bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental effects of early‐life corticosterone on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and pre‐migratory behaviour in a wild songbird
Authors: Pakkala Jesse J. , Norris D. Ryan , Sedinger James S. , Newman Amy E. M. 
Published: November 2015

Summary

Although laboratory studies have shown that chronic exposure to elevated glucocorticoids during development can have profound effects on the physiology and behaviour of animals, we still have a poor understanding of the proximate and ultimate consequences of early life stress on individuals in the wild.

In an island population of Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), we examined multiple hypotheses to explain how elevated glucocorticoid exposure during the nestling period influenced both hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function during the nestling period and the subsequent movement and survival of young after they fledged the nest.

We exposed nestlings to exogenous corticosterone from 2 to 6 days of age and then measured both baseline and stress‐induced (30‐min restraint) plasma corticosterone levels prior to fledging (day 7). We then recaptured young throughout the pre‐migratory period and used mark–recapture analysis to estimate temporary emigration from the capture site (movement) and survival.

Corticosterone‐treated nestlings had higher baseline corticosterone levels and lower stress reactivity than untreated individuals, and were more sensitive to inclement weather. Although there was no evidence that corticosterone treatments influenced survival, treated individuals had higher rates of temporary emigration outside of the study site than sham or controls.

Our results provide support for the ceiling hypothesis, which suggests that individuals with chronic elevated glucocorticoids can lead to a dampened HPA axis response. We also provide support for the CORT‐activity hypothesis, which suggests that elevated glucocorticoids can increase activity levels, at least 1–2 months after leaving the nest. Our study highlights the importance of tracking individuals across multiple stages of the annual cycle to understand how early life events carry over to influence both physiology and behaviour.
Transgenerational plasticity and environmental stress: do paternal effects act as a conduit or a buffer?
Authors: Guillaume Annie S. , Monro Keyne , Marshall Dustin J. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryFor most organisms, early life‐history stages are the most sensitive to environmental stress and so transgenerational phenotypic plasticity, whereby the parental environment and offspring environment interact to alter the phenotype of the offspring, is viewed as key to promoting persistence in the face of environmental change. While there has been long‐standing interest in the role of transgenerational plasticity via the maternal line (traditionally the field of maternal effects), increasingly it appears that paternal effects can also play a role.Despite the emerging role of paternal effects in studies of global change, key knowledge gaps remain: first, whether paternal effects act to increase or decrease offspring performance remains largely unexplored; second, the relative roles of maternal and paternal effects are rarely disentangled; and third, the role of environmental variation, a key determinant of the benefits of transgenerational plasticity, has not been explored with regard to paternal effects.Here, we explore all three issues using the marine tubewormGaleolaria caespitosa, an important habitat‐forming species in southern Australia.We found that both paternal and maternal experiences affected key stages of offspring performance (fertilization and larval development) and, surprisingly, paternal effects were often stronger than maternal effects. Furthermore, we found that paternal effects often reduced offspring performance, especially when environments varied compared with when environments were stable.Our results suggest that, while transgenerational plasticity may play an important role in modifying the impacts of global change, these effects are not uniformly positive. Importantly, paternal effects can be as strong, or stronger, than maternal effects and environmental variability strongly alters the impacts of paternal effects.
The importance of biotic interactions for the prediction of macroinvertebrate communities under multiple stressors
Authors: Schuwirth Nele , Dietzel Anne , Reichert Peter 
Published: November 2015

Summary

The community assembly of macroinvertebrates in streams depends on the regional taxon pool, dispersal limitations, local habitat conditions and biotic interactions. By integrating existing knowledge about these processes from theoretical ecology in a mechanistic model, we can test our mechanistic understanding and disentangle multiple stressor effects on community assembly.

To assess to which degree we can predict the community composition of macroinvertebrates, we integrated these processes in the mechanistic food web model Streambugs and tested it on 36 sites in the Glatt catchment on the Swiss plateau. The model predicts the observation probability of taxa from a regional taxon pool at each site taking into account uncertain knowledge on parameters, environmental conditions at the sites and sampling errors.

We use allometric scaling according to the metabolic theory of ecology, ecological stoichiometry and autecological data from trait databases that include the current knowledge on habitat requirements of the different taxa to parameterize their growth, respiration and death.

Without any calibration, for the majority of taxa at the 36 sites, the difference between the observed and predicted relative frequency of occurrence is <50% when taking prior parameter uncertainty and the uncertainty of environmental conditions into account (79% compared to 61% for the random model). By calibrating taxon‐specific modification factors for the growth rate, we can increase the model compliance with data.

Analysing the influence of different ecological traits and their corresponding environmental influence factors reveals that feeding types and sensitivity to organic toxicants contribute most to the predictive capabilities of the model in this catchment. The influence of temperature stress and oxygen depletion due to pollution with organic matter on the community composition is negligible. These results confirm our expectations regarding the most important water quality issues of streams on the Swiss plateau. Current velocity plays an intermediate role in this model application.

The contribution of the feeding types to model performance highlights the importance of taking biotic interactions (competition for food sources and predator–prey interactions) into account to predict the coexistence of taxa. Better knowledge of the actual feeding links in the food web (e.g. from gut content or stable isotope data) that are currently inferred from feeding types, body size and food availability could further improve this approach.
Trends in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Practice in Nursing Homes, 2000–2010
Authors: Intrator Orna , Miller Edward Alan , Gadbois Emily , Acquah Joseph Kofi , Makineni Rajesh , Tyler Denise 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo examine nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) practice in nursing homes (NHs) during 2000–2010.Data SourcesData were derived from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting system and Medicare Part B claims (20 percent sample).MethodsNP/PA state average employment, visit per bed year (VPBY), and providers per NH were examined. State fixed‐effect models examined the association between state regulations and NP/PA use.Principal FindingsNHs using any NPs/PAs increased from 20.4 to 35.0 percent during 2000–2010. Average NP/PA VPBY increased from 1.0/0.3 to 3.0/0.6 during 2000–2010. Average number of NPs/PAs per NH increased from 0.2/0.09 to 0.5/0.14 during 2000–2010. The impact of state scope‐of‐practice regulations was mixed.ConclusionsNP and PA scope‐of‐practice regulations impact their practice in NHs, not always as intended.
Blocked Lysine in Dairy Products: Formation, Occurrence, Analysis, and Nutritional Implications
Authors: Mehta Bhavbhuti M. , Deeth Hilton C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLysine residues in milk proteins become “blocked” when they react with reducing sugars, particularly lactose, in the Maillard reaction. The blocked or glycated lysines reduce the biological availability of the lysine to metabolic processes and also hinder hydrolysis of the parent protein by digestive enzymes. Heating and storage of milk and milk products are the major promotants of the Maillard reaction and resulting chemical damage to the proteins. Several methods have been proposed to estimate the extent of this protein damage. Two major compounds, furosine, a product of acid hydrolysis of lactulosyl‐lysine, the 1st stable product of the Maillard reaction, and carboxymethyl‐lysine are used for assessing the early and advanced stages of the Maillard reaction, respectively. In addition, several methods are used for assessing the bioavailability of lysine in a protein; these include chemical, enzymic, and animal‐based methods. This review discusses the Maillard reaction and its significance in milk and dairy products, methods of assessing the extent of the reaction and of the bioavailability of lysine, and the nutritional significance of blocked lysines and associated Maillard reaction products in milk proteins.
Malingering by Proxy: A Literature Review and Current Perspectives
Authors: Amlani Adam , Grewal Gurinder S. , Feldman Marc D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMalingering by proxy (MAL‐BP) is a form of maltreatment that involves a caregiver who fabricates or induces signs or symptoms in a child, dependent adult, or pet in pursuit of external, tangible incentives. Rarely studied, MAL‐BP has an unknown prevalence, and is a challenging diagnosis for healthcare professionals. Therefore, a comprehensive computer literature search and review was conducted. The review uncovered a total of sixteen case reports of MAL‐BP (eleven human, five veterinary). The motive for malingering was financial in all human cases and medication‐seeking in all veterinary cases. Although the strategies employed differed among the identified cases, common themes regarding the best approach to identification of MAL‐BP cases became evident. A comprehensive workup including a thorough history, physical examination, appropriate neuropsychological testing, and relevant collateral information forms the basis of an effective identification strategy. The optimal method of management is currently unclear due to a relative paucity of data and guidelines. However, management of these cases would likely include a team‐based approach with a prudent assessment of safety for the proxy and a low threshold for referral to appropriate services. Long‐term follow‐up is essential and should be approached from a biopsychosocial perspective. Attention, research, and guidance on this topic are needed to develop further evidence‐based guidelines for the identification and management of MAL‐BP.
Noninvasive DNA methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Xue Meng , Lai San Chuan , Xu Zhi Peng , Wang Liang Jing 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize the current evidence on the biomarkers associated with DNA methylation in the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsA literature search was conducted on the databases of PubMed and Web of Science to identify articles published from 1 January 2000 to 6 June 2015 with language striction. Stuides focusing on the association between noninvasive biomarkers indicating DNA methylation and CRC were included.ResultsAltogether 74 studies were finally included in the study. Varied genetic markers in the feces and blood samples were hypermethylated in patients with CRC than in the healthy controls. Some of them could even be detected at the early stage of the tumors. The sensitivity of the genetic markers was superior to that of fecal occult blood test and carcinoembryonic antigen. Multitarget DNA assays using a combination of different methylated genes could improve the diagnostic sensitivity.ConclusionsGenetic markers might be minimally invasive, economical and accurate for the screening and surveillance of CRC. Large multicenter studies evaluating these biomarkers systematically and prospectively not only in CRC but also in other types of cancers are needed in the future.
Mating strategy of Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in northern Australia
Authors: Nielsen Mogens Gissel , Peng Renkang , Offenberg Joachim , Birkmose Dorthe 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to elucidate the mating strategy of Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius, 1775) and to clarify the factors that related to the nuptial flight. The nuptial flight was investigated over three seasons in the Darwin area, Australia, in which a total of 19 swarmings were observed. All swarmings were observed on days where no rain fell before 15:00 h, and with wind speed ≤18 km/h. On days of swarming air pressure was significantly higher (mean ± SD: 1009.3 ± 1.6 hPa) than on rainless days without swarming (mean ± SD: 1006.9 ± 1.2 hPa). Several swarmings took place during the season, and the production of alate queens occurred more or less continuously over a period of at least 2 months. Therefore, the number of individuals in each swarming depends on the time elapsed since the last swarming. Swarming commenced with males gathering on the external surfaces of nests at sunrise, and about 15 min later they started departing, which took about 10 min. When the males commenced flying the females came out of the nests. When most males had flown, the females started flying, which also took about 10 min. Both males and females flew straight up towards an opening in the canopy. After swarming, alate queens were observed coming down to the canopy after 15–20 min. No queens were found in artificial queen traps 2 h after swarming. A few queens were observed flying around 13:00 h, and later in the afternoon many fertilised queens were found in queen traps. From field observation and laboratory experiments, we conclude that it is most plausible that alate queens meet the males in the air, proceed to the tree canopy to conclude the mating, and then after midday the mated alate queens fly individually to find a nesting site.
Timing of episiotomy and outcome of a non‐instrumental vaginal delivery
Authors: Rusavy Zdenek , Karbanova Jaroslava , Kalis Vladimir 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare to compare immediate delivery outcome as well as healing, pain, anal incontinence and sexuality in a short‐term and a long‐term follow up after episiotomy performed before or at crowning in nulliparous women.Material and methodsThis cohort study is a comparison of prospectively collected data evaluating the importance of the timing of episiotomy. Patients with episiotomy performed before crowning (n = 86) and at crowning (n = 404) were compared. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries rate, additional perineal or vaginal trauma, neonatal outcome, episiotomy length, 2nd stage of labor duration, blood loss, infection, hematoma, dehiscence, need for resuturing, pain, painful defecation, resumption of sexual intercourse, dyspareunia, anal incontinence and constipation were assessed immediately after delivery or from responses to questionnaires 24 and 72 h, 10 days, 3 and 6 months postpartum.ResultsThe groups did not differ in age, body mass index, birthweight, occipito‐posterior presentation, shoulder dystocia, or episiotomy type. Significant differences between before crowning and at crowning groups were observed in additional vaginal trauma [26 (30.2%) vs. 66 (16.3%), respectively, p < 0.001], mean episiotomy length (42 mm vs. 36 mm, p < 0.001), and mean estimated blood loss (367 mL vs. 344 mL, p < 0.001). Difference in obstetric anal sphincter injuries rate did not reach statistical significance [0 (0.0%) vs. 7 (1.7%), p = 0.61]. The groups did not differ in additional perineal trauma, pain (Visual Analogue Scale, Verbal Rating Scale and Activities of Daily Living scales), healing complications, sexual functions or anal incontinence in short‐term or long‐term follow up.ConclusionsOur results suggest that episiotomy performed at crowning is not associated with worse anatomical or functional delivery outcome, and support a restrictive approach to episiotomy. The effect of episiotomy timing on pelvic organ prolapse development remains to be determined.
Home use of misoprostol for early medical abortion in a low resource setting: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iyengar Kirti , Klingberg‐Allvin Marie , Iyengar Sharad D. , Paul Mandira , Essén Birgitta , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionAlthough home use of misoprostol for early medical abortion is considered to be safe, effective and feasible, it has not become standard service delivery practice. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of home use of misoprostol with clinic misoprostol in a low‐resource setting.Material and methodsThis was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted in six primary care clinics in India. Women seeking medical abortion within up to nine gestational weeks (n = 731) received mifepristone in the clinic and were allocated either to home or clinic administration of misoprostol. Follow‐up contact was after 10–15 days.ResultsOf 731 participants, 73% were from rural areas and 55% had no formal education. Complete abortion rates in the home and clinic misoprostol groups were 94.2 and 94.4%, respectively. The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups (0.3%). A greater proportion of home users (90.2%) said that they would opt for misoprostol at home in the event of a future abortion compared with clinic users (79.7%) who would opt for misoprostol at the clinic in a similar situation (p = 0.0002). Ninety‐six percent women using misoprostol at home or in the clinic were satisfied with their abortion experience.ConclusionsHome‐use of misoprostol for early medical abortion is as effective and acceptable as clinic use, in low resource settings. Women should be offered a choice of this option regardless of distance of their residence from the clinic and communication facilities.
Understanding university faculty perceptions about innovation in teaching and technology
Authors: Kopcha Theodore J. , Rieber Lloyd P. , Walker Brandy B. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to understand faculty perceptions about innovation in teaching and technology in a college of education in a research‐intensive university. This study was motivated by the creation of a new initiative begun in a large college of education at a Carnegie Research‐Intensive university to promote innovation in teaching with the support and creative use of technology. This study used Q methodology, a mixed methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative analysis of descriptive data derived by a sorting activity. Results showed four emerging profiles about how faculty perceive innovation in teaching and technology. Faculty comprising three of these profiles shared the characteristic of valuing technology's role in teaching, though in different, nuanced ways. Faculty representing the fourth profile, in contrast, were generally cautious and skeptical of using technology for teaching. Implications of the study are discussed, including the caution not to assume that college faculty share meaning for words like “innovation in teaching and technology.” Also, the results of this study are useful to understanding theories of innovation based on faculty's perceptions of their ability to adapt to rapidly changing and ever‐increasing technology innovations for teaching.
Tertiary students' intention to e‐collaborate for group projects: Exploring the missing link from an extended theory of planned behaviour model
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Chu Samuel K.W. , Ma Carol S.M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWith the emergence of web technologies, students can conduct their group projects via virtual platforms, which enable online collaboration. However, students' lack of intention to use web technologies for conducting group work has recently been highlighted. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper developed and examined an extended model, specifying what factors affect e‐collaborative intentions. Data were collected from major tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. A total of 1120 students completed the questionnaire. The partial least square approach to structural equation modelling was used to analyse the a priori hypothesised model, which was empirically supported. Past experience and self‐esteem were found to play substantial roles in explaining e‐collaborative intentions. Moreover, the mediating roles of attitudes and perceived behavioural control were confirmed.
An exploration into first‐year university students' approaches to inquiry and online learning technologies in blended environments
Authors: Ellis Robert A. , Bliuc Ana‐Maria 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe use of online learning technologies in experiences of inquiry is increasingly ubiquitous in university contexts. In blended environments, research into university experiences suggests that student approaches to learning are a key determiner of the quality of outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop relevant measures which help understand the interplay between student approaches to inquiry (SAI) and their approaches to using online learning technologies (SAOLT) in blended environments. Based on a first‐year university sample (n = 238), two questionnaires exploring qualitative variations in the SAI and SAOLT were developed. Each questionnaire had two subscales, that is, deep and surface approaches, and their construction was informed by existing research identifying qualitatively different approaches to inquiry and learning technologies. Our results indicate that the two questionnaires show satisfactory validity and reliability in measuring SAI and SAOLT. Furthermore, our findings show that deep approaches to inquiry were positively and logically related to deep approaches to online learning technologies (while surface approaches to inquiry were related to surface approaches to online learning technologies), and participants cluster in distinct groups according to their qualitatively different approaches to inquiry and online technologies. These outcomes have tangible implications for teaching and design, in particular for teachers aiming to support students to develop effective learning strategies when engaging in blended environments where students need to integrate their experiences and ideas across face‐to‐face and online contexts.