bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Island biogeography of mutualistic interaction networks
Authors: Trøjelsgaard Kristian , Báez Marcos , Espadaler Xavier , Nogales Manuel , Oromí Pedro , Roche Francisco La , Olesen Jens M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe seminal theory of island biogeography, based on changing rates of immigration and extinction, should be seen in a geological context, as an island's maturity influences the richness of its biota. Here, we develop an island biogeography of biotic interactions, recognizing that, besides species richness, biodiversity also encompasses the multitude of interactions among species. By sampling interactions between plants and pollinators across the Canarian archipelago, we illustrate how the local richness, specialization and endemism of biotic interactions vary with island age and area.LocationCanary Islands (27.62° N–29.42° N and 13.33° W–18.17° W).MethodsOn five islands, covering the full age range of the archipelago, plant–pollinator interactions were catalogued and their strength estimated. Network parameters (e.g. interaction richness and specialization) and the number of single‐island interactions (equivalent to single‐island endemics) were estimated from interaction matrices and related to island area and age.ResultsPlant species richness, interaction richness and average degree of specialization of pollinator species showed hump‐shaped relationships with island age. Pollinator richness varied with island area and plant richness. Plant specialization increased with island age, and the proportion of single‐island interactions (pSII) exhibited a U‐shaped relationship with age.Main conclusionsThe previously reported hump‐shaped relationship between species richness and island age, both on the scale of islands and of habitats, was confirmed for plant species in local networks. Both plants and pollinators were more generalized on the youngest island, which may be due to a predominance of generalist colonists. Pollinator specialization peaked on mid‐aged islands, whereas plants showed the highest specialization on old islands, potentially reflecting their different life histories. The U‐shaped relationship between the proportion of single‐island interactions and island age might be explained by (1) young islands having a high proportion of unique interactions, due to interactions between generalists, and (2) old islands having unique interactions due to an accumulation of unique pairwise interactions that have evolved through time. Thus, island age – which not only captures time per se, but also the geomorphological changes of islands – may act as a regional driver of local network structure, and so the contemporary networks we observed across the Canarian archipelago illustrate the development of a network through geological time.
The interacting effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and stressful life events on adolescent depression is not an artifact of gene–environment correlation: evidence from a longitudinal twin study
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Xinying , McGue Matt 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundConfounding introduced by gene–environment correlation (rGE) may prevent one from observing a true gene–environment interaction (G × E) effect on psychopathology. The present study investigated the interacting effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and stressful life events (SLEs) on adolescent depression while controlling for the rGE by two means: separating pure environmental factors (independent SLEs) from the environmental factors under partial genetic control (dependent SLEs) and adopting a prospective longitudinal design.MethodsA total of 780 pairs of Chinese twins, aged 11–17 years (mean = 13.6, SD = 1.8) at intake, were followed up twice. Self‐reported depression symptoms at Time 1 and Time 2 were assessed by the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). SLEs occurring between Time 1 and Time 2 were assessed by a self‐reported checklist. SLEs were differentiated into independent and dependent ones and were validated by heritability analyses using twin design. The interacting effects between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and numbers of SLEs (total SLEs and independent SLEs) on intraindividual change of depression symptoms were examined.ResultsAfter controlling for sex, age, age square, and Time 1 depression, both total SLEs × BDNF Val66Met genotype and independent SLEs × BDNF Val66Met genotype significantly predicted Time 2 depression. Val allele carriers (Val/Val and Val/Met) were more susceptible to the detrimental effects of stress.ConclusionsThere is a true G × E effect underlying the observed interaction between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and environmental stress on depression.
Chemical and Microbiological Changes in Blueberries and in Hypertonic Solution during Osmotic Dehydration Employing Reused Concentrate
Authors: Kucner Anna , Papiewska Agnieszka , Sójka Michał , Klewicki Robert 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDehydration was carried out in 65°Brix sucrose solution at 40C for 120 min. The solution was used 15 times, each time a new batch of fruits was processed. Prior to dehydration, the fruits were subjected to pretreatment by immersion in solutions containing pectinolytic and lipolytic enzymes. Following dehydration, the dehydrated material and osmotic solution were tested for the content of dry matter (36.6 ± 3.3% [w/w] and 58–61°Brix, respectively), total polyphenols (1,738 ± 289 mg/100 g initial dry matter [IDM]), anthocyanins (606 ± 58 mg/100 g IDM) and flavan‐3‐ols (695 ± 139 mg/100 g IDM). The highest retention of anthocyanins was observed for cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (over 81%), petunidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, malvidin‐3‐O‐arabinoside and malvidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (over 74%). The average retention of procyanidins in fruits was 77%. The pH value of the hypertonic solution remained at the level of 3.4–3.7. The syrup used for osmotic dehydration was characterized by a relatively low quantity of mesophilic bacteria (<103 cfu/mL) but a higher contamination with osmotolerant yeasts and molds (from 1 × 103 to 2.5 × 104 cfu/mL).Practical ApplicationsThe article deals with osmotic dehydration, which is a method that allows a partial removal of water from plant material. Using this method, one can obtain high‐quality products because the water removal is conducted without phase change. However, considerable amounts of hypertonic solution (used for osmotic dehydration) pose a problem. Management of spent syrup is one of the most important problems related to osmotic dewatering. Thus, repeated use of hypertonic solution is indispensable; however, it may have an influence on the product quality. The paper presents the chemical and microbiological changes that occur during osmotic dehydration of highbush blueberry fruits over 15 cycles employing reused sucrose solution. Prior to dehydration, the fruits were subjected to pretreatment by immersion in solutions containing pectinolytic and (which is a new approach to pretreatment before osmotic dehydration) lipolytic enzymes. The results indicate that applied procedure enables to obtain osmodehydrated berries without a large decrease in the product quality.
Fracture Behavior of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) under Ambient and Cryogenic Conditions
Authors: Sridhar B.S. , Sommer K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe present study involves the characterization of fracture properties of spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) under ambient and cryogenic conditions (−54C). Material properties needed for fracture mechanism prediction, particle characterization and etheric oil analyses were experimentally determined on turmeric powder produced under ambient and cryogenic processes. The results of stress‐strain behavior of turmeric showed that there was an increased particle strength, modulus of elasticity and maximum stress intensity and decreased strain energy as the size and temperature was lowered. All forms of size reduction showed decrease in sphericity as size decreased and were greater for cryogenic grinding as compared to conventional grinding. The average work of fracture under ambient and cryogenic conditions was found to be 8.86 ± 1.74 and 5.66 ± 1.68 J/m2, respectively. The studies showed attainment of better quality parameters under low temperature conditions and provide useful engineering data for designing mechanical equipment.Practical ApplicationsFood and biological materials are subjected to various physical treatments and devices from the farm to the consumer. It is essential to understand the fracture behavior governing the response of these biological materials so that the machines and processes can be designed for maximum efficiency and the highest quality of the end products. This article presents the determination of fracture properties of spice turmeric (C. longa) under ambient and cryogenic conditions prior to size reduction.
Urban Metabolism and the Energy Stored in Cities
Authors: Bristow David N. , Kennedy Christopher A. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryUsing the city of Toronto as a case study, this article examines impacts of energy stocks and flexible demand in the urban metabolism on the resilience of the city, including discussion of directions for further study of the resiliency of the urban metabolism. An important element developed is the nominal residence time of the energy stocks. This value defines how long an energy stock lasts under typical patterns of energy use. The findings suggest that the residence times of many sources of energy overcome vulnerability when energy supply shocks last on the order of hours or a few days, but that the measure is limited to assessing only certain types of commonly used energy sources in aggregate terms. Discussion is included on the uncertainty of this measure and on the metabolic and resiliency implications of new technologies intended to reduce energy use and improve sustainability of cities and the use of the urban metabolism as a means of comparison. The methodology employed highlights how waste energy could be used to increase the resiliency of the city's water supply, but also how the study of the urban metabolism would benefit from a more disaggregate form in the study of sustainable and resilient cities.
Patient outcomes according to COPD action plan adherence
Authors: Choi Ja Yun , Chung Hyang‐In Cho , Han Geunhye 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify the level of pulmonary function, number of unplanned hospital visits, knowledge level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), level of anxiety and depression, and level of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) according to COPD action plan (AP) adherence in Korean patients with COPD.BackgroundPrevious studies reported conflicting results about the effect of COPD AP on patient outcomes, with little descriptive information.DesignA cross‐sectional descriptive study design was used.MethodsA total of 126 patients with COPD were recruited from Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju city from September 2009 to March 2010. COPD action plan adherence and the levels of knowledge of COPD, anxiety and depression, and HRQoL were measured using a short COPD AP developed by the Family Physician Airway Group of Canada executive members, Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), respectively.ResultsThe score of COPD AP adherence was positively associated with the level of knowledge of COPD and negatively associated with the number of unplanned hospital visits and the level of anxiety and depression.ConclusionGood adherence to COPD AP is likely related to better health outcomes in COPD. Healthcare providers may need to enhance COPD AP aspect in various COPD self‐management programmes to improve the health status of patients with COPD.Relevance to clinical practiceChronic obstructive pulmonary disease AP aspect targeting frequent individual education with a written guideline would be helpful to enhance self‐management in patients with COPD.
Knowledge and use of pressure ulcer preventive measures in nursing homes: a comparison of Dutch and German nursing staff
Authors: Meesterberends Esther , Wilborn Doris , Lohrmann Christa , Schols Jos MGA , Halfens Ruud JG 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine the knowledge and use of pressure ulcer preventive measures among nursing staff in Dutch and German nursing homes.BackgroundStudies in the Netherlands and Germany have shown a large discrepancy in pressure ulcer prevalence rates among nursing homes in both countries and concluded that some of this variance could be explained by differences in pressure ulcer prevention.DesignA cross‐sectional questionnaire survey nested in a prospective multicenter cohort study.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to nursing staff employed in 10 Dutch nursing homes (n = 600) and 11 German nursing homes (n = 578). Data were collected in January 2009.ResultsThe response rate was 75·7% in the Netherlands (n = 454) and 48·4% in Germany (n = 283). Knowledge about useful pressure ulcer preventive measures was moderate in both countries, while nonuseful preventive measures were poorly known. On average, only 19·2% (the Netherlands) and 24·6% (Germany) of preventive measures were judged correctly as nonuseful. The same pattern could be seen with regard to the use of preventive measures, because nonuseful preventive measures were still commonly used according to the respondents.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the respondents' knowledge and use of pressure ulcer preventive measures could be improved in both countries, especially for nonuseful measures. Changes and improvements can be achieved by providing sufficient education and refresher courses for nurses and nursing assistants employed within Dutch and German nursing homes.Relevance to clinical practiceRecurring education about pressure ulcer prevention is required among nursing staff employed in Dutch and German nursing homes, particularly in relation to the use of ineffective and outdated preventive measures. Obstacles regarding the implementation of preventive measures should be addressed to achieve a change in practice.
Carotid Revascularization: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: AL‐DAMLUJI MOHAMMED SALIM , NAGPAL SAMEER , STILP ERIK , REMETZ MICHAEL , MENA CARLOS 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjective and BackgroundThe aim of this study is to provide an evidence‐based review of the periprocedural safety and long‐term effectiveness of carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), with particular attention paid to the use of embolic protection devices and patients at high risk for CEA.MethodsElectronic databases (Ovid Medline, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Pubmed, and Embase) were searched to identify: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing outcomes of CEA and CAS, and (2) prospective clinical trials assessing the safety of CAS in patients at high surgical risk. Pooled incidence rates and one‐sided 95% confidence interval for the periprocedural and long‐term composite end‐point of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death among high surgical risk patients were generated and compared to objective performance criteria (OPC) reported by previous trials.ResultsSix RCTs and 14 prospective clinical trials met our search criteria. Selected RCTs showed inconsistency in reported periprocedural and long‐term outcome rates. Pooled incidence rates of the periprocedural and long‐term composite end‐point of stroke, myocardial infarction or death in high surgical risk candidates were 5.59% and 7.92%, respectively. These results were noninferior to selected OPCs (P‐value <0.001).ConclusionsCAS represents a safe and effective stroke prevention strategy in high surgical risk patients when compared with CEA. The inconsistent results from the RCTs and the improved outcomes in the prospective clinical trials are likely related to variability in operator experience, use of embolic protection devices, and patient selection strategies.
Transcatheter Closure of Coronary Artery Fistulae: Initial Human Experience With the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II
Authors: ZHAO TAO , LU MINJIE , SO AARON , WU WENHUI , WANG CHENG , XU ZHONGYING , JIANG SHILIANG , TIAN LIANGXIN , LIU SHENG , ZHAO SHIHUA 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new device Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II) for the closure of coronary artery fistulae (CAF) with coronary anomaly.BackgroundTranscatheter device closure is an alternative treatment for selective patients with CAF. The currently available reports regarding the closure of CAF with the ADO II are limited.MethodsFrom April 1, 2011 to July 15, 2012, 5 patients (3 males and 2 females) aged from 3 years to 27 years old (median age 5 years old) underwent CAF closure with the ADO II. The immediate and short‐term outcomes were evaluated.ResultsADO II was deployed via the femoral vein (2 cases), femoral artery (1 case), brachial artery (1 case), and radial artery (1 case). There were no complications during all the procedures. The median fluoroscopy and procedural times were 20 and 39 minutes, respectively. Immediate trivial and mild residual shunt was present in one patient, respectively, but disappeared 24 hours after the procedure, and there was no recanalization at a median follow‐up of 6 months.ConclusionsThe new device ADO II was safely deployed with complete resolution of CAF shunt with tortuous coronary artery to the drainage. The reduced sheath sizes and softer shape of this device allow for venous or arterial approach. The ADO II might be a preferable alternative device for closure of small‐tortuous CAFs.
Endocrine therapy: is the first generation of targeted drugs the last?
Authors: Pritchard K. I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHormonal therapy for breast cancer is the first targeted therapy used in any type of cancer. It was used successfully without a known target for more than 50 years before Jensen described the oestrogen receptor (ER) in the 1960s. Subsequently, it was found that endocrine therapy was effective only in those patients whose tumours expressed the ER; more recently, it has been recognized that this therapy can also be effective in some patients whose tumours are ERα‐negative but ERβ‐positive. However, in spite of the ER being present, many tumours develop either primary or secondary resistance to various endocrine approaches. ER‐containing tumours may also be classified by molecular markers as luminal A (highly hormone responsive) or luminal B (high degree of proliferation and less hormone responsiveness). Furthermore, the expression of ER, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) may change over time as tumours metastasize and progress. The addition of anti‐HER2 agents such as trastuzumab and lapatinib to hormonal therapies has improved outcomes but it is unclear whether these approaches are additive or synergistic. Now, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are being successfully used in similar scenarios but once again it is unclear whether the effect of this combination therapy is synergistic; however, mTOR inhibitors produce little response as single agents. In particular, the addition of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus has improved disease‐free and overall survival in randomized studies in metastatic disease when added either to an aromatase inhibitor or to tamoxifen. To date, however, no specific biomarkers for the use of everolimus have been reported. Further studies are needed to identify and validate targets of therapy in endocrine‐responsive breast cancer.
Tumour oxygenation: implications for breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Rundqvist H. , Johnson R. S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThere are areas of limited oxygen availability in most solid tumours, including breast cancer. Hypoxia in solid tumours is mainly a consequence of poor perfusion. Structural and functional abnormalities of newly formed tumour vessels cause spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tissue perfusion. The two principal mediators of hypoxia response, HIF‐1 and HIF‐2, are known to be stabilized at different oxygen levels and to have different temporal responses to hypoxia. Recently, stromal HIF‐1 and HIF‐2 have been suggested to have opposing roles in breast cancer progression. There is an established link between intralesional, severe hypoxia near areas of necrosis with high levels of HIF‐1 and poor prognosis in breast cancer. However, the biological effects of moderate hypoxia and the hypoxic response of stromal cells are currently topics of intense investigation.
Immigration and Political Instability
Authors: Gebremedhin Tesfaye A. , Mavisakalyan Astghik 
Published: July 2013

SummaryImmigration may adversely affect political stability if immigrants are perceived unfavourably by host country populations. Using a large sample of countries this study confirms that a higher immigrant share of a population is associated with decrease in the level of political stability. We further demonstrate that a higher immigrant share leads to increased military spending through the channel of political stability. The negative effect of immigration on political stability appears to be stronger in countries with assimilative citizenship laws. We account for the endogeneity of immigrant share by using an instrument constructed from gravity model estimates.
No Youth Left behind? The Long‐Term Impact of Displacement on Young Workers
Authors: Hardoy Inés , Schøne Pål 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWe investigate short‐ and long‐term impacts on labour market outcomes of experiencing a displacement for young workers. The period under study is 2000–2009. The end of the observation period is characterised by a shrinking labour market, coinciding with the start of the financial crisis. The main merit of the study is the inclusion of a wide battery of dependent variables. In general we find sizeable short‐term effect on both unemployment and wage‐employment. Furthermore, the results indicate that displacement has a long‐term negative effect on wage employment. Part of this pattern seems to be masked by an increased likelihood of self‐employment. A positive effect on self‐employment is desirable from a policy perspective. Finally, among those who are employed in the final observation year, we find a small negative effect of displacement on hourly wages. This is solely explained by the foregone work experience of the displaced workers in the years after displacement.
The Dictatorship of the Popes
Authors: Padovano Fabio , Wintrobe Ronald 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThis paper takes the view that theocracies are essentially a form of dictatorship and verifies whether this interpretation is empirically supported when applied to the longest lasting example of theocracy, the temporal power of the Popes. The length of its record and the many historical shocks it had to face reveal information about the incentives and constraints that characterize it. We use this information to test some of the predictions of a theory of dictatorship about the durability of, and the source of opposition to the various regimes on data about the Papacy. The results appear to support the theory.
Mind Matters
Authors: Tasic Slavisa 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThis paper argues that two different worldviews may be identified in economics and hypothesizes about the origins of this differentiation.Iargue that the differences in economic worldviews go beyond technical academic, methodological or ideological distinctions; instead, they may be related to both old conceptions of the two types of mind and some newer findings in cognitive neuroscience. In particular,Ianalyze the recent developments in economics from the brain lateralization point of view and argue that some salient trends in economic thought are largely compatible with the hypothesis of the increased left brain hemisphere dominance.