bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in nutrient use in ant assemblages along an extensive elevational gradient on Mt Kilimanjaro
Authors: Peters Marcell K. , Mayr Antonia , Röder Juliane , Sanders Nathan J. , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimWe used the extensive climatic and land‐use gradient on Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to study large‐scale variation of nutrient use in ground‐foraging ant communities. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that recruitment of ants to six different nutrients would vary with elevation and between land‐use regimes. We also tested whether the nutrient space (number and evenness of nutrients) used by ants decreases as species richness declines with elevation, a pattern expected because of complementarity in nutritional intake of species.LocationMt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.MethodsStandardized bait experiments with six nutrient treatments [carbohydrates (CHO), amino acid, CHO–amino acid mix, NaCl, H2O and lipids] were performed at a total of 48 study sites in natural and managed ecosystems along an elevational gradient from 860 to 4390 m a.s.l. We used generalized linear models, information theory‐based model inference and null model analyses to test hypotheses.ResultsThe species richness of ant communities declined with elevation in natural ecosystems but peaked at mid‐elevations in managed ecosystems. We found that the use of four nutrients (NaCl, CHO, H2O and lipids) varied with elevation and, in the case of NaCl and H2O, with land use. Use of H2O and CHO decreased with elevation, while lipid use increased. NaCl use increased with elevation in natural ecosystems but decreased in managed ecosystems.The nutrient space exploited by ant communities increased with ant species richness in natural ecosystems but decreased slightly in managed ecosystems. The difference could be because there are more trophic generalists in managed ecosystems and more specialists with complementary foraging niches in natural ecosystems.Main conclusionsAnt communities in different environments appear to be limited by different types and numbers of nutrients. This spatial heterogeneity in nutritional ecology is probably determined by both the environmental availability of nutrients and the functional composition of ant communities.
Defining the spatial patterns of historical land use associated with the indigenous societies of eastern North America
Authors: Munoz Samuel E. , Mladenoff David J. , Schroeder Sissel , Williams John W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo review and synthesize multiple lines of evidence that describe the spatial patterns of land use associated with prehistoric and early historical Native American societies in eastern North America in order to better characterize the type, spatial extent and temporal persistence of past land use.LocationTemperate forests of eastern North America, and the Eastern Woodlands cultural region.MethodsEthnohistorical accounts, archaeological data, historical land surveys and palaeoecological records describing indigenous forms of silviculture and agriculture were evaluated across scales ranging from local (100 km) to regional (102 km) to produce a synthetic description of land‐use characteristics.ResultsIndigenous land‐use practices created patches of distinct ecological conditions within a heterogeneous mosaic of ecosystem types. At all scales, patch location was dynamic, and patches underwent recurrent periods of expansion, contraction and abandonment. Land‐use patches varied in their extent and persistence, and are broadly categorized as silvicultural (management of undomesticated woodland taxa) or agricultural (cultivation of domesticated taxa). Silvicultural patches persisted for centuries and extended kilometres to tens of kilometres around settlements and travel corridors. The dynamics of agricultural patches varied among groups, with persistence ranging from decades to centuries and extent ranging from less than a kilometre to tens of kilometres around settlements. Beyond patch boundaries, human impacts on ecosystems become indistinguishable from other drivers of environmental heterogeneity. These characteristics of patches are evident across scales and multiple lines of evidence.Main conclusionsOur findings challenge the view that prehistoric human impacts on vegetation were widespread and ubiquitous, and build on previous work showing these impacts to be more localized and heterogeneous by providing quantitative descriptions of land‐use patch characteristics. Collaborative efforts that combine multiple data sources are needed to refine these descriptions and generate more precise measures of land‐use pattern to further investigate the history of human impacts on the Earth system.
Cytokine gene expression profiles during initiation, progression and resolution of periodontitis
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Kirakodu Sreenatha , Novak Michael John , Stromberg Arny J. , Shen Shu , Orraca Luis , Gonzalez‐Martinez Janis , Burgos Armando , Gonzalez Octavio A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimVariations in the expression of cytokines during the progression of periodontitis remain ill‐defined. We evaluated the expression of 19 cytokine genes related to T‐cell phenotype/function during initiation, progression and resolution of periodontitis, and related these to the expression of soft and bone tissue destruction genes (TDGs).Materials and MethodsA ligature‐induced periodontitis model was used in rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) (n = 18). Gingival tissues were taken at baseline pre‐ligation, 2 weeks and 1 month (Initiation) and 3 months (progression) post ligation. Ligatures were removed and samples taken 2 months later (resolution). Total RNA was isolated and the Rhesus Gene 1.0 ST (Affymetrix) used for gene expression analysis. Significant expression changes were validated by qRT‐PCR.ResultsDisease initiation/progression was characterized by overexpression of Th17/Treg cytokine genes (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGFβ and IL‐21) and down‐regulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine genes (IL‐18 and IL‐25). Increased IL‐2 and decreased IL‐10 levels were seen during disease resolution. Several Th17/Treg cytokine genes positively correlated with TDGs, whereas most Th1/Th2 genes exhibited a negative correlation.ConclusionInitiation, progression and resolution of periodontitis involve over‐ and underexpression of cytokine genes related to various T‐helper subsets. In addition, variations in individual T‐helper response subset/genes during disease progression correlated with protective/destructive outcomes.
Epidemic trend of diabetes in China
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Yang Wenying 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEpidemiology is now well recognized as the foundation of public health. The Da Qing study in 1986 was the first milestone study to show that lifestyle intervention can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. The lead investigator of that study, Professor Xiaoren Pan, is regarded as the forerunner epidemiologist for diabetes in China and even in Asia. In 2006, study participants were followed up to assess the long‐term effects of the interventions after 20 years. As compared with the control group, those in the combined lifestyle intervention group had a 51% lower incidence of diabetes during the active intervention period and a 43% lower incidence over the 20‐year period, adjusted by age. Recently, the National Diabetes Prevalence Survey in China was carried out from 2007 to 2008. The data from that study showed that the prevalence of diabetes in Chinese adults was 9.7%, and the increased rate of diabetes prevalence in China exceeded the International Diabetes Federation estimation. Very recently, we have reported that acarbose is a viable choice for initial therapy in Chinese patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who have a lower body mass index and exaggerated postprandial glucose excursion compared with Caucasian patients. We are expecting more contributions from epidemiology to the study of diabetes.
How traits shape trees: new approaches for detecting character state‐dependent lineage diversification
Authors: Ng J. , Smith S. D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBiologists have long sought to understand the processes underlying disparities in clade size across the tree of life and the extent to which such clade size differences can be attributed to the evolution of particular traits. The association of certain character states with species‐rich clades suggests that trait evolution can lead to increased diversification, but such a pattern could also arise due other processes, such as directional trait evolution. Recent advances in phylogenetic comparative methods have provided new statistical approaches for distinguishing between these intertwined and potentially confounded macroevolutionary processes. Here, we review the historical development of methods for detecting state‐dependent diversification and explore what new methods have revealed about classic examples of traits that affect diversification, including evolutionary dead ends, key innovations and geographic traits. Applications of these methods thus far collectively suggest that trait diversity commonly arises through the complex interplay between transition, speciation and extinction rates and that long hypothesized evolutionary dead ends and key innovations are instead often cases of directional trends in trait evolution.
Gas chromatography mass spectrometry based metabolic profiling reveals biomarkers involved in rice‐gall midge interactions
Authors: Agarrwal Ruchi , Bentur Jagadish Sanmallappa , Nair Suresh 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae Wood‐Mason) is a serious pest of rice that causes huge loss in yield. While feeding inside the susceptible host, maggots secrete substances that facilitate the formation of a hollow tube‐like structure called gall and prevent panicle formation. The present investigation was carried out to get an account of biochemical changes occurring in the rice plant upon gall midge feeding. Metabolic profiling of host tissues from three rice varieties, namely, TN1, Kavya, and RP2068, exposed to gall midge biotype 1 (GMB1), was carried out using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). TN1 and GMB1 represented compatible interaction, while Kavya and GMB1 as well as RP2068 and GMB1 represented incompatible interactions. The current study identified several metabolites that could be grouped as resistance, susceptibility, infestation, and host features based on their relative abundance. These may be regarded as biomarkers for insect‐plant interaction in general and rice‐gall midge interaction in particular.
The impact of individual and organisational factors on engagement of individuals with intellectual disability living in community group homes: a multilevel model
Authors: Qian X. , Tichá R. , Larson S. A. , Stancliffe R. J. , Wuorio A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundBeing engaged in daily activities is a strong indicator of quality of life for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) who live in small community group homes. This study aimed to identify individual and organisational factors that predict high levels of engagement.MethodIndividuals withID(n = 78), direct support professionals (DSPs;n = 174) and supervisors (n = 21) from 21USgroup homes participated in the study. For each individual withID, we conducted 80 min of observation at the person's residence. Information was also gathered regarding demographic characteristics,DSPcompetence, supervisor years of experience and management practices. Data were analysed using multilevel modelling.ResultsOn average, individuals were engaged in social activities 12% of observed time and non‐social activities 35% of the time. Individuals with greater adaptive skills who were supported by more competent staff showed significantly higher levels of social engagement. Individuals with less severe deficits in adaptive behaviours and less challenging behaviour showed higher levels of non‐social engagement. Although none of the factors related to group homes were significant, 24% of the variance in non‐social engagement existed among group homes.ConclusionThese results suggested that engagement is a dynamic construct. The extent to which an individual withIDis engaged in daily life is a result of interplay between the individual's characteristics and the group home environment. Future research is needed to investigate the influence of variables specific to the group home on the engagement level of individuals with disabilities.
Threshold Selection Criteria for Quantification of Lumbosacral Cerebrospinal Fluid and Root Volumes from MRI
Authors: Puigdellívol‐Sánchez Anna , Reina Miguel Angel , San‐Molina Juan , Escobar José Manuel , Castedo Julio , Prats‐Galino Alberto 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe high variability of CSF volumes partly explains the inconsistency of anesthetic effects, but may also be due to image analysis itself. In this study, criteria for threshold selection are anatomically defined.METHODST2 MR images (n = 7 cases) were analyzed using 3‐dimentional software. Maximal–minimal thresholds were selected in standardized blocks of 50 slices of the dural sac ending caudally at the L5‐S1 intervertebral space (caudal blocks) and middle L3 (rostral blocks). Maximal CSF thresholds: threshold value was increased until at least one voxel in a CSF area appeared unlabeled and decreased until that voxel was labeled again: this final threshold was selected. Minimal root thresholds: thresholds values that selected cauda equina root area but not adjacent gray voxels in the CSF–root interface were chosen.RESULTSSignificant differences were found between caudal and rostral thresholds. No significant differences were found between expert and nonexpert observers. Average max/min thresholds were around 1.30 but max/min CSF volumes were around 1.15. Great interindividual CSF volume variability was detected (max/min volumes 1.6–2.7).CONCLUSIONSThe estimation of a close range of CSF volumes which probably contains the real CSF volume value can be standardized and calculated prior to certain intrathecal procedures.
Health Information Technology Workforce Needs of Rural Primary Care Practices
Authors: Skillman Susan M. , Andrilla C. Holly A. , Patterson Davis G. , Fenton Susan H. , Ostergard Stefanie J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeThis study assessed electronic health record (EHR) and health information technology (HIT) workforce resources needed by rural primary care practices, and their workforce‐related barriers to implementing and using EHRs and HIT.MethodsRural primary care practices (1,772) in 13 states (34.2% response) were surveyed in 2012 using mailed and Web‐based questionnaires.FindingsEHRs or HIT were used by 70% of respondents. Among practices using or intending to use the technology, most did not plan to hire new employees to obtain EHR/HIT skills and even fewer planned to hire consultants or vendors to fill gaps. Many practices had staff with some basic/entry, intermediate and/or advanced‐level skills, but nearly two‐thirds (61.4%) needed more staff training. Affordable access to vendors/consultants who understand their needs and availability of community college and baccalaureate‐level training were the workforce‐related barriers cited by the highest percentages of respondents. Accessing the Web/Internet challenged nearly a quarter of practices in isolated rural areas, and nearly a fifth in small rural areas. Finding relevant vendors/consultants and qualified staff were greater barriers in small and isolated rural areas than in large rural areas.Discussion/ConclusionsRural primary care practices mainly will rely on existing staff for continued implementation and use of EHR/HIT systems. Infrastructure and workforce‐related barriers remain and must be overcome before practices can fully manage patient populations and exchange patient information among care system partners. Efforts to monitor adoption of these skills and ongoing support for continuing education will likely benefit rural populations.
Nest building in a Mediterranean wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus): are the algae used randomly chosen or actively selected?
Authors: Sinopoli Mauro , Cattano Carlo , Chemello Renato , Timpanaro Angela , Timpanaro Valeria , Gristina Michele 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTo increase their reproductive success, fish species have evolved various strategies, including both simple processes and more complex mechanisms that involve parental care by nest‐building. In Symphodus ocellatus, a species that lives in rocky infralittoral zones of the Mediterranean Sea, during the reproductive period, the male builds a nest within a hole or crevice using fragments of algae and/or sand particles. Data on the nesting activity of wrasses are rare, and previous descriptions regarding the algal composition of nests have provided conflicting results. In this regard, it is unclear whether territorial males actively select algal species for nest construction or algal choice is random and depends exclusively on the algal species available in the surrounding habitat. To clarify this, several S. ocellatus nests and the algal community near the nests were sampled. The specific algal composition of the nest, the Strauss selectivity index of the used algae, the mechanical strength and the ability of the algae to accommodate eggs were investigated to examine overall nest performance. Our findings show that the dominant male ocellated wrasse deliberately selects algae when building the nest. The mechanical strength and ability of the algae to accommodate eggs is of particular importance. Among the species commonly used for nest‐building, Jania rubens performed the best. Our results show that J. rubens provides resistance to biochemical decomposition and wave action.
Conspicuous Consumption, Inequality and Debt: The Nature of Consumption‐driven Profit‐led Regimes
Authors: Kapeller Jakob , Schütz Bernhard 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper extends the theoretical concept of wage‐led and profit‐led demand regimes by incorporating relative consumption concerns. Specifically, it integrates the Veblenian concept of conspicuous consumption into the Bhaduri–Marglin model by assuming that relative consumption concerns matter primarily within the working class. If in such a framework the profit share increases and the corresponding decrease in workers' income is distributed unevenly, efforts to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ may increase consumption and, hence, lead to a consumption‐driven profit‐led regime.
A comparative evaluation of analgo‐sedative effects of oral dexmedetomidine and ketamine: a triple‐blind, randomized study
Authors: Singh Charanjeet , Pandey Ramesh K. , Saksena Anil K. , Chandra Girish 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundUse of sedative agents for difficult to manage children during dental procedures has been indicated for years, but neither the agent nor the route has been found to be ideal.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of oral dexmedetomidine (D) and ketamine (K) in producing moderate sedation among uncooperative pediatric dental patients.MethodsThis prospective, triple‐blind, randomized comparative study included 112 ASA grade I children of both sexes aged 3–10 years, who satisfied all the inclusion criteria. They were randomly divided into four groups and ketamine 8 mg·kg−1 (K) or dexmedetomidine 3 μg·kg−1 (D1), 4 μg·kg−1 (D2) and 5 μg·kg−1 (D3) were given orally. Similar dental procedures were performed in these patients, and effects of these drugs were assessed in terms of changes in vital signs, onset and duration of sedation, analgesia, and amnesia. Secondary outcomes such as level of sedation, behavior, adverse effects, and overall success were also measured.ResultsThe onset of sedation was significantly rapid with K and D3 as compared to D1 and D2. Recovery from sedation was fastest in group D1. Intra‐ and postoperative analgesia and anterograde amnesia were highest with K and least with D1, while D3 produced analgesia comparable to K. In K treated group, vomiting was observed in five patients and two patients exhibited emergence phenomenon. Overall, highest success rate was observed in D3 group.ConclusionsGiven by oral route, the novel sedative dexmedetomidine provides dose‐dependent effective analgo‐sedation, comparable to ketamine, with less adverse effects.
Self‐evaluative consequences of social support receipt: The role of context self‐relevance
Authors: BURKE CHRISTOPHER T. , GOREN JESSICA 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPast research suggests that receiving social support can increase distress if it threatens self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, or competence. These costs may be more apparent in self‐relevant contexts, as such concerns should be more salient in these situations. This research tests whether context self‐relevance moderates affective responses to support receipt and whether this pattern is mediated by self‐evaluation. We report support for these hypotheses in both a daily diary study (N = 304 couples) of real‐world stress and a laboratory experiment (N = 77 students) in which support receipt and task self‐relevance are manipulated. We discuss connections between this work and the broader literature on social support receipt, including how other social processes (e.g., social comparison) may contribute to the costs associated with support receipt.
The role of family in adolescents' peer acceptance
Authors: TAMM ANNI , KASEARU KAIRI , TULVISTE TIIA 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe study examined the relative importance of the quality of relationships with parents and grandparents, maternal acceptance and control, the structure of the family, the number of siblings, and adolescents' own attachment style to their perceived peer acceptance. The sample consisted of 300 adolescents (mean age = 15.5) and 300 mothers (mean age = 41.5). Regarding the role of family relationships, the results indicated that only the quality of the mother–child relationship was related to adolescents' peer acceptance. Maternal acceptance and control, however, were unrelated to youth's perceptions of acceptance by peers. Adolescents who had more siblings, lived in a single‐mother family, and were high in anxious attachment reported lower peer acceptance.
RNA interference for the identification of ectoparasite vaccine candidates
Authors: Marr E. J. , Sargison N. D. , Nisbet A. J. , Burgess S. T. G. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryEctoparasites present a major challenge for disease management globally. With drug resistance increasingly observed in many disease‐causing species, the need for novel control measures is pressing. Ever‐expanding genomic resources from ‘next generation’ sequencing are now available for a number of arthropod ectoparasites, necessitating an effective means of screening these data for novel candidates for vaccine antigens or targets for chemotherapeutics. Such in vitro screening methods must be developed if we are to make discoveries in a timely and cost–effective manner. This review will discuss the potential that RNA interference (RNAi) has demonstrated thus far in the context of arthropod ectoparasites and the potential roles for this technology in the development of novel methods for parasite control.