bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parasitoids and Dipteran Predators Exploit Volatiles from Microbial Symbionts to Locate Bark Beetles
Authors: Boone Celia K. , Six Diana L. , Zheng Yanbing , Raffa Kenneth F. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Host location by parasitoids and dipteran predators of bark beetles is poorly understood. Unlike coleopteran predators that locate prey by orienting to prey pheromones, wasps and flies often attack life stages not present until after pheromone production ceases. Bark beetles have important microbial symbionts, which could provide sources of cues. We tested host trees, trees colonized by beetles and symbionts, and trees colonized by symbionts alone for attractiveness to hymenopteran parasitoids and dipteran predators. Field studies were conducted with Ips pini in Montana. Three pteromalid wasps were predominant. All were associated with the second and third instars of I. pini. Heydenia unica was more attracted to logs colonized by either I. pini or the fungus Ophiostoma ips than logs alone or blank controls (screen with no log). Rhopalicus pulchripennis was more attracted to logs colonized by I. pini than logs alone or blank controls. Dibrachys cavus was attracted to logs but did not distinguish whether or not they were colonized. Two dolichopodid predators were predominant. A Medetera species was more attracted to colonized than uncolonized logs and more attracted to logs than blank controls. It was also more attracted to logs colonized with the yeast Pichia scolyti than uncolonized logs, but attraction was less consistent. An unidentified dolichopodid was more attracted to logs colonized with I. pini, O. ips, and the bacteria Burkholderia sp., than to uncolonized logs. It was also attracted to uncolonized logs. Its responses were less consistent and pronounced than H. unica. These results suggest some parasitoids and dipteran predators exploit microbial symbionts of bark beetles to locate hosts. Overall, specialists showed strong attraction to fungal cues, whereas generalists were more attracted by plant volatiles. These results also show how microbial symbionts can have conflicting effects on host fitness.
Fine-Scale Genetic Population Structure of Southern Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Mississippi Forests
Authors: Schrey Natalie M. , Schrey Aaron W. , Heist Edward J. , Reeve John D. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman, is the most destructive insect pest of pine forests in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Southern pine beetle aggressively attacks pine trees, and when in epidemic stages, they are capable of killing even the most healthy pine trees in a short period of time. Despite the amount of destruction caused by the southern pine beetle and the amount of monetary loss faced by the timber industry and recreation, the population genetics of this species has been limited to comparisons among distant geographic locations. This study investigates the fine-scale genetic population structure of the southern pine beetle in Mississippi. Very little genetic differentiation was observed among samples. Bayesian assignment testing failed to detect multiple groups within all samples; estimates of genetic differentiation and genetic distance were very low in magnitude; and a Mantel test did not reveal a significant relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance. These results suggest that management of the southern pine beetle needs to consider the potential movements of individuals within and among national forests and should be focused on a large scale, at least as big as continuously forested areas and possibly even multiple forests. These results further suggest that removal of beetle-infested trees is important.
Exploring the association between resistance and outpatient antibiotic use expressed as DDDs or packages
Authors: Bruyndonckx Robin , Hens Niel , Aerts Marc , Goossens Herman , Cortiñas Abrahantes José , Coenen Samuel 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to explore the association between resistance and outpatient antibiotic use, expressed as either DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) or packages per 1000 inhabitants per day (PID).

Methods
IMS Health data on outpatient penicillin and cephalosporin (β-lactam) and tetracycline, macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin (TMLS) use, aggregated at the level of the active substance (WHO version 2011) expressed as DID and PID (2000–07) were linked to European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) data on proportions of penicillin-non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) and erythromycin-non-susceptible S. pneumoniae (ENSP) (2000–09). Combined data for 27 European countries were analysed with a generalized linear mixed model. Model fit for use in DID, PID or both and 0, 1 or 2 year time lags between use and resistance was assessed and predictions of resistance were made for decreasing use expressed as DID, PID or both.

Results
When exploring the association between β-lactam use and PNSP, the best model fit was obtained for use in PID without time lag. For the association between TMLS use and ENSP, the best model fit was obtained for use in both PID and DID with a 1 year time lag. PNSP and ENSP are predicted to decrease when use decreases in PID, but not when use decreases in DID.

Conclusions
Associations between outpatient antibiotic use and resistance and predictions of resistance were inconsistent whether expressing antibiotic use as DID or PID. We recommend that data on antibiotic use be expressed as PID and that time lags between use and resistance be considered when exploring these associations.
Knowledge generation in online forums: a case study in the German educational domain
Authors: Griesbaum Joachim , Mahrholz Nadine , von Löwe Kiedrowski Kim , Rittberger Marc 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to get a first approximation of the usefulness of online forums with regard to information seeking and knowledge generation.Design/methodology/approach– This study captures the characteristics of knowledge generation by examining the pragmatics and types of information needs of posted questions and by investigating knowledge related characteristics of discussion posts as well as the success of communication. Three online forums were examined. The data set consists of 55 threads, containing 533 posts which were categorized manually by two researchers.Findings– Results show that questioners often ask for personal estimations. Information needs often aim for actionable insights or uncertainty reduction. With regard to answers, factual information is the dominant content type and has the highest knowledge value as it is the strongest predictor with regard to the generation of new knowledge. Opinions are also relevant, but in a rather subsequent and complementary way. Emotional aspects are scarcely observed. Overall, results indicate that knowledge creation predominantly follows a socio-cultural paradigm of knowledge exchange.Research limitations/implications– Although the investigation captures important aspects of knowledge building processes, the measurement of the forums’ knowledge value is still rather limited. Success is only partly measurable with the current scheme. The central coding category “new topical knowledge” is only of nominal value and therefore not able to compare different kinds of knowledge gains in the course of discussion.Originality/value– The investigation reaches out beyond studies that do not consider that the role and relevance of posts is dependent on the state of the discussion. Furthermore, the paper integrates two perspectives of knowledge value: the success of the questioner with regard to the expressed information need and the knowledge building value for communicants and readers.
A vision-based fully-automatic calibration method for hand-eye serial robot
Authors: Wang Haixia , Lu Xiao , Hu Zhanyi , Li Yuxia 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a fully automatic calibration method for hand-eye serial robot system is presented in this paper. The so-called “fully automatic” is meant to calibrate the robot body, the hand-eye relation, and the used measuring binocular system at the same time.

Design/methodology/approach
– The calibration is done by controlling the joints to rotate several times one by one in the reverse order (i.e. from the last one to the first one), and simultaneously take pictures of the checkerboard patterns by the stereo camera system attached on the end-effector, then the whole robot system can be calibrated automatically from these captured images. In addition, a nonlinear optimization step is used to further refine the calibration results.

Findings
– The proposed method is essentially based on an improved screw axis identification method, and it needs only a mirror and some paper checkerboard patterns without resorting to any additional costly measuring instrument.

Originality/value
– Simulations and real experiments on MOTOMAN-UP6 robot system demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Robotic exoskeletons: a review of recent progress
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This article aims to provide details of recent robotic exoskeleton developments and applications.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following an introduction, this article first considers some of the technological issues associated with an exoskeleton design. It then discusses military developments, industrial load-carrying applications and uses in healthcare. Progress in thought-controlled exoskeletons is discussed briefly, and finally, concluding comments are drawn.

Findings
– This article shows that, while military interests continue, the dominant application is to restore or enhance mobility to individuals suffering from disabilities or injuries. An emerging use is to increase the strength and endurance of industrial workers. The majority are lower-limb devices, although some full-body exoskeletons have been developed, and most rely on battery-powered electric motors to create motion. Reflecting the anticipated growth in applications, exoskeletons are now available from, or under development by, a growing number of commercial organisations.

Originality/value
– This provides an insight into the latest developments in robotic exoskeletons and their applications.
The impact of innovation capability on the performance of manufacturing companies
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Psomas Evangelos 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide additional evidence of the impact of innovation on three dimensions of a firm’s performance, namely product quality, operational performance and financial performance.Design/methodology/approach– The analysis includes an initial exploratory factor analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling, in order to investigate the relations between the constructs of the proposed model. A sample of 233 Greek manufacturing firms is used for this purpose.Findings– According to the study findings, “innovation capability” directly contributes to product quality and operational performance. Although it has no direct impact on manufacturing firms’ financial performance, it has an indirect impact through the moderator of operational performance. Thus, innovation is an opportunity for a manufacturing firm to improve its performance.Research limitations/implications– The sample of the responding manufacturing companies is limited to small and medium-sized enterprises from one country (Greece). In addition, manufacturing firms from different sectors have different resources, capabilities and performance.Practical implications– The study offers clear implications for managers who should put additional emphasis on innovation as it is an important element for achieving improved overall firm performance and sustainable competitive power.Originality/value– Based on the multi-dimensional structure of innovation, this empirical study determines the contribution of “innovation capability” to specific performance dimensions of manufacturing companies.
Novel method for rapid reversal of drug toxicity: A case report
Authors: Tatlow Dean , Poothencheri Sreeja , Bhangal Ranjit , Tatlow Corinne 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDrug toxicity is traditionally treated by reducing the amount of the drug absorbed, enhancing elimination, and providing supportive care. Once the drug has been absorbed, there are few methods that help decrease morbidity and mortality caused by a toxic drug level. Albumin infusion is a new approach that changes that, as it can rapidly reverse a toxic drug level back to a therapeutic level. It is believed with most drugs that the toxic effects are related to the total amount of the free drug. In this method, albumin binds to the free drug and acts as a reservoir or depot from which the drug is slowly released to the free form, thereby limiting the effects of drug toxicity. In this case report, an elderly female patient who experienced phenytoin toxicity was treated with albumin infusion, after which her phenytoin level returned to a therapeutic level with corresponding improvements in her symptoms. Based on our calculations, it was predicted that a small amount of albumin would reverse the patient's toxic symptoms. With this approach, the patient's toxic symptoms improved when free phenytoin levels dropped from 15 to 8 μmol/L. Albumin infusion is a promising new therapy that can rapidly reverse a toxic drug level back to a therapeutic level by binding the free drug to albumin.
Assessment of Maceration Techniques Used to Remove Soft Tissue from Bone in Cut Mark Analysis
Authors: King Christine , Birch Wendy 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMaceration techniques employed in forensics must be effective without compromising the bone's integrity and morphology, and prevent destruction of evidence. Techniques must also be fast, safe, easily obtainable and inexpensive; not all techniques currently employed are appropriate for forensic use. To evaluate the most suitable approach, seven techniques including current and new methodologies were applied to fresh, fleshed porcine ribs exhibiting cut marks. A sample size of 30 specimens per technique was examined under scanning electron microscopy at the cut mark and the surrounding uncompromised regions; a scoring system of effectiveness was applied. The previously unpublished microwave method fared best for bone and cut mark preservation. Sodium hypochlorite destroyed cut marks, and was deemed unsuitable for forensic analysis. No single technique fulfilled all criteria; however, this study provides a benchmark for forensic anthropologists to select the most appropriate method for their situation, while maintaining the high standards required by forensic science.
Novel approach to systematic random sampling in population surveys: Lessons from the United Arab Emirates National Diabetes Study (UAEDIAB)
Authors: Sulaiman Nabil , Albadawi Salah , Abusnana Salah , Fikri Mahmoud , Madani Abdulrazzag , Mairghani Maisoon , Alawadi Fatheya , Zimmet Paul , Shaw Jonathan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes has risen rapidly in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Region. However, some prevalence estimates have not fully accounted for large migrant worker populations and have focused on minority indigenous populations. The objectives of the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study are to: (i) define the prevalence of, and risk factors for, T2DM; (ii) describe the distribution and determinants of T2DM risk factors; (iii) study health knowledge, attitudes, and (iv) identify gene–environment interactions; and (v) develop baseline data for evaluation of future intervention programs.MethodsGiven the high burden of diabetes in the region and the absence of accurate data on non‐UAE nationals in the UAE, a representative sample of the non‐UAE nationals was essential. We used an innovative methodology in which non‐UAE nationals were sampled when attending the mandatory biannual health check that is required for visa renewal. Such an approach could also be used in other countries in the region.ResultsComplete data were available for 2719 eligible non‐UAE nationals (25.9% Arabs, 70.7% Asian non‐Arabs, 1.1% African non‐Arabs, and 2.3% Westerners). Most were men < 65 years of age. The response rate was 68%, and the non‐response was greater among women than men; 26.9% earned less than UAE Dirham (AED) 24 000 (US$6500) and the most common areas of employment were as managers or professionals, in service and sales, and unskilled occupations. Most (37.4%) had completed high school and 4.1% had a postgraduate degree.ConclusionThis novel methodology could provide insights for epidemiological studies in the UAE and other Gulf States, particularly for expatriates.
Nutritional supplements in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Schmidl Doreen , Garhöfer Gerhard , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in theWesternWorld. While with new therapies that are directed towards vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potentially efficient treatment option for the wet form of the disease has been introduced, a therapeutic regimen for dryAMDis still lacking. There is evidence from several studies that oral intake of supplements is beneficial in preventing progression of the disease. Several formulations of micronutrients are currently available. The present review focuses on the role of supplements in the treatment and prevention ofAMDand sums up the current knowledge about the most frequently used micronutrients. In addition, regulatory issues are discussed, and future directions for the role of supplementation inAMDare highlighted.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Strictosamide Derivatives with Improved Antiviral and Antiproliferative Activities
Authors: Li Zan , Li Zhaoliang , Lin Yunwei , Meng Zhaoqing , Ding Gang , Cao Liang , Li Na , Liu Wenjun , Xiao Wei , Wu Xiaoming , Xu Jinyi 
Published: January 2015

A series of novel derivatives of strictosamide were synthesized and biologically evaluated. Most of the new compounds exhibited improved activities than the parent compound strictosamide. Among them, compounds Ib and If possessed antiviral activities against influenza A virus (A/Jinan/15/90) with IC50 values of 4.12 and 12.35 μg/mL, respectively. Compound Ie possessed antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with an IC50 value of 9.58 μg/mL. Both compounds IIc and IId had moderate antiproliferative effects against five human cancer cell lines. The preliminary structure‐activity relationships were also concluded. This study provides a promising new template with potential antiviral activity.
Distinct habitat selection by freshwater morays in tropical rainforest streams
Authors: Ebner Brendan C. , Fulton Christopher J. , Donaldson James A. , Schaffer Jason 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMorays occupy unique interstitial habitats and function as key predators in marine ecosystems. Conversely, there is limited understanding of the ecology of Gymnothorax polyuranodon, the lone representative of the family Muraenidae known to reside in freshwater systems. In this study, we used field‐based encounters over a 3‐year period in three short–steep–coastal–streams of the Australian Wet Tropics to find that most G. polyuranodon individuals (74%) occupied pools, with very few individuals observed in run (23%) or riffle (3%) mesohabitats. Moreover, G. polyuranodon positively selected microhabitats of slow flow (<0.05 ms−1) and deep water (>80 cm), while avoiding high flows (>0.5 ms−1) and shallow water (<40 cm depth). Morays exhibited strong preferences for boulders (73% of the immediate stream bed area occupied relative to 36% availability) with most individuals resting directly underneath large or very large boulders. Collecting and compiling records of this rare and elusive species over the long‐term helped to reveal such habitat specialisation. Future management plans for G. polyuranodon should focus on preserving boulder interstices year‐round and maintaining stream‐sea connectivity to facilitate a diadromous life cycle.
Neuroticism and facial emotion recognition in healthy adults
Authors: Andric Sanja , Maric Nadja P. , Knezevic Goran , Mihaljevic Marina , Mirjanic Tijana , Velthorst Eva , van Os Jim 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to examine whether healthy individuals with higher levels of neuroticism, a robust independent predictor of psychopathology, exhibit altered facial emotion recognition performance.MethodsFacial emotion recognition accuracy was investigated in 104 healthy adults using the Degraded Facial Affect Recognition Task (DFAR). Participants' degree of neuroticism was estimated using neuroticism scales extracted from the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory.ResultsA significant negative correlation between the degree of neuroticism and the percentage of correct answers on DFAR was found only for happy facial expression (significant after applying Bonferroni correction).ConclusionsAltered sensitivity to the emotional context represents a useful and easy way to obtain cognitive phenotype that correlates strongly with inter‐individual variations in neuroticism linked to stress vulnerability and subsequent psychopathology. Present findings could have implication in early intervention strategies and staging models in psychiatry.
Duodenal volvulus as a cause of gastric rupture in a 15‐year‐old Warmblood gelding
Authors: Wulster K. , Dallap Schaer B. L. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDuodenal volvulus is an unreported cause of colic in the horse. This case report describes a 15‐year‐old Warmblood gelding evaluated for acute abdominal discomfort. Exploratory celiotomy revealed duodenal volvulus and gastric rupture resulting in severe, acute, septic peritonitis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a volvulus of the equine duodenum.