO) sample indicating smoking abstinence, but were otherwise not motivated to quit. We used intake cotinine, FTND, percent of friends who smoke, and years smoked to predict longitudinal CO and attendance, time‐to‐first positive CO submission, and additional cross‐sectional outcomes.ResultsIntake cotinine was consistently predictive (p < .05) of all outcomes (eg, longitudinal CO and attendance, 100% abstinence, time‐to‐first positive CO sample), while years smoked was the only self‐report metric that demonstrated any predictive ability.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceCotinine could be more informative for tailoring behavioral treatments compared to self‐report measures. (Am J Addict 2014;23:15–20)
Foreign Language Learning Motivation in Higher Education: A Longitudinal Study of Motivational Changes and Their Causes
Authors: Busse Vera , Walter Catherine 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article reports on a study involving first‐year modern foreign languages students enrolled in German degree courses at two major universities in the United Kingdom. It explores the experience of these students from a motivational angle. A longitudinal mixed‐methods approach was employed in order to address the time‐ and context‐sensitive nature of motivational attributes. The data suggest that despite students' increasing wish to become proficient in German, their effort to engage with language learning decreased over the course of the year. This change occurred in conjunction with decreasing levels of intrinsic motivation and self‐efficacy beliefs. The relationships between motivational changes and contextual factors in higher education are discussed against the backdrop of students' transition experience from school to university. The article concludes by outlining pedagogical suggestions for how to counteract decreasing motivation of modern foreign languages students during their first year university studies.
Arabic and English During Study Abroad in Cairo, Egypt: Issues of Access and Use
Authors: Trentman Emma 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article provides a snapshot of the experiences of 18 students studying abroad in Cairo, Egypt. Using a modified version of the language contact profile (Freed, Segalowitz, & Dewey, 2004), I investigate their language use and find that students use English more than they use Arabic and that there is considerable individual variation in Arabic use. Using interviews, I explore factors promoting study abroad participants' use of English and limiting their use of Arabic. The data indicate that students have difficulty gaining access to native speakers of Arabic compared to their use of English with other international students. Furthermore, gaining access to native speakers of Arabic does not guarantee the use of Arabic; their Arabic proficiency, interactional goals, and identification as foreigners can promote the use of English above Arabic. Finally, I examine the ways in which students are nevertheless able to overcome these limitations to gain access to native speakers and use Arabic.
Teachers' Education in Socratic Dialogue: Some Effects on Teacher–Learner Interaction
Authors: Knežić Dubravka , Elbers Ed , Wubbels Theo , Hajer Maaike 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article presents a quasi‐experimental study into the effects of a course offered to subject matter student teachers that focused on Socratic Dialogue as a way to enhance their interactional scaffolding of advanced second language learning. Within the framework of the sociocultural theory of learning and second language acquisition, the study uses a scoring rubric to capture and quantify the quality of Teacher–Learner Dialogues (TLDs). 202 10‐minute TLDs were scored and a multivariate analysis revealed medium to very strong effect sizes. Findings indicate that familiarity with the underlying tenets of Socratic Dialogue, understood as fostering learner agency, was able to affect teachers' ability to provide interactional scaffolding in TLDs with second language learners. At the same time, teachers became more mindful of learner language. The article concludes with recommendations for teacher education.
NanoSIMS: Technical Aspects and Applications in Cosmochemistry and Biological Geochemistry
Authors: Hoppe Peter , Cohen Stephanie , Meibom Anders 
Published: May 2013

The NanoSIMS ion probe is a new‐generation SIMS instrument, characterised by superior spatial resolution, high sensitivity and multi‐collection capability. Isotope studies of certain elements can be conducted with 50–100 nm resolution, making the NanoSIMS an indispensable tool in many research fields. We review technical aspects of the NanoSIMS ion probe and present examples of applications in cosmochemistry and biological geochemistry. This includes isotope studies of presolar (stardust) grains from primitive meteorites and of extraterrestrial organics, the search for extinct radioactive nuclides in meteoritic materials, the study of lunar samples, as well as applications in environmental microbiology, cell biology, plant and soil science, and biomineralisation.
Discrimination between the rich and the poor under contrasting conditions of wealth stratification
Authors: Harvey Simon‐Pierre , Bourhis Richard Y. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUsing minimal group procedures, 2 studies investigated money allocations made by rich/poor group members in wealth stratifications based on group chance, group merit, and individual merit. Study 1 participants were assigned to rich or poor groups based on a coin toss (group–chance) or on performance of each group on a test (group–merit). Study 2 participants completed a test ostensibly distinguishing between high/low effortful individuals. High‐effort individuals were assigned to the rich group, low‐effort individuals were assigned to the poor group (individual–merit). After personally receiving play money, participants distributed their money to the rich and the poor. Results show that wealth based on group chance, group merit, and individual merit yielded contrasting patterns of parity and discriminatory behaviors.
Physiological mechanisms and epidemiological research
Authors: Bluhm Robyn 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn evidence‐based medicine's hierarchy of evidence, physiological research ranks very low. Recent work in philosophy of science has suggested that there may be a role for knowledge of physiological mechanisms in clinical decision making, either (in some rare circumstances) by providing sufficient evidence that a therapy is effective or by bridging the gap between the results of clinical research and the care of individual patients. I argue that both suggestions are problematic and suggest an alternative role for physiological research. Specifically, I suggest that knowledge of physiological mechanisms should be better incorporated into the kind of epidemiological research that is central to evidence‐based medicine.
Balamuthia mandrillaris: In Vitro Interactions with Selected Protozoa and Algae
Authors: Tapia José L. , Torres Benjamin Nogueda , Visvesvara Govinda S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlthough Balamuthia mandrillaris was identified more than two decades ago as an agent of fatal granulomatous encephalitis in humans and other animals, little is known about its ecological niche, biological behavior in the environment, food preferences and predators, if any. When infecting humans or other animals, Balamuthia feeds on tissues; and in vitro culture, it feeds on mammalian cells (monkey kidney cells, human lung fibroblasts, and human microvascular endothelial cells). According to recent reports, it is believed that Balamuthia feeds on small amebae, for example, Acanthamoeba that are present in its ecological niche. To test this hypothesis, we associated Balamuthia on a one‐on‐one basis with selected protozoa and algae. We videotaped the behavior of Balamuthia in the presence of a potential prey, its ability to hunt and attack its food, and the time required to eat and cause damage to the target cell by direct contact. We found that B. mandrillaris ingested trophozoites of Naegleria fowleri, Naegleria gruberi, Acanthamoeba spp., Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, and Giardia. However, it did not feed on Acanthamoeba cysts or algae. Balamuthia caused cytolysis of T. cruzi epimastigotes and T. gondii tachyzoites by direct contact. Balamuthia trophozoites and cysts were, however, eaten by Paramecium sp.
Morphogenesis and Molecular Phylogeny of a New Freshwater Ciliate, Notohymena apoaustralis n. sp. (Ciliophora, Oxytrichidae)
Authors: Lv Zhao , Chen Lan , Chen Lingyun , Shao Chen , Miao Miao , Warren Alan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe live morphology, infraciliature, and morphogenesis of a new oxytrichid ciliate, Notohymena apoaustralis n. sp. collected from a freshwater pond in Qingdao (Tsingtao), China, were studied in vivo and after protargol impregnation. Notohymena apoaustralis n. sp. is characterized as follows: undulating membranes in Notohymena‐pattern; cortical granules yellow‐green, grouped around the marginal cirri and dorsal bristles, and in short irregular rows elsewhere in the cell; single contractile vacuole positioned at anterior 1/3 of the body length; two macronuclear nodules and one micronucleus; about 39 adoral membranelles; 18 frontoventral transverse cirri in typical Oxytricha‐pattern; one right and one left marginal row, almost confluent posteriorly; dorsal ciliature in typical Oxytricha‐pattern; 8–10 caudal cirri arranged in three rows, one each at the posterior end of dorsal kineties 1, 2, and 4, indistinguishable from marginal cirri in life. The morphogenetic process in N. apoaustralis n. sp. is consistent with that of the type species, Notohymena rubescens Blatterer and Foissner, 1988. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rDNA sequence data suggest a sister relationship between N. apoaustralis n. sp. and Paraurostyla weissei, which cluster in a clade with Rubrioxytricha ferruginea.
Phagotrophic Protist Diversity in the Groundwater of a Karstified Aquifer – Morphological and Molecular Analysis
Authors: Risse‐Buhl Ute , Herrmann Martina , Lange Patricia , Akob Denise M. , Pizani Natalia , Schönborn Wilfried , Totsche Kai Uwe , Küsel Kirsten 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTo clarify the structure of microbial food webs in groundwater, knowledge about the protist diversity and feeding strategies is essential. We applied cultivation‐dependent approaches and molecular methods for further understanding of protist diversity in groundwater. Groundwater was sampled from a karstified aquifer located in the Thuringian Basin (Thuringia, Germany). Cultivable protist abundance estimated up to 8,000 cells/L. Eleven flagellates, 10 naked amoebae, and one ciliate morpho‐species were detected in groundwater enrichment cultures. Most of the flagellates morpho‐species, typically < 10 μm, were sessile or free swimming suspension feeders, e.g., Spumella spp., Monosiga spp., and mobile, surface‐associated forms that grasp biofilms, e.g., Bodo spp. Naked amoebae, typically < 35 μm, that grasp biofilms were represented by, e.g., Vahlkampfia spp., Vannella spp., and Hartmanella spp. The largest fraction of the 18S rRNA gene sequences was affiliated with Spumella‐like Stramenopiles. Besides, also sequences affiliated with fungi and metazoan grazers were detected in clone libraries of the groundwater. We hypothesize that small sized protist species take refuge in the structured surface of the fractures and fissures of the karstified aquifer and mainly feed on biofilm‐associated or suspended bacteria.
An Optimized EMA‐RAPD‐PCR for a Reliable Detection of Viable Salmonella spp. in Chicken Products
Authors: Saiyudthong Soithong , Trevanich Sudsai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to develop the reliable technique called ethidium bromide monoazide‐random amplified polymorphic DNA‐PCR (EMA‐RAPD‐PCR) for detection of only viable Salmonella cells due to PCR cannot distinguish DNA from viable and dead cells. In EMA‐RAPD‐PCR, EMA was used to intercalate the DNA obtained from 1.2 × 106 cells of viable and heat‐killed Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis. The optimized conditions of EMA treatment for an effective prevention of DNA amplification from dead cells by RAPD‐PCR were as follows: the minimum amount of 3 μg/mL EMA; the suitable light exposure time of at least 5 min; and the optimum light exposure distance of 20 cm. To improve a reliability in specific detection of viable Salmonella cells in food samples, use of an optimized 20‐h preenrichment in nutrient broth followed by EMA‐RAPD‐PCR could inhibit the DNA amplification of the dead cells in all artificially and naturally Salmonella‐contaminated chicken products tested.Practical ApplicationsThe developed Ethidium Bromide Monoazide‐Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (EMA‐RAPD‐PCR) involving 20‐h culturing in preenrichment medium is an efficient, reliable and economical procedure to detect only viable Salmonella spp. in food samples. This technique has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing the DNA amplification of dead Salmonella cells. Moreover, the EMA‐RAPD‐PCR has the potential for use as a rapid, simple and reliable monitoring tool of Salmonella spp. prevalence along the food production chain.
First clinical trial of a newly developed capsule endoscope with panoramic side view for small bowel: A pilot study
Authors: Friedrich Kilian , Gehrke Sven , Stremmel Wolfgang , Sieg Andreas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and Study AimsCapsule endoscopy is the first‐line diagnostic technique for the small bowel. However, the inability to visualize the duodenal papilla is an inherent limitation of this method. In the present study, we evaluated feasibility of a newly developed CapsoCam SV1 capsule.Patients and MethodsThis is a prospective dual center study of a newly developed video capsule CapsoCam SV1 from Capsovision, CA, providing panoramic 360° imaging. A high frequency of 20 frames occurs per second for the first 2 h and thereafter 12 frames/s, with a battery life of 15 h. We evaluated feasibility and completeness of small bowel examination together with secondary endpoints of duodenal papilla detection in 33 patients. Patients swallowed the capsules following colonoscopy or were prepared with 2 L of polyethylene glycol solution prior to the examination. All patients swallowed 20 mg of metoclopramide and 160 mg of simethicone 30 min before ingestion of the capsule.ResultsThirty‐one of the 33 patients' data could be evaluated. Small bowel examination was complete in all procedures. Mean time to pass the small bowel was 258 ± 136 min. Average small bowel cleanliness was 3.3 ± 0.5. In 71% of the patients, we identified the duodenal papilla. No adverse reaction in relation to the capsule examination was observed.ConclusionsCapsoCam SV1 is a safe and efficient tool in small bowel examination. The duodenal papilla as the only landmark in small bowel is detected in more than 70% of the patients.
Identification and Characterization of Cotton Genes Involved in Fuzz‐Fiber Development
Authors: Wang Gaskin , Zhao Guo‐Hong , Jia Yin‐Hua , Du Xiong‐Ming 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCotton fuzz fibers, like Arabidopsis trichomes, are elongated unicells. It is postulated that a transcriptional complex of GLABRA1 (GL1), GLABRA3 (GL3), and TRANSPARENT TESTAGLABRA1 (TTG1) might be in existence in Arabidopsis as evidenced by their physical interaction in yeast, and the complex regulates expression of GLABRA2 (GL2) controlling trichome cell differentiation; it is also assumed that TRIPTYCHON (TRY) and CAPRICE (CPC) counteract the complex formation in neighboring cells. Here, the homologs GaMYB23 (a homolog of GL1), GaDEL65 (a homolog of GL3), GaTTG1, GaCPC and GaTRY were identified in Gossypium arboreum. We show that GaMYB23 can bind to and activate the promoters of GaCPC, GaGL2 and GaTRY, and that GaMYB23, GaTRY and GaTTG1 could interact with GaDEL65 in yeast and in planta. In situ analysis showed that GaMYB23, GaGL2, GaDEL65, and GaTRY were predominantly expressed in fuzz fiber, but GaTRY proteins were primarily found in undeveloped epidermal cells. A G. arboreum fuzzless mutant with consistently high level GaMYB23 transcript has lost the detectable GaMYB23‐promoter of GaGL2 complex, corresponding to sharply reduced transcription of GaGL2. Our results support that cotton homologs to the genetic molecules regulating Arabidopsis trichome differentiation interacted in the epidermis of ovules and the redundant GaMYB23 serves as a negative regulator in fuzz‐fiber patterning.
Cost information of chemotherapy for cervical and endometrial cancer in Japan
Authors: Kamijo Yuko , Ichikawa Motoki 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTreatment cost is one of the biggest concerns for cancer patients. Providing information to cancer patients about treatment cost and available financial support contributes to high‐quality care. The aim of this study was to determine chemotherapy costs and other medical care expenditures for patients with cervical and endometrial cancer.MethodsData from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination system, which is the Japanese version of the Diagnosis‐related Group system, were used to identify 179 patients with cervical cancer and 244 patients with endometrial cancer who received chemotherapy from 2008–2010 at a specialized cancer hospital. The costs of chemotherapy per bolus, various protocols, and other medical care expenditures were investigated.ResultsThe cost per bolus of chemotherapeutic agents varied from ¥13,804–258,906 ($US 173–3236). The total medical cost for each course, including supportive care and treatment for chemotoxic symptoms, ranged ¥22,230–590,140 ($US 278–7377). Fourteen protocols were used in this population. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the factors related to the total medical care cost for cervical cancer were cost of chemotherapeutic agents, laboratory tests, oral medications, number of complications, and age. For endometrial cancer, cost of chemotherapeutic agents, laboratory tests, and oral medications were the factors related to the total medical care costs.ConclusionThe cost of various chemotherapy protocols and the total medical care was determined using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination system. Nurses should give the information about treatment cost and discuss the cost with patients to facilitate high‐quality care.