bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A trade‐off between quantity and quality of offspring in haematophagous ectoparasites: the effect of the level of specialization
Authors: Khokhlova Irina S. , Pilosof Shai , Fielden Laura J. , Degen A. Allan , Krasnov Boris R. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Theory predicts an adaptive trade‐off between quantity and quality of offspring if mothers can reliably predict the offspring environment.

We studied egg production and quality of offspring in two flea species (host‐specialist Parapulex chephrenis and host‐generalist Xenopsylla ramesis) exploiting eight rodent species. We evaluated quality of new imagoes via their developmental time, size (length of a femur as a proxy) and resistance to starvation without a blood meal.

We predicted that the offspring quality would increase with (i) a decrease in the number of eggs produced by mothers and (ii) an increase in phylogenetic distance between maternal host and principal host of a flea. We also predicted that negative relationships between offspring quality and either maternal egg production effort or phylogenetic distance between maternal host and the principal host or both would be manifested stronger in host‐opportunistic than in host‐specific fleas.

The highest number of eggs produced per female flea was accompanied by the longest duration of development and the smallest offspring in X. ramesis, while P. chephrenis that hatched from larger clutches survived for less time under starvation. Although there was no significant effect of host species on any dependent variable, association between offspring quality and phylogenetic distance of the maternal host from the principal host of a flea was found in X. ramesis (but not P. chephrenis) with new imagoes being larger if their maternal hosts were phylogenetically distant from the principal host.

Our results demonstrated stronger trade‐off between quantity and quality of offspring in a generalist than in a specialist flea, supporting the association between life‐history plasticity and generalist feeding strategy.
Phylogeography and population structure of the biologically invasive phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora inferred using minisatellites
Authors: Bühlmann Andreas , Dreo Tanja , Rezzonico Fabio , Pothier Joël F. , Smits Theo H. M. , Ravnikar Maja , Frey Jürg E. , Duffy Brion 
Published: October 2013

SummaryErwinia amylovora causes a major disease of pome fruit trees worldwide, and is regulated as a quarantine organism in many countries. While some diversity of isolates has been observed, molecular epidemiology of this bacterium is hindered by a lack of simple molecular typing techniques with sufficiently high resolution. We report a molecular typing system of E. amylovora based on variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis. Repeats in the E. amylovora genome were identified with comparative genomic tools, and VNTR markers were developed and validated. A Multiple‐Locus VNTR Analysis (MLVA) was applied to E. amylovora isolates from bacterial collections representing global and regional distribution of the pathogen. Based on six repeats, MLVA allowed the distinction of 227 haplotypes among a collection of 833 isolates of worldwide origin. Three geographically separated groups were recognized among global isolates using Bayesian clustering methods. Analysis of regional outbreaks confirmed presence of diverse haplotypes but also high representation of certain haplotypes during outbreaks. MLVA analysis is a practical method for epidemiological studies of E. amylovora, identifying previously unresolved population structure within outbreaks. Knowledge of such structure can increase our understanding on how plant diseases emerge and spread over a given geographical region.
SIDIER: substitution and indel distances to infer evolutionary relationships
Authors: Muñoz‐Pajares Antonio Jesús 
Published: October 2013

Summary

The amount of evolutionary information in phylogeographic studies is usually limited due to the low divergence between closely related organisms. Consequently, obtaining the maximum evolutionary information contained in sequence alignments would be of great importance to infer phylogeographic relationships.

SIDIER is a software package that allows inferring evolutionary relationships from gapped alignments using information contained in both substitutions and insertions/deletions (indels).

SIDIER estimates the number of indel events that occurred during sequence evolution to obtain a distance matrix. This indel distance matrix may be combined with the substitution distance matrix calculated separately from the same data set.

Using this software, the inferred evolutionary events can be represented by means of percolation networks.

SIDIER is written in the open source R language and is freely available through the Comprehensive R Archive Network (http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/sidier/index.html).
The last mile(s) in modern input distribution: Pricing, profitability, and adoption
Authors: Minten Bart , Koru Bethlehem , Stifel David 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIncreasing adoption of modern inputs remains one of the best hopes for greater agricultural production in developing countries. Based on unique data from northwestern Ethiopia, this study examines the “last mile(s)”—from the input distribution center to the farmer—in the chemical fertilizer and improved seed distribution system. We find that increasing transaction and transportation costs over a 35 km distance, along a route mainly accessible to only foot traffic, lead to a 50% increase of the price of chemical fertilizer and to a 75% reduction in its use. Farmers who live about 10 km from the distribution center face per unit transaction and transportation costs as high as the costs needed to bring the fertilizer from the international port to the input distribution center (about 1,000 km). Tackling the “last mile(s)” costs should thus be a priority to improve modern input adoption and use in these settings.
Resection of Huge Retrosternal Goiter Through a Novel Combined Cervical and Robot‐Assisted Approach
Authors: Wang Shumin , Xu Shiguang , Liu Bo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA 53‐year‐old man was referred to our department with a history of cough, especially at night, for 3 months. He was found to have a huge retrosternal goiter. We applied a novel combined cervical and robot‐assisted approach to resect this difficult goiter. Using the da Vinci robot system, the intrathoracic part of the goiter was dissected and mobilized completely from the mediastinum to the inlet of the thorax. The dissected part of the goiter was left in the thorax. A right cervical half‐collar incision about 6 cm was then performed. The goiter was finally removed from the neck incision. Histopathologic examination reported a multinodular goiter. By the method shown in the case, resection of huge retrosternal goiters through a combined cervical and robot‐assisted approach is feasible and safe. This method provides an alternative option to the more invasive traditional approaches.
Linguistic analysis of extended examination answers: Differences between on‐screen and paper‐based, high‐ and low‐scoring answers
Authors: Charman Melody 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis small‐scale pilot study aimed to establish how the mode of response in an examination affects candidates' performances on items that require an extended answer. The sample comprised 46 17‐year‐old students from two classes (one in a state secondary school and one in a state sixth‐form college), who sat a mock A‐level English Literature examination. The analysis compared writing produced on screen and on paper to try to uncover any systematic differences between the two modes of delivery. The study considered the linguistic features of the texts produced in each mode, the marks achieved and the views of the participants regarding the use of computers in essay‐based examinations. The study found that the response mode had a small effect on the length of essay produced, in that students using a computer wrote more, and on the type of language used, in that students writing on paper used denser but less varied language. There was very little effect on the marks achieved. Participants expressed a variety of concerns about computer‐based examinations, such as noisy keyboards, assessment of spelling, and unfairness towards those who are less comfortable with the technology.
Central nesfatin‐1 influences the excitability of ghrelin‐responsive gastric distension neurons in the arcuate nucleus and reduces gastric motility in rats
Authors: Li Zhi‐ling , Xu Luo , Sun Xiang‐rong , Guo Fei‐fei , Gong Yan‐ling , Gao Sheng‐li 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAlthough the novel satiety peptide nesfatin‐1 has been shown to regulate gastric motility, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. The study aimed to explore the effects of nesfatin‐1 on ghrelin‐responsive gastric distension (GD) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (Arc), and potential regulation mechanisms of gastric motility by the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Single‐unit discharges in the Arc were recorded extracellularly, and gastric motility in conscious rats was monitored during the administration of nesfatin‐1 to the Arc or electrical stimulation of the PVN. Retrograde tracing and fluo‐immunohistochemistry staining were used to determine NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 neuronal projections. Nesfatin‐1 inhibited most of the ghrelin‐responsive GD‐excitatory neurons, but excited ghrelin‐responsive GD‐inhibitory neurons in the Arc. Gastric motility was significantly reduced by nesfatin‐1 administration to the Arc in a dose‐dependent manner. The firing activity in the Arc and changes to gastric motility were partly reduced by SHU9119, an antagonist of melanocortin 3/4 receptors. Electrical stimulation of PVN excited most of the ghrelin‐responsive GD neurons in the Arc and promoted gastric motility. Nonetheless, pretreatment with an anti‐NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 antibody in the Arc further increased the firing rate of most of the ghrelin‐responsive GD‐excitatory neurons and decreased the ghrelin‐responsive GD‐inhibitory neurons following electrical stimulation of the PVN. Gastric motility was enhanced by pretreatment with an anti‐NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 antibody in the Arc following PVN stimulation. Furthermore, NUCB2/nesfatin‐1/fluorogold double‐labeled neurons were detected in the PVN. These results suggest that nesfatin‐1 could serve as an inhibitory factor in the Arc to regulate gastric motility via the melanocortin pathway. The PVN could be involved in the regulation of the Arc in gastric activity.
Modeling seizure self‐prediction: An e‐diary study
Authors: Haut Sheryl R. , Hall Charles B. , Borkowski Thomas , Tennen Howard , Lipton Richard B. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPurposeA subset of patients with epilepsy successfully self‐predicted seizures in a paper diary study. We conducted an e‐diary study to ensure that prediction precedes seizures, and to characterize the prodromal features and time windows that underlie self‐prediction.MethodsSubjects 18 or older with localization‐related epilepsy (LRE) and ≥3 seizures per month maintained an e‐diary, reporting a.m./p.m. data daily, including mood, premonitory symptoms, and all seizures. Self‐prediction was rated by, “How likely are you to experience a seizure (time frame)?” Five choices ranged from almost certain (>95% chance) to very unlikely. Relative odds of seizure (odds ratio, OR) within time frames was examined using Poisson models with log normal random effects to adjust for multiple observations.Key FindingsNineteen subjects reported 244 eligible seizures. OR for prediction choices within 6 h was as high as 9.31 (CI 1.92–45.23) for “almost certain.” Prediction was most robust within 6 h of diary entry, and remained significant up to 12 h. For nine best predictors, average sensitivity was 50%. Older age contributed to successful self‐prediction, and self‐prediction appeared to be driven by mood and premonitory symptoms. In multivariate modeling of seizure occurrence, self‐prediction (2.84; CI 1.68–4.81), favorable change in mood (0.82; CI 0.67–0.99), and number of premonitory symptoms (1.11; CI 1.00–1.24) were significant.SignificanceSome persons with epilepsy can self‐predict seizures. In these individuals, the odds of a seizure following a positive prediction are high. Predictions were robust, not attributable to recall bias, and were related to self‐awareness of mood and premonitory features. The 6‐h prediction window is suitable for the development of preemptive therapy.
Understanding the medicines information‐seeking behaviour and information needs of South African long‐term patients with limited literacy skills
Authors: Patel Sonal , Dowse Ros 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough much health information‐seeking behaviour (HISB) research has been reported in patients with good literacy skills, little is known about HISB in patients with limited literacy skills served by under‐resourced health‐care systems.ObjectiveTo investigate medicine information‐seeking behaviour and information needs in patients with limited literacy.MethodsUsing a question guide, four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore themes related to information needs, information‐seeking practices and awareness of and ability to utilize information sources. Twenty‐two isiXhosa‐speaking long‐term patients with limited formal education were recruited from a primary health‐care clinic in South Africa. Discussions were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo® was used for initial coding of transcripts. Codes were analysed, and potential themes and subthemes in the entire data set were identified and refined.FindingsThe results of this study reflect a passive, disempowered patient. Poor awareness of information sources, lack of health‐related knowledge and stigma contributed to a lack of information‐seeking practice, thus potentially adversely influencing patient–provider interactions. Patients neither asked questions nor were encouraged to ask questions. All expressed an unmet need for information and a desire for receiving the illustrated written medicines‐related information displayed in the FGDs. The main sources of information were health‐care professionals, followed by family and friends.ConclusionThe significant level of patient disempowerment and passivity reported amongst patients underpinned their inability to actively seek information. Neither sources of information nor types of appropriate medicines information could be identified. Unmet information needs and a desire for information were reported.
Phase I study of injectable, depot naltrexone for the relapse prevention treatment of opioid dependence
Authors: Xuyi Wang , Juelu Wang , Xiaojun Xiang , Haiyan Li , Zheyuan Liu , Zhehui Gong , Guoming Dong , Gang Liu , Jin Li , Wei Hao 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesWe tested long‐acting injectable depot naltrexone for its tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and safety in Phase I.MethodsThe Phase I trial enrolled 36 healthy participants in two panels (A, B). In Panel A, 24 subjects were randomly assigned to the high‐dosage group (400 mg naltrexone, n = 6; placebo, n = 6) or low‐dosage group (200 mg naltrexone, n = 6; placebo, n = 6). In Panel B, 12 subjects were randomized to take six doses of monthly injectable naltrexone (400 mg) or placebo.ResultsAfter a single injection of naltrexone 200 and 400 mg, means (SD) of naltrexone plasma concentrations were .57 (.28) ng/ml and 1.5 (.8) ng/ml 30 days post‐injection. There was no effect of accumulation after multiple dosing. Eleven of 30 subjects (36.67%) who were administered injectable depot naltrexone reported a total of 12 adverse events (AEs). Seven of these 11 AEs were coded as possibly related with study medication. All treatment‐related AEs were mild in severity. No serious treatment‐related AEs occurred.Discussion and ConclusionsThis long‐acting formulation of injectable depot naltrexone is well tolerated, results in constant plasma concentration of naltrexone for at least 1 month.Scientific SignificanceThe tolerability and safety of long‐acting injectable depot naltrexone are good. (Am J Addict 2014;23:162–169)
Impedance Spectroscopy and Dielectric Properties of Flash Versus Conventionally Sintered Yttria‐Doped Zirconia Electroceramics Viewed at the Microstructural Level
Authors: M'Peko J.‐C. , Francis J. S. C. , Raj Rishi 
Published: October 2013

The defect chemistry‐modulated dielectric properties of dense yttria‐doped zirconia ceramics prepared by conventional sintering (at 1350°C–1500°C) and electric field‐assisted flash sintering (55 V/cm at 900°C) were studied by impedance spectroscopy. While the bulk dielectric properties from both sets of samples showed only small and insignificant changes in conductivity and permittivity, respectively, a huge increase of these properties was measured for the grain boundaries in the flash sintered specimens. A close analysis of these results suggests that flash sintering reduced grain‐boundary thickness (by about 30%), while increasing the concentration of oxygen vacancies near these interfaces (by about 49%). The underlying mechanism proposed is electric field‐assisted generation and accommodation of defects in the space‐charge layers adjacent to the grain surface. The changes in measured permittivity are attributed to the boundary thickness effect on capacitance, while conductivity involved variations in its defect density‐dependent intrinsic value, accounting for changes also observed in grain‐boundary relaxation frequencies. Therefore, in terms of modifications to the specific dielectric properties of these materials, the overall consequence of flash sintering was to considerably lower the semi‐blocking character of the grain boundaries.
PESTonFARM – stochastic model of on‐farm insect behaviour and their response to IPM interventions
Authors: Lux S. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPESTonFARM is an agent‐based pattern‐oriented model with elements of cellular automata, developed to simulate insect behaviour within seasonally changing mosaic of farming landscapes, under the challenge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) actions. The model is based on a software construct (‘virtual insect’), acting according to a pre‐defined set of behavioural rules. Each ‘virtual insect’ acts independently, developing its individually unique behavioural sequence and life history. The local on‐farm conditions and the planned IPM interventions can be represented through user‐defined spatial and temporal parameters. Incompatibility among IPM treatments, for example, pesticide vs. biological control, also could be taken into account. Unit costs of IPM interventions and crop values can be specified to obtain cost/benefit assessments for each IPM scenario. The model emulates the behaviour of a pest population during a virtual IPM experiment, and each run generates stochastically equivalent but unique sets of results, which functionally correspond to a replication of an on‐farm experiment. By taking into account the local farm structures and their spatiotemporal variations the model alludes to the concept of ‘precision agriculture’. Once customized to the local conditions and validated, the model can support site‐specific forecasting, decision‐making and training, serving as a component of the ‘precision IPM’ toolbox. To demonstrate the concept, an example of the model application in management of the cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cherasi, is briefly presented and discussed.
Disease resistance and immune‐relevant gene expression in golden mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri Steindachner, infected with infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus‐like agent
Authors: Shin G W , White S L , Dahms H U , Jeong H D , Kim J H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractInfectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), family Iridoviridae, genus Megalocytivirus, may cause high mortality rates such as those seen in mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi. ISKNV has attracted much attention due to the possible environmental threat and economic losses it poses on both cultured and wild populations. We have investigated the pathogenicity of ISKNV‐like agent Megalocytivirus, isolated from infected pearl gourami, in golden mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri – a member of the Percichthyidae family – and in another Percichthyidae species, S. chuatsi. Fish were challenged with four different doses of ISKNV‐like agent Megalocytivirus (1, 10, 100 or 1000 μg per fish) over a 30‐day period, and cumulative fish mortalities were calculated for each group. No significant mortality was observed for fish challenged with the lowest dose (1 μg per fish) relative to a control group. However, all other challenged groups showed 100% mortality over a 30‐day period in proportion to the challenge dose. Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to measure mRNA expression levels for six immune‐related genes in golden mandarin fish following ISKNV‐like agent challenge. mRNA expression levels for IRF1, Mx, viperin and interleukin 8 significantly increased, while mRNA levels for IRF2 and IRF7 remained constant or declined during the challenge period.
Multidrug‐Resistant stx1 Harboring Escherichia coli from Meat Shop and Fast Food
Authors: Pavithra M , Ghosh Asit Ranjan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEscherichia coli have public health impact on humans by causing gastroenteritis including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. A total of 215 samples collected from fast foods, swabs from meat shops and fish markets were examined. Thirty‐six samples (16.74%) were identified as E. coli with various serogroups like O8, O19, O22, O41, O60, O101, O116 and O147, respectively. Only nine (25%) E. coli possessed the gene encoding shiga toxin (stx 1). Isolated E. coli were multidrug‐resistant with complete resistance to fluroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and lomefloxacin respectively). Isolation of stx 1 bearing E. coli with multidrug resistance from fast food and meat sources is a clear indication of environmental contamination and is a matter of public health concern.Practical ApplicationDetection of diarrheogenic serogroups of stx 1 harboring Escherichia coli with multidrug resistance in fast foods and meat shops is applicable in creating awareness among public about the unhygienic practices followed in the fast food centers and retail meat shops and also the improper disposal of fecal and antibiotic wastes, which is the cause for such contaminations. This study also insists the need of health education and hygienic practice for the food handlers.