bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive egg size plasticity for larval competition and its limits in the seed beetleCallosobruchus chinensis
Authors: Yanagi Shin‐ichi , Saeki Yoriko , Tuda Midori 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLife‐history theory predicts that females who experienced stressful conditions, such as larval competition or malnutrition, should increase their investment in individual offspring to increase offspring fitness (the adaptive parental hypothesis). In contrast, it has been shown that when females were reared under stressful conditions, they become smaller, which consequently decreases egg size (the parental stress hypothesis). To test whether females adjust their egg volume depending on larval competition, independent of maternal body mass constraint, we used a pest species of stored adzuki beans,Callosobruchus chinensis(L.) (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae:Bruchinae). The eggs of females reared with competitors were smaller than those of females reared alone, supporting the parental stress hypothesis; however, correcting for female body size, females reared with competitors produced larger eggs than those reared in the absence of competition, supporting the adaptive parental hypothesis, as predicted. The phenotypic plasticity in females' investment in each offspring in stressful environments counteracts the constraint of body size on egg size.
Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus and Hymenoscyphus albidus: viridiol concentration and virulence do not correlate
Authors: Junker C. , Mandey F. , Pais A. , Ebel R. , Schulz B. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryHymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus is the causal agent of ash dieback, a disease that is presently endangering Fraxinus spp. throughout most of Europe. The phytotoxin, viridiol, was previously isolated from culture extracts of H. pseudoalbidus and found to be toxic to leaves of F. excelsior. Thus, we were interested in learning to what extent viridiol is responsible for pathogenicity of H. pseudoalbidus and investigated this using twelve isolates of H. pseudoalbidus. We also included five isolates of the closely related avirulent species, Hymenoscyphus albidus, in our studies. Some, but not all, isolates of H. pseudoalbidus and H. albidus produced measurable quantities of viridiol in culture. Three tests were used to determine to what extent viridiol concentration correlates with virulence: culture extracts were tested for activity in leaf segment tests and for inhibition of germination of seedlings of Fraxinus excelsior; virulence of the isolates was tested following infection of axenically cultured ash seedlings. Activity of the culture extracts varied, as did virulence of the isolates following inoculation into seedlings. No correlations were found between viridiol concentration and activities of culture extracts in leaf segment tests or in the germination test, nor between viridiol concentration and disease symptoms when inoculated into seedlings. However, activities of culture extracts in leaf segment and in the germination test correlated, as did the results of each of these tests with virulence in the infection experiment. Apparently, as yet unidentified factors other than the concentration of viridiol play important roles in the virulence of H. pseudoalbidus.
Nutrient loading associated with agriculture land use dampens the importance of consumer‐mediated niche construction
Authors: Spooner Daniel E. , Frost Paul C. , Hillebrand Helmut , Arts Michael T. , Puckrin Olivia , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe linkages between biological communities and ecosystem function remain poorly understood along gradients of human‐induced stressors. We examined how resource provisioning (nutrient recycling), mediated by native freshwater mussels, influences the structure and function of benthic communities by combining observational data and a field experiment. We compared the following: (1) elemental and community composition (algal pigments and macroinvertebates) on live mussel shells and on nearby rocks across a gradient of catchment agriculture and (2) experimental colonisation of benthic communities on live vs. sham shells controlling for initial community composition and colonisation duration. We show that in near pristine systems, nutrient heterogeneity mediated by mussels relates to greater biodiversity of communities, which supports the notion that resource heterogeneity can foster biological diversity. However, with increased nutrients from the catchment, the relevance of mussel‐provisioned nutrients was nearly eliminated. While species can persist in disturbed systems, their functional relevance may be diminished or lost.
A practical guide to measuring local adaptation
Authors: Blanquart François , Kaltz Oliver , Nuismer Scott L. , Gandon Sylvain 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPatterns of local adaptation are expected to emerge when selection is spatially heterogeneous and sufficiently strong relative to the action of other evolutionary forces. The observation of local adaptation thus provides important insight into evolutionary processes and the adaptive divergence of populations. The detection of local adaptation, however, suffers from several conceptual, statistical and methodological issues. Here, we provide practical recommendations regarding (1) the definition of local adaptation, (2) the analysis of transplant experiments and (3) the optimisation of the experimental design of local adaptation studies. Together, these recommendations provide a unified approach for measuring local adaptation and understanding the adaptive divergence of populations in a wide range of biological systems.
White blood cell count is an independent predictor of outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Furlan J. C. , Vergouwen M. D. I. , Fang J. , Silver F. L. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeIn patients with ischaemic stroke, elevated white blood cell count (WBC) has been associated with stroke severity on admission and poor functional outcome. However, previous studies did not control for confounding factors. We hypothesized that higher WBC is an independent predictor of stroke severity, greater degree of disability and 30‐day mortality after acute ischaemic stroke.MethodsData from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network on consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke admitted between July 2003 and March 2008 were used. Patients were divided into groups as follows: low WBC (0.1–4 × 10−9/l), normal WBC (4.1–10 × 10−9/l) and high WBC (10.1–40 × 10−9/l). Primary outcome measures were the frequency of moderate/severe strokes on admission (Canadian Neurological Scale ≤ 8), greater degree of disability at discharge (modified Rankin score 3–6) and 30‐day mortality. Regression analyses were performed adjusting for confounders.ResultsIn total, 8829 patients were included. After adjustment for major potential confounders, every 1 × 10−9/l increase in WBC was associated with stroke severity on admission [odds ratio (OR) 1.09; 95%CI 1.07–1.10; P < 0.0001), disability at discharge (OR 1.04; 95%CI 1.02–1.06; P = 0.0005) and 30‐day mortality (hazard ratio 1.07; 95%CI 1.05–1.08; P < 0.0001). The Kaplan–Meier curves indicate that elevated WBC is associated with higher mortality after acute ischaemic stroke (P = 0.001).ConclusionsIn patients with acute ischaemic stroke, higher WBC on admission is an independent predictor of stroke severity on admission, greater degree of disability at discharge and 30‐day mortality. These results reinforce the need for further studies focused on immunomodulation therapy targeting inflammatory response following acute ischaemic stroke.
Alliance and Group Cohesion in Relationship Education
Authors: Owen Jesse , Antle Becky , Barbee Anita 
Published: July 2013

Relationship education programs have been shown as an effective way to increase relationship functioning. There is less known about how process factors, such as alliance with the leader or group dynamics, affect outcomes in these interventions. We examined group cohesion and alliance with the leader in a relationship education program tailored for individuals. Specifically, we examined whether participants' ratings (n = 126) of the group cohesion and alliance with the leader were associated with changes in relationship adjustment, relationship confidence, and communication quality from pre‐ to postintervention. The results demonstrated that participants' perceptions of the cohesion among the members in their relationship education group, but not the leader–participant alliance, made a significant contribution to the changes in participants' relationship functioning. These results suggest that the group dynamics among the members in the group are important ingredients in relationship education. Implications for relationship programs are provided.
On the effect of the Kasatoshi volcano on the large return of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) to the Fraser River in 2010
Authors: Parsons Tim , Whitney Frank 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe hypothesis on the beneficial effect of volcanic ash on sockeye salmon (Oncorhyncus nerka) survival, advanced in an earlier paper (Parsons and Whitney, 2012), is discussed further in the light of a response on this subject by McKinnell (Fish. Oceanogr., 22, 2013, 337–344). We elaborate on a number of points which challenge our original hypothesis.
Population‐level thermal performance of a cold‐water ectotherm is linked to ontogeny and local environmental heterogeneity
Authors: Hossack Blake R. , Lowe Winsor H. , Webb Molly A. H. , Talbott Mariah J. , Kappenman Kevin M. , Corn Paul Stephen 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Negative effects of global warming are predicted to be most severe for species that occupy a narrow range of temperatures, have limited dispersal abilities or have long generation times. These are characteristics typical of many species that occupy small, cold streams.

Habitat use, vulnerabilities and mechanisms for coping with local conditions can differ among populations and ontogenetically within populations, potentially affecting species‐level responses to climate change. However, we still have little knowledge of mean thermal performance for many vertebrates, let alone variation in performance among populations. Assessment of these sources of variation in thermal performance is critical for projecting the effects of climate change on species and for identifying management strategies to ameliorate its effects.

To gauge how populations of the Rocky Mountain tailed frog (Ascaphus montanus) might respond to long‐term effects of climate change, we measured the ability of tadpoles from six populations in Glacier National Park (Montana, U.S.A.) to acclimate to a range of temperatures. We compared survival among populations according to tadpole age (1 year or 2 years) and according to the mean and variance of late‐summer temperatures in natal streams.

The ability of tadpoles to acclimate to warm temperatures increased with age and with variance in late‐summer temperature of natal streams. Moreover, performance differed among populations from the same catchment.

Our experiments with a cold‐water species show that population‐level performance varies across small geographic scales and is linked to local environmental heterogeneity. This variation could influence the rate and mode of species‐level responses to climate change, both by facilitating local persistence in the face of changes in thermal conditions and by providing thermally tolerant colonists to neighbouring populations.
Plant community structure determines primary productivity in shallow, eutrophic lakes
Authors: Brothers Soren M. , Hilt Sabine , Meyer Stephanie , Köhler Jan 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Regime shifts are commonly associated with the loss of submerged macrophytes in shallow lakes; yet, the effects of this on whole‐lake primary productivity remain poorly understood. This study compares the annual gross primary production (GPP) of two shallow, eutrophic lakes with different plant community structures but similar nutrient concentrations.

Daily GPP rates were substantially higher in the lake containing submerged macrophytes (586 ± 23 g C m−2 year−1) than in the lake featuring only phytoplankton and periphyton (408 ± 23 g C m−2 year−1; P < 0.0001). Comparing lake‐centre diel oxygen curves to compartmental estimates of GPP confirmed that single‐site oxygen curves may provide unreliable estimates of whole‐lake GPP. The discrepancy between approaches was greatest in the macrophyte‐dominated lake during the summer, with a high proportion of GPP occurring in the littoral zone.

Our empirical results were used to construct a simple conceptual model relating GPP to nutrient availability for these alternative ecological regimes. This model predicted that lakes featuring submerged macrophytes may commonly support higher rates of GPP than phytoplankton‐dominated lakes, but only within a moderate range of nutrient availability (total phosphorus ranging from 30 to 100 μg L−1) and with mean lake depths shallower than 3 or 4 m.

We conclude that shallow lakes with a submerged macrophyte–epiphyton complex may frequently support a higher annual primary production than comparable lakes that contain only phytoplankton and periphyton. We thus suggest that a regime shift involving the loss of submerged macrophytes may decrease the primary productivity of many lakes, with potential consequences for the entire food webs of these ecosystems.
An International Survey of Urban Sprawl Case Studies
Authors: Stomp Annette 
Published: July 2013

AbstractUrban sprawl is a growth pattern causing much interest and concern and, in consequence, has been a topic of growing interest to a wide body of researchers from many different disciplinary backgrounds. The past 15 years has seen a veritable flourish of intensive empirical case studies devoted to various aspects of this phenomenon and coming from an increasing variety of countries. In an effort to understand the latest currents in empirical research on urban sprawl, the author conducted a thorough review of case studies since 1996, seeking to highlight new findings among the various themes addressed in the research. They revealed a great number of case studies on urban sprawl emerging from China, many case studies devoted to measuring urban sprawl, as well as throwing into question the widely held assumption that sprawl is always driven by population and economic growth.
Demystifying the Social Impacts of Biofuels at Local Levels: Where is the Evidence?
Authors: Hodbod Jennifer , Tomei Julia 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSince the turn of the century, biofuels have been promoted not only for their potential to mitigate climate change and address energy security but also for the potential benefits to socio‐ecological systems. However, the purported benefits were almost immediately called into question as evidence began to emerge of the potential negative consequences of biofuel production. Recent debates have highlighted the social impacts, particularly land access and food security, yet much of the academic literature on these social impacts remains in high level. This paper identifies peer‐reviewed literature that documents the social impacts of biofuel expansion at the local (household and community) scale. A systematic review identified just seventeen research papers that presented evidence of the local livelihood impacts of biofuel production and processing. Three issues emerge from the review as especially important at the local level: household economics, food security and ecosystem services. Within the research, there is a bias towards the cultivation of Jatropha curcas in particular geographies (Africa and Asia). The evidence also shows that the costs and benefits are unevenly distributed within and between communities, with consequences for the ways in which social, economic and environmental impacts are experienced. We conclude by arguing that more evidence on the impacts of biofuels at the local level is desperately needed in order to demystify this complex issue and stimulate a more nuanced understanding of the winners and losers of this commodity.
Oral health–related quality of life and associated factors in Southern Brazilian elderly
Authors: Silva Alexandre E.R. , Demarco Flávio F. , Feldens Carlos A. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to describe oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) and associated factors in elderly individuals treated at Family Health Units in urban areas of the city of Pelotas, Brazil.MethodsThe sample was composed of 438 individuals aged 60 years old or older. Demographic, socio‐economic, general health and behavioural variables were collected using standardised questionnaires. OHRQoL was measured with the oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14). Poisson regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with OHRQoL.ResultsThe mean total OHIP‐14 score was 9.1 (standard deviation: 10.6), and major impacts were related to feeling conscious of psychological discomfort (28.1%) and difficulty eating (24.4%) due to teeth, mouth or dentures. The multivariate analysis revealed higher oral health impact scores among non‐White individuals [Prevalence ratios (PR) = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07–1.66; p = 0.011], those with depressive symptoms (PR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.30–1.99; p < 0.001), tobacco users (PR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07–1.99; p = 0.016), non‐denture users (PR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10–1.85, p = 0.008), those with a perceived need for dental treatment (PR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.58–2.51; p < 0.001) and those with poor or very poor self‐rated oral health (PR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.93–4.24; p < 0.001). Lower scores were found among individuals aged 80 years or older (PR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82; p = 0.005) and those with household income of more than 1.5 times the minimum wage (PR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46–0.93; p = 0.018).ConclusionsThe findings of the present study underscore the need for public policies aimed at reducing social inequalities and providing adequate dental treatment to improve OHRQoL among elderly individuals.
The Definitional Ambiguities of Kidnapping and Abduction, and its Categorisation: The Case for a More Inclusive Typology
Authors: Noor‐Mohamed Mohd Kassim 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article sets out to provide a broad overview of the ways in which kidnapping and abduction can be contextualised and understood. First, it will review kidnapping and abduction by examining the varying definitions used by practitioners, academics, governmental organisations, non‐governmental organisations and private sector interests. Second, a discussion of related offences, including piracy, hostage‐taking, hijacking, tiger kidnap, express kidnap and state‐sponsored rendition, and others is undertaken. Third, there will be an examination and review of the various typologies that have been suggested by researchers in the field, culminating in the suggestion of a revised and comprehensive typology.
Evaluation of parameters affecting modified atmosphere packaging engineering design for pomegranate arils
Authors: Caleb Oluwafemi J. , Mahajan Pramod V. , Manley Marena , Opara Umezuruike Linus 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThis study evaluated the effects of passive modified atmosphere packaging design parameters as a function of the amount of product (g), temperature (°C) and time (days) on two pomegranate cultivars. Arils (75, 100 and 125 g) were packed in trays, heat sealed with polylid film and stored at 5, 10 and 15 °C for 14 days, and analysed for physicochemical parameters viz headspace gas composition, weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, anthocyanin, aerobic‐mesophilic bacterial and fungal load (log CFU g−1). At the highest temperature and weight, O2 concentration continuously decreased below the critical limit (2%) after 4 days, while at 5 °C, this lower limit was not reached. Shelf life of arils was limited to 10, 7 and 3 days by fungal growth ≥2 log CFU g−1 at 5, 10 and 15 °C, respectively. Using unsteady‐state equation, a good agreement was found between simulated and experimental gas composition data.
Moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate based edible films
Authors: Enyinnaya Chinma Chiemela , Chukwuma Ariahu Charles , Alakali Joseph 
Published: July 2013

SummaryMoisture sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate–based edible films were investigated. Equilibrium moisture content was determined at various temperatures (10, 20, 30 and 40 °C) and relative humidities (17–83%) using gravimetric method, and the results were analysed using four sorption isotherm models. The equilibrium moisture of edible films (both adsorption and desorption modes) decreased with soy protein concentrate addition and temperature at constant water activity. The monolayer moisture content values of cassava starch–soy protein concentrate edible films decreased with increase in temperature and soy protein level.GABand Oswin models (%RMS≤10) best described the isotherms of the biofilms with the monolayer moisture contents, isosteric enthalpy and entropy higher for adsorption with significant kinetic compensations. The moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch–soy protein concentrate edible films showed that they are suitable for packaging applications.
The psychology of penile cancer from presentation to rehabilitation
Authors: Bullen Kathryn , Chichlowska Susan Carnes , Rahman Rachel , Tod David 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPenile cancer is an uncommon, gender‐specific, malignancy that has the potential to profoundly affect physical, social, sexual and psychological functions. For most patients the method of treatment is surgery. The degree of surgical intervention is dependent on the stage of the disease at presentation. To date, relatively little is known about the impact of penile cancer surgery on psychological function and overall quality of life in men. Understanding the outcomes of treatment will influence the development of optimal methods of rehabilitation. This paper provides an outline of the context of two reviews of the existing literature: (i) a systematic review of the quantitative literature and (ii) a meta‐synthesis of the qualitative literature. The implications for clinical practice, and an outline of forthcoming research are also presented.