bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal adaptation affects interactions between a range‐expanding and a native odonate species
Authors: SUHLING IDA , SUHLING FRANK 
Published: February 2013

Summary1. Increasing temperature and invading species may interact in their effects on communities. In this study, we investigated how rising temperatures alter larval interactions between a naturally range‐expanding dragonfly,Crocothemis erythraea, and a native northern European species,Leucorrhinia dubia. Initial studies revealed thatC. erythraeagrow up to 3.5 times faster thanL. dubiaat temperatures above 16 °C. As a result, we hypothesised that divergent temperature responses would lead to rapid size differences between coexisting larvae and, consequently, to asymmetric intraguild predation at higher ambient temperatures.2. Mortality and growth rates were measured in interaction treatments (with both species present) and non‐interaction controls (one species present) at four different temperature regimes: at an ambient temperature representative of central Germany, where both species overlap in distribution, and at temperatures increased by 2, 4 and 6 °C.3. The mortality ofC. erythraeadid not differ between treatment and control. In contrast, mortality ofL. dubiaremained similar over all temperatures in the controls, but increased with temperature in the presence of the other species and was significantly higher there than in the controls. We concluded thatL. dubiasuffered asymmetric intraguild predation, particularly at increased temperature. Reduced growth rate ofL. dubiain the interaction treatment at higher temperatures also suggested asymmetric competition for prey in the first phase of the experiment.4. The results imply that the range expansion ofC. erythraeamay cause reduction in population size of syntopicL. dubiawhen temperature rises by more than 2 °C. The consequences for future range patterns, as well as other factors that may influence the interaction in nature, are discussed.
Feeding strategies and elemental composition in Ponto‐Caspian peracaridans from contrasting environments: can stoichiometric plasticity promote invasion success?
Authors: ARBAČIAUSKAS KĘSTUTIS , LESUTIENĖ JŪRATĖ , GASIŪNAITĖ ZITA R. 
Published: February 2013

Summary1. Ponto‐Caspian peracaridans, and mysids and amphipods in particular, are among the most successful aquatic invaders. However, species differ in the trophic‐status range of ecosystems they can invade while establishment rates and impacts can vary substantially between habitats. There is limited knowledge of the environmental factors and species characteristics that drive such variation in invasion success.2. Here we test how trophic level and body stoichiometry vary among peracaridan species and in relation to body size. The amphipod Pontogammarus robustoides and the mysids Limnomysis benedeni and Paramysis lacustris were investigated in ecosystems differing considerably in productivity and nutrient supply, namely an N‐limited eutrophic lagoon and P‐limited mesotrophic lakes.3. As revealed by stable isotope (15N/14N) analysis, herbivory was inferred to be the main feeding mode of L. benedeni. In contrast, the mysid P. lacustris and the amphipod P. robustoides displayed a higher propensity for predatory feeding at larger body sizes, a pattern that was more pronounced in the eutrophic lagoon than in the mesotrophic lakes.4. Their mean stoichiometric composition (P. robustoides C:N:P 108:20:1, L. benedeni 92:21:1 and P. lacustris 93:22:1) demonstrates that these peracaridans are rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen. They all exhibited the same ontogenetic pattern of reduced stoichiometric regulation during juvenile stages and stricter homoeostasis at older stages.5. The higher P content in juveniles of all peracaridan species from the lagoon indicates higher potential somatic and population growth rates than those in the mesotrophic lakes. Such a difference may explain the substantially faster rates of invader establishment observed in the lagoon in comparison with lakes of low trophy.6. Due to differences in ontogenetic and habitat‐induced variation, the study species differed significantly in stoichiometric variability, which was lowest in L. benedeni and highest in P. robustoides. The ranges of species‐specific variation in stoichiometric ratios corresponded to the trophic (by chlorophyll a) and nutrient stoichiometry (N:P) ranges of lentic waters successfully invaded by these species in Lithuania.7. Stoichiometric plasticity, which should be associated with flexibility of feeding strategy, may enhance the potential of peracaridan species to successfully invade habitats with differing trophy and nutrient supply. The optimal feeding strategy should be omnivory with a propensity for predatory feeding, which can be adjusted with respect to ontogenetic nutrient demands and resource availability. Invading species may have a stronger effect on the local biota in ecosystems with high P levels, which promote growth, and N limitation that should favour predation.
Biological assessment of European lakes: ecological rationale and human impacts
Authors: Brucet Sandra , Poikane Sandra , Lyche‐Solheim Anne , Birk Sebastian 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Nearly one hundred biological methods are currently used to assess the ecological status of European lakes. Here, using information from a questionnaire, complemented with findings from the literature, we compared the use of different methods to assess the ecological status of lakes as well as the rationale for using different organism groups (phytoplankton, benthic diatoms, macrophytes, benthic invertebrates and fish) in monitoring programmes.
Reference conditions were estimated for about half of the methods using near‐natural reference sites, complemented with other approaches, such as historical data, modelling and expert judgment. About 40% of the methods used more subjective approaches to establish reference conditions (e.g. selecting near‐natural reference sites without any pressure criteria) or no information was available.
Methods using several measures (i.e. multimetric methods) were developed, with particular emphasis on measures based on sensitivity/tolerance and abundance. Different organisms showed different responses to similar levels of human impacts. Assessment methods based on phytoplankton showed the strongest response to eutrophication, with class boundaries mainly based on ecological rationale. By contrast, statistical distributions and expert judgment were frequently used in setting class boundaries in macrophyte, benthic invertebrates and fish methods. Methods were strongly biased towards detecting changes associated with eutrophication, with other pressures (e.g. hydromorphological alteration) seldom monitored.
Effective restoration measures and achieving good ecological status of European lakes will require assessment programmes based on a sound understanding of pressure–response relationships as well as the use of ecologically based approaches in establishing reference conditions and setting class boundaries.
Drivers of beta diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in tropical forest streams
Authors: AL‐SHAMI SALMAN A. , HEINO JANI , CHE SALMAH M. R. , ABU HASSAN A. , SUHAILA A. H. , MADRUS MADZIATUL R. 
Published: February 2013

Summary1. There has recently been increasing interest in patterns of beta diversity but we still lack a comprehensive understanding of these patterns in various regions (e.g. the tropics), ecosystems (e.g. streams) and organism groups (e.g. invertebrates).2. Our aim was to investigate the patterns of beta diversity of stream macroinvertebrates in relation to key environmental (i.e. stream size, pH and habitat degradation) and geographical variables (i.e. latitude, longitude, altitude) in a tropical region. We surveyed a total of 8–10 riffle sites in each of 34 streams (altogether 337 riffle sites were sampled) in Peninsular Malaysia to examine variation in macroinvertebrate community composition at within‐stream and among‐stream scales.3. Based on test of homogeneity of dispersion, we found that the streams studied differed significantly in within‐stream variation in community composition (i.e. among‐site variation of within stream beta diversity). The patterns were similar based on Bray–Curtis coefficient on abundance data, Sorensen coefficient on presence–absence data and Simpson coefficient on presence–absence data. We also found that within‐stream beta diversity was significantly related to stream size, pH and latitude, with each of these variables individually accounting for around 20% of the variation in beta diversity in simple regressions, while the total variation explained by the three significant variables amounted to around 50% in multiple regressions. By contrast, habitat degradation, longitude and altitude were not significantly related to beta diversity. We also found that the factor drainage basin accounted for much of the variation in beta diversity in general linear models, suppressing the effects of environmental variables.4. We concluded that within‐stream beta diversity is mainly related to a combination of the identity of a drainage basin and stream environmental factors. Our findings provide important background for stream environmental assessment and conservation planning by emphasising that (i) macroinvertebrate communities within streams are not homogeneous, but show considerable beta diversity, (ii) streams differ in their degree of within‐stream beta diversity, (iii) stream size and water pH should be considered in applied contexts related to within‐stream beta diversity and (iv) historical effects may be different in different drainage basins and may affect present‐day patterns of within‐stream beta diversity.
Situated, Networked Environmentalisms: A Case for Environmental Theory from the South
Authors: Lawhon Mary 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThere has long been a notable difference between the environmentalism of the global North and South. Despite this and recent calls for the development of theory from the global South, research on environmentalism in the global South continues to largely employ Northern theory. While much of this seeks to inform and revise theory, and a case has been made for the articulation of an environmentalism of the poor, work in the South remains dominated by framings and questions articulated in the North. In this paper, I examine geographical research to make a case for also articulating situated environmentalisms which move beyond the generalization of Southern environmentalism to investigate how the environment is understood in specific contexts. Such environmentalisms should not be seen as developed in isolation but are recognized as products of intra‐ and international networked engagements. I explore this argument through the case of geographical research in South Africa. My review of the literature suggests that work in South Africa largely speaks to international environmental discourses and environmental management and governance theories. While this research productively engages with global academia and environmentalisms, it overlooks many significant questions and how the local context matters. I argue that this is not simply a case of South African exceptionalism, but instead, that there is a need to more broadly consider situated, networked environmentalism in both the global North and South.
‘Calling executives and clinicians to account’: user involvement in commissioning cancer services
Authors: Evans David H , Bacon Roger J , Greer Elizabeth , Stagg Angela M , Turton Pat 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundEnglish NHS guidance emphasizes the importance of involving users in commissioning cancer services. There has been considerable previous research on involving users in service improvement, but not on involvement in commissioning cancer services.ObjectiveTo identify how users were involved as local cancer service commissioning projects sought to implement good practice and what has been learned.DesignParticipatory evaluation with four qualitative case studies based on semi‐structured interviews with project stakeholders, observation and documentary analysis. Users were involved in every stage from design to analysis and reporting.Setting and participantsFour English cancer network user involvement in commissioning projects, with 22 stakeholders interviewed.ResultsThematic analysis identified nine themes: initial involvement, preparation for the role, ability to exercise voice, consistency and continuity, where decisions are made, closing the feedback loop, assessing impact, value of experience and diversity.DiscussionOur findings on the impact of user involvement in commissioning cancer services are consistent with other findings on user involvement in service improvement, but highlight the specific issues for involvement in commissioning. Key points include the different perspectives users and professionals may have on the impact of user involvement in commissioning, the time necessary for meaningful involvement, the importance of involving users from the beginning and the value of senior management and PPI facilitator support and training.ConclusionsUsers can play an important role in commissioning cancer services, but their ability to do so is contingent on resources being available to support them.
Consumer views on a new holistic screening tool for supportive and palliative‐care needs: Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care (SPARC): a survey of self‐help support groups in health care
Authors: Hughes Philippa , Ahmed Nisar , Winslow Michelle , Walters Stephen J , Collins Karen , Noble Bill 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundSheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care (SPARC) was developed in response to concerns that palliative care may not be reaching all people who could benefit from it. Acceptability of the tool is an important step in developing its future use.AimsTo elicit the views of a wide variety of members of consumer and self‐help support groups concerned with health care on the relevance, acceptability and the overall perception of using SPARC as an early holistic needs assessment tool in supportive and palliative care.MethodsThis study was conducted in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire (UK). Ninety‐nine consumer and self‐help groups were identified from information in the public domain. Thirty‐eight groups participated. Packs containing study information and self‐complete postal questionnaires were distributed to groups, and they were asked to circulate these to their members. Completed questionnaires were returned in pre‐paid envelopes to the research team.Results135 questionnaires and feedback forms were returned. The majority of respondents found SPARC easy to understand (93% (120/129; 95% Confidence Interval 87% to 96%) and complete (94% (125/133; 95% CI: 88% to 97%). A minority, 12.2% (16/131), of respondents found questions on SPARC ‘too sensitive’.ConclusionsOverall, respondents considered SPARC an acceptable and relevant tool for clinical assessment of supportive and palliative‐care needs. Whilst a small minority of people found SPARC difficult to understand (i.e. patients with cognitive impairments), most categories of service user found it relevant. Clinical studies are necessary to establish the clinical utility of SPARC.
Angiogenin expression in human kidneys and Wilms' tumours: relationship with hypoxia and angiogenic factors
Authors: Ramani Pramila , Headford Alison , Sowa‐Avugrah Emile , Hunt Linda P. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAngiogenin (ANG) is a potent angiogenic factor that is up‐regulated by hypoxia. ANG expression is well documented in normal tissues and in common tumours, but its expression has not been reported in the normal human kidney or in Wilms' tumours (WT). We examined ANG expression in WTs, human fetal kidney (FK) and childhood kidney (NK) samples and studied its relationship with microvascular density (MVD) and with three other hypoxia‐induced angiogenic factors: lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and BHLHE40 (basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor E40). Total ANG protein levels were significantly lower in WTs when compared with those in 15 matched‐paired NKs. ANG immunoreactivity was observed in the glomeruli, proximal tubules and vessels in the FKs and NKs, indicating that ANG plays a physiological role in the human kidney. ANG cellular localization and distribution in 27 WTs reflected the pattern observed in the FKs. ANG colocalized with LDHA in the perinecrotic areas of untreated WTs suggesting up‐regulation by hypoxia. There was a significant correlation between CD31‐MVD and ANG‐MVD. ANG, CD31, VEGFA and BHLHE40 mRNA levels were significantly lower in 15 WTs compared with matched‐paired NKs. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses showed significant correlations between ANG and CD31, ANG and BHLHE40 mRNAs and a weaker relationship between ANG and VEGFA mRNAs. ANG expression in WTs recapitulates that seen during nephrogenesis, and correlation with CD31‐MVDs and mRNAs is consistent with a contribution to angiogenesis in WTs. Our study contributes to the understanding of angiogenesis during development and in WTs.
Enzymatic treatment of peanut butter to reduce the concentration of major peanut allergens
Authors: Yu Jianmei , Goktepe Ipek , Ahmedna Mohamed 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of enzymatic treatment of peanut butter on two‐major peanut allergens (Ara h 1 and Ara h 2). Home‐made and commercial peanut butter samples were treated with alpha‐chymotrypsin, trypsin or the combination of these enzymes and incubated at room temperature for 24 h or at 37 °C for 3 h. Treated peanut butter samples were sampled weekly for evaluation of total soluble proteins and extractable Ara h 1/Ara h 2. Data show that 1:1 alpha‐chymotrypsin: trypsin at 0.04% of enzyme‐to‐peanut butter ratio resulted in near complete reduction of extractable Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 respectively. Treatment of peanut butter with a combination of trypsin and alpha‐chymotrypsin resulted in a decrease in IgE‐binding, suggesting that enzymatic treatment has the potential to reduce the allergenicity. However, clinical tests are needed to confirm any reduction in allergenic potential. The amount of water used to disperse enzyme did not have significant effect on allergen reduction but affected the consistency and colour of treated products, especially when the amount of water added was above 5% of peanut butter weight.
Protocol of a Cluster Randomized Trial Evaluation of a Patient and Carer-Centered System of Longer-Term Stroke Care (LoTS Care)
Authors: Forster Anne , Young John , Nixon Jane , Chapman Katie , Murray Jenni , Patel Anita , Knapp Martin , Anwar Shamaila , Breen Rachel , Mellish Kirste , Holloway Ivana , Farrin Amanda 
Published: February 2013

Rationale Despite recognition of the importance of the longer-term consequences of stroke, services addressing these needs remain poorly developed. There are persuasive arguments that a community-based orientation to poststroke care, to assess, support, and coordinate relevant services, might be more helpful in minimizing longer-term stroke morbidity. To address this, an evidence-based system of care has been developed that aims to meet the longer-term needs for stroke survivors and their carers living at home in the community. Aims The study aims to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a purposely developed system of care for stroke patients and their carers living in the community. Design This is a cluster randomized, controlled trial. The trial aimed to recruit 800 patients (and their carers, if appropriate) in 32 stroke services across the United Kingdom. The system of care is delivered by health professionals undertaking a community-based liaison or coordinating role for stroke patients (termed ‘stroke care coordinators’). Stroke care coordinators in stroke services randomized to the intervention group were trained to deliver the system of care, while those randomised to the control group continued to deliver current practice. Study outcomes The primary outcome is patient emotional health measured using the General Health Questionnaire 12 at six-months after recruitment. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, patient functional health and carer emotional health, with final follow-up at 12 months. Current status Thirty-two stroke services were randomized and 800 patients and 208 carers were recruited from 29 services. Follow-up is ongoing, and trial results are expected in early 2013.
Extending the Resource‐Based Approach to Livelihoods: An Urban Application toTurkishGecekonduHouseholds
Authors: Eroğlu Şebnem 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article critically examines the existing conceptualizations of and explanations for the socioeconomic behaviour of poor households in order to lay the foundations of a new model designed to extend the existing resource‐based approach to livelihoods. The proposed model groups ‘household responses to poverty’ into four key types: income generation, income allocation, consumption and investment. In explaining household responses and their poverty outcomes, it focuses on the role of different resources beyond income (e.g. social capital), along with the wider structural forces and household characteristics that influence the availability and benefit delivery capacity of these resources. The new model is shown to provide a theoretically more sophisticated framework with greater explanatory power and empirical applicability.
Kinetic and Kinematic Evaluation of the Ankle Joint After Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With Free Semitendinosus Tendon Graft: Preliminary Results
Authors: Lins Carolina , Ninomya André Felipe , Bittar Cintia Kelly , de Carvalho Antônio Egydio , Cliquet Alberto 
Published: February 2013

AbstractChronic rupture of the Achilles tendon (AT) is a surgical challenge and has effects on the gait. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kinetic and kinematic parameters of the ankle joint in patients with AT rupture operated using a free semitendinosus tendon graft. Thirteen patients were analyzed 6 and 12 months after surgery in a force platform, while the movements were recorded by six infrared cameras. The kinematic variables analyzed included speed, cadence, step length, percentage of stance phase, and range of movement (ROM) of the ankle joint in the sagittal and frontal planes. Kinetic data were obtained by joint movement in different phases of the gait cycle. Functional assessment was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The patients showed a significant increase (P = 0.0215) in AOFAS from 68.5 (±18.7) to 85.2 (±18.0). Speed, cadence, and length of step of the four groups (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) were lower than the control group (group 3), and the percentage in stance phase was higher for the nonoperated foot 6‐month group (1B) compared to the control group (group 3). For the kinematic data, the ROM of the ankle in stance phase increased from 6 to 12 months showing an effect of time between four groups (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B). During swing phase, the ankle ROM was lower in the operated side (effect of side, P = 0.0255) and groups 1A and 2A demonstrated statistical differences when compared with the control group (group 3) (P = 0.0240 and P = 0.0414, respectively). ROM of inversion and eversion presented effect of time among the same groups (P = 0.0059) cited before. There were no differences in kinetic data between groups. This study showed close proximity between the control group and the operated group. Furthermore, improvement was shown when comparing the 6 and 12 months postsurgery periods. The surgical procedure is therefore helpful for the patient and few changes were present in gait and ankle biomechanics.