bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breaking and remaking a seed and seed predator interaction in the introduced range of Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) in New Zealand
Authors: Paynter Quentin , Buckley Yvonne M. , Peterson Paul , Hugh Gourlay Allan , Fowler Simon V. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Introduced plants may initially experience enemy release, but some of those interactions may be reinstated through biological control. These cases provide opportunities to explore the dynamics of broken and remade consumer–resource interactions.

The European shrub broom (Cytisus scoparius) was introduced to New Zealand without a specialist seed predator (Bruchidius villosus) until a biological control programme reinstated this interaction in 1988.

Broom produces substantially larger seeds throughout its non‐native range, and there are differences in seedling establishment beneath broom canopies between the native and introduced ranges. We hypothesized that large broom seeds produce seedlings with a survival advantage in shaded conditions, consistent with establishment under broom canopies in the introduced range. We also predicted that the seed‐feeding beetle would experience increased fitness in larger seeds.

We found that seedling survival was correlated with seed weight in shaded conditions, consistent with the observed establishment of seedlings beneath broom stands in the non‐native range.

Beetle size was positively correlated with seed weight, and female fecundity increased with body size. Comparison of the size distributions of beetle populations before and after hibernation provided indirect evidence that overwintering survival of beetles is also size‐dependent. These findings are consistent with observed higher levels of abundance of B. villosus in New Zealand, compared to native habitats.

Selection gradients for seed size‐dependent seedling survival on broom occupancy were explored using the Rees–Paynter population model, demonstrating that a fitness benefit to the plant of large seed size through enhanced seedling survival beneath the parental canopy is only likely under low‐disturbance scenarios and moderate fecundity levels.

Synthesis. The dynamics of biocontrol systems provide an underexploited opportunity to examine the impact of removal and reinstatement of species interactions. Differences in seed size between native and non‐native ranges may result from varying intensities of conflicting selection pressures acting on seed size. It remains to be seen whether a decline in seed size towards that seen in the native range will result from the biocontrol agent introduction, as we have demonstrated that selection pressures on seed size vary with disturbance‐mediated population turnover and fecundity.
Success of spatial statistics in determining underlying process in simulated plant communities
Authors: Brown Calum , Illian Janine B. , Burslem David F. R. P. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Spatial statistics are widely used in studies of ecological processes in plant communities, especially to provide evidence of neutral or non‐neutral mechanisms that might support species coexistence. The contribution of such statistics has been substantial, but their ability to identify any links between underlying processes and emergent patterns is not certain.

We investigate the ability of a number of spatial statistics to distinguish theorized mechanisms of species coexistence (spatial and temporal niche differentiation, neutrality, the Janzen–Connell effect and heteromyopia) in a simulated plant community.

We find that individual statistics differ substantially in their sensitivity to these mechanisms, with those based on nearest neighbour species identities being the most sensitive. These differences are largely robust to changes in the strength of the modelled mechanisms when simulated independently and in combination. The spatial signal of niche differentiation is always distinct in simulations that combine mechanisms.

Synthesis. We describe full spatial signals of modelled coexistence mechanisms that are observed consistently across statistics and simulated strengths and combinations of mechanisms, and identify a set of spatial statistics that holds particular promise for empirical studies designed to investigate mechanisms of these kinds.
Depotentiation of intact rat cardiac muscle unmasks an Epac‐dependent increase in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity
Authors: Kaur Sarbjot , Kong Cherrie HT , Cannell Mark B , Ward Marie‐Louise 
Published: October 2015

SummaryRecently, a family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors have been identified in many cell types as important effectors of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophospahte (cAMP) signalling that is independent of protein kinase A (PKA). In the heart, investigation of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) has yielded conflicting results. Since cAMP is an important regulator of cardiac contractility, this study aimed to examine whether Epac activation modulates excitation–contraction coupling in ventricular preparations from rat hearts. The study used 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyladenosine‐3′, 5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cpTOME), an analogue of cAMP that activates Epac, but not PKA. In isolated myocytes, cpTOME increased Ca2+ spark frequency from about 7 to 32/100 μm3/s (n = 10), P = 0.05 with a reduction in the peak amplitude of the sparks. Simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca2+ and isometric force in multicellular trabeculae (n = 7, 1.5 mmol/L [Ca2+]o) revealed no effect of Epac activation on either the amplitude of Ca2+ transients (Control 0.7 ± 0.1 vs cpTOME 0.7 ± 0.1; 340/380 fura‐2 ratio, P = 0.35) or on peak stress (Control 24 ± 5 mN/mm2 vs cpTOME 23 ± 5 mN/mm2, P = 0.20). However, an effect of Epac in trabeculae was unmasked by lowering extracellular [Ca2+]o. In these depotentiated trabeculae, activation of the Epac pathway increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, an effect that was blocked by addition of KN‐93, a Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK‐II) inhibitor. This study suggests that Epac activation may be a useful therapeutic target to increase the strength of contraction during low inotropic states.
The Urban Emergency Department: A Potential Increased Occupational Hazard for Sharps‐related Injuries
Authors: Wilson Sean P. , Miller Joseph , Mahan Meredith , Krupp Seth 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesHealth care workers are at risk for sharps‐related injuries while working in the clinical arena. The authors sought to quantify and compare the frequency of these injuries for all health care personnel between the urban and community emergency department (ED).MethodsA retrospective review was performed on the institutional human resources database of all self‐ or supervisor‐reported sharps‐related injuries that occurred to ED personnel in a single health system from January 2010 through September 2014. The health system was composed of a single urban academic Level I trauma center and seven community EDs, two of which were academic Level III trauma centers. Each sharps‐related injury was reviewed for site of injury, job class, and type of instrument causing the injury.ResultsThere were 171 sharps‐related injuries reported during 447,986 urban and 1,350,623 community patient visits. Of the 171 injuries, 44.4% occurred to physicians, 39.2% to nurses, 12.9% to support staff, and 3.5% to physician assistants. Injuries occurred more frequently at the urban academic medical center when compared to the pooled community sites: 20.3 per 100,000 patient visits (n = 91) versus 5.9 per 100,000 patient visits (n = 80), respectively (odds ratio = 3.43, 95% confidence interval = 2.54 to 4.63, p < 0.001). They also occurred more frequently at the urban site when individually compared to each community site.ConclusionsPhysicians accounted for the largest proportion of health care workers reporting sharps‐related injuries. These injuries occurred more frequently in the urban ED than in the community EDs.
Health information on alcoholic beverage containers: has the alcohol industry's pledge in England to improve labelling been met?
Authors: Petticrew Mark , Douglas Nick , Knai Cécile , Durand Mary Alison , Eastmure Elizabeth , Mays Nicholas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsIn the United Kingdom, alcohol warning labels are the subject of a voluntary agreement between industry and government. In 2011, as part of the Public Health Responsibility Deal in England, the industry pledged to ensure that 80% of products would have clear, legible health warning labelling, although an analysis commissioned by Portman found that only 57.1% met best practice. We assessed what proportion of alcohol products now contain the required health warning information, and its clarity and placement.DesignSurvey of alcohol labelling data.SettingUnited Kingdom.ParticipantsAnalysis of the United Kingdom's 100 top‐selling alcohol brands (n = 156 individual products).MeasurementsWe assessed the product labels in relation to the presence of five labelling elements: information on alcohol units, government consumption guidelines, pregnancy warnings, reference to the Drinkaware website and a responsibility statement. We also assessed the size, colour and placement of text, and the size and colouring of the pregnancy warning logo.FindingsThe first three (required) elements were present on 77.6% of products examined. The mean font size of the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) unit guidelines (usually on the back of the product) was 8.17‐point. The mean size of pregnancy logos was 5.95 mm. The pregnancy logo was on average smaller on wine containers.ConclusionsThe UK Public Health Responsibility Deal alcohol labelling pledge has not been fully met. Labelling information frequently falls short of best practice, with font and logos smaller than would be accepted on other products with health effects.
PHACE syndrome – clinical features, aetiology and management
Authors: Winter Pieta R. , Itinteang Tinte , Leadbitter Phillip , Tan Swee T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPHACE syndrome comprises a spectrum of anomalies including posterior fossa malformations, haemangioma, arterial anomalies, cardiac defects and eye anomalies. PHACE should be considered in any patient with a large facial segmental infantile haemangioma (IH), and multidisciplinary management is crucial. Low‐dose propranolol is effectively for the treatment of IH associated with PHACE syndrome. Recent evidence suggests IH is comprised of mesoderm‐derived haemogenic endothelium.ConclusionThe embryonic developmental anomaly nature of IH provides an insight into the origin of PHACE syndrome.
Malignancy and mesenteric panniculitis
Authors: Cross A. J. , McCormick J. J. , Griffin N. , Dixon L. , Dobbs B. , Frizelle F. A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimMesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a chronic inflammatory process of the small bowel mesentery that has been reported in conjunction with malignancy. The objectives of the present study were to identify the frequency and type of cancers that may coexist with MP and whether these can be seen on the initial diagnostic computerised tomography (CT).MethodA prospective database was kept of patients diagnosed with MP in the Canterbury region of New Zealand between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2014. CT scans were independently reviewed. Clinical records were reviewed and family doctors were contacted for additional information.ResultsThere were 302 patients with possible MP identified and 259 in whom it was confirmed on review. Seventy‐eight patients had a diagnosis of malignancy, with 54 having a current cancer (59 total cancers), 33 a past cancer and nine both. Of the 59 current cancers the most common primary sites were colorectum (19), lymph nodes (17), kidney (six) and prostate (four). Fifty‐four were at sites included on an abdominal CT scan. At all sites [except prostate (0/4)] there were high rates of detection on CT with 44/54 cancers visible including 20/23 gastrointestinal tract, 14/17 lymphomas and 9/9 non‐prostate urogenital tract malignancies. Six people were subsequently diagnosed with cancer after the index CT.ConclusionWhen MP occurs in association with malignancy, the commonest primary sites are large bowel, the lymph nodes and the urogenital tract. In those with MP on imaging, any cancer except prostate can usually be seen on the index CT. Further extensive investigation in asymptomatic patients is therefore likely to be of low yield.
WHOSE PREFERENCES ARE REVEALED IN HOURS OF WORK?
Authors: Pencavel John 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIt has become orthodox in economics research to interpret the association between hourly earnings and working hours as the expression of the preferences of workers. This convention originated in H. Gregg Lewis' explanation for the decline in hours of work since the nineteenth century. His explanation rested on an explicit resolution of the identification problem inherent in any quantity (hours)–price (wage) relation. For over 40 years, researchers have neglected this identification problem with the result that the findings in the purported “labor supply” literature are of questionable value. (JEL J22, J23, C13)
Copper enhances cellular and network excitabilities, and improves temporal processing in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Maureira Carlos , Letelier Juan Carlos , Alvarez Osvaldo , Delgado Ricardo , Vergara Cecilia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCopper, an ion with many important metabolic functions, has also been proposed to have a role as modulator on neuronal function, mostly based on its effects on voltage‐ and neurotransmitter‐gated conductance as well as on neurological symptoms of patients with altered copper homeostasis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which copper exerts its neuromodulatory effects have not been clearly established in a functional neuronal network. Using rat hippocampus slices as a neuronal network model, the effects of copper in the range of 10–100 nm were tested on the intrinsic, synaptic and network properties of the CA1 region. Most of the previously described effects of this cation were in the micromolar range of copper concentrations. The current results indicate that copper is a multifaceted neuromodulator, having effects that may be grouped into two categories: (i) activity enhancement, by modulating synaptic communication and action potential (AP) conductances; and (ii) temporal processing and correlation extraction, by improving reliability and depressing inhibition. Specifically it was found that copper hyperpolarizes AP firing threshold, enhances neuronal and network excitability, modifies CA3–CA1 pathway gain, enhances the frequency of spontaneous synaptic events, decreases inhibitory network activity, and improves AP timing reliability. Moreover, copper chelation by bathocuproine decreases spontaneous network spiking activity. These results allow the proposal that copper affects the network activity from cellular to circuit levels on a moment‐by‐moment basis, and should be considered a crucial functional component of hippocampal neuronal circuitry.
Treatment‐related experiences and preferences of patients with lung cancer: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Aumann Ines , Kreis Kristine , Damm Kathrin , Golpon Heiko , Welte Tobias , Graf von der Schulenburg J. Matthias 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundLung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and it causes significant challenges for patients due to the poor survival rate and treatment‐related side‐effects. Because of lung cancer's great burden, identification and use of the patients' preferences can help to improve patients' quality of life.ObjectiveInterviews with patients who have lung cancer were used to ascertain a range of experiences and to make recommendations regarding the improvement of treatment based on these patients' preferences. Because chemotherapy is the common treatment option for lung cancer, we focused on this treatment. The interviews were audio‐taped, verbally transcribed and evaluated via content analysis.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 18 participants (11 men and 7 women) with small or non‐small‐cell lung cancer who were receiving chemotherapy in one clinic were interviewed between June and July 2013.ResultsTwo main aspects with different subthemes were identified during the interviews. One main aspect focused on organizational context, such as the treatment day process, or experiences with different stakeholders, such as with the health insurance company or physicians. The other category referred to experiences that influenced psychosocial factors, including physical and mental experiences.Discussion and ConclusionPatients reported different experiences concerning physical, psychological and organizational areas during chemotherapy. Nevertheless, some potential areas for improving care, and therefore the quality of life of patients with lung cancer, could be identified. These improvement measures highlighted that with small, non‐time‐consuming and inexpensive changes, the treatment for patients with lung cancer can be improved.
Characterizing common and range expanding species
Authors: McGeoch Melodie A. , Latombe Guillaume 
Published: October 2015

AbstractClimate change and biological invasions have increased the likelihood of the establishment, growth, spread and survival of some species. With the recent and strongly motivated call for balanced consideration of the ecology and conservation of common and rare species, species undergoing range expansion are of particular interest. The notion of essential biodiversity variables has also re‐focussed attention on the value of abundance and occupancy observations for assessing conservation values, threats and targets – species rare or common, contracting or expanding. Changes in the distribution and abundance of common and range expanding species deserve further attention, not only to better understand their dynamics, but also as the basis for monitoring range expansions and their consequences. With the aim of characterizing range expansion, here we combine perspectives from typological approaches to studying species conservation status with perspectives from spread ecology and macroecology. Closer examination of the properties and dynamics of common species is important not only because declines in their conservation status are underappreciated, but also because those species becoming more common have significant implications for biodiversity, ecosystems and society.
The Return of Politics – The European Union after the crises in the eurozone and Ukraine
Authors: van Middelaar Luuk 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA crisis can reveal characteristics of a political order which in normal times remain invisible. Two such moments of clarification hit European Union (EU) countries in quick succession. The euro crisis tested the resolve of leaders and peoples to save the single currency. The geopolitical standoff around Ukraine necessitated a joint response to a show of force. In both cases we saw a ‘return of politics’. Geopolitical interests trumped economic ones; a need for government (and not just governance) made itself felt; European politics became more salient and intertwined with domestic politics. In the turmoil, notwithstanding calls for a big leap toward greater unity, the European Union also showed its dynamic in‐between nature. The public perceives this politicisation perfectly, hence both its disenchantment and the calls for more democracy. EU integration, after ‘permissive consensus’ and ‘constraining dissensus’, could be moving to the era of binding dissensus.
Performance evaluation of a sensorless adaptive optics multiphoton microscope
Authors: SKORSETZ MARTIN , ARTAL PABLO , BUENO JUAN M. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryA wavefront sensorless adaptive optics technique was combined with a custom‐made multiphoton microscope to correct for specimen‐induced aberrations. A liquid‐crystal‐on‐silicon (LCoS) modulator was used to systematically generate Zernike modes during image recording. The performance of the instrument was evaluated in samples providing different nonlinear signals and the benefit of correcting higher order aberrations was always noticeable (in both contrast and resolution). The optimum aberration pattern was stable in time for the samples here involved. For a particular depth location within the sample, the wavefront to be precompensated was independent on the size of the imaged area (up to ∼360 × 360 μm2). The mode combination optimizing the recorded image depended on the Zernike correction control sequence; however, the final images hardly differed. At deeper locations, a noticeable dominance of spherical aberration was found. The influence of other aberration terms was also compared to the effect of the spherical aberration.
Reasons for returning to the emergency department following discharge from an internal medicine unit: perspectives of patients and the liaison nurse clinician
Authors: Vat Molywan , Common Carol , Laizner Andrea Maria , Borduas Coralie , Maheu Christine 
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectivesTo understand the patients' reasons for returning to the emergency department soon after their discharge from an internal medicine unit and to compare these reasons with the liaison nurse clinician's risk assessment tools used for discharge planning.BackgroundReturns to the emergency departments soon after discharge from the hospital are a recurrent problem. Factors precipitating readmission to hospital have been analysed through the lens of health care providers, but few studies have explored the patients' perspectives on their reasons for returning to the emergency departments.DesignA qualitative, descriptive study.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of eight patients recruited from a major teaching hospital in Montreal, Canada. Three different data sources were triangulated: patients' perspectives obtained through interviews and data from the tools used by the liaison nurse clinician, the Bounceback Probability Legend and the LACE Index Scoring Tool.ResultsMost patients attributed their return to the emergency department on being discharged too soon, feeling weak at discharge, having limited help at home with managing chronic illnesses and insufficient discharge instructions. participants' reasons for returning differed from those predicted by the liaison nurse clinician's evaluation using the risk assessment tools of each participant's risk of return.ConclusionsThis study highlights patients' frailty upon discharge from the hospital and their informational need on their health condition and their support need to rely on during convalescence at home. Patient's readiness and concerns were not integrated as part of the liaison nurse clinician's evaluation tools for discharge planning. This led to discrepancies between the perspectives of the patients and the liaison nurse clinician about discharge planning.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth care professionals should evaluate patients' understanding of their illness, their readiness for self‐management and work collaboratively with patients to assess concerns before discharge, so that appropriate support can be mobilised to prevent readmission.