bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of sparganum infections and phylogenetic analysis of the tapewormSpirometra erinaceieuropaeisparganum in wild frogs from Henan Province in central China
Authors: Wei T. , Zhang X. , Cui J. , Liu L.N. , Jiang P. , Wang Z.Q. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSparganosis is a serious food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by infection withSpirometraspargana. The prevalence of sparganum infection in wild frogs (Rana nigromaculata,R. limmochari,R. temporariaandBufo gargarizans) was investigated in Henan Province of central China during 2008–2012. Of 3482 caught wild frogs, 565 (16.23%) were found to be infected with plerocercoids (spargana) of the genusSpirometra. Spargana were found in 14.85% (320/2155) ofR. nigromaculata, 20.82% (233/1119) ofR. limmochariand 10.91% (12/110) ofR. temporariafrogs. However, no sparganum was found inB. gargarizans. To investigate the phylogenetic position of collected spargana, three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions, namely cytochromecoxidase subunits 1 and 3 (cox1 andcox3), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4), were amplified, sequenced and analysed. Sequences ofcox1,cox3 and pnad4 were 417, 390 and 578 bp in length, respectively. The base composition ofcox1,cox3 and pnad4 were generally AT rich with a mean of 63.5%, 68.3% and 67% AT, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the sparganum isolates in Henan Province representedSpirometra erinaceieuropaeiand were a well-supported clade. These findings demonstrated clearly the usefulness of the three mtDNA sequences for molecular identification and population genetics studies ofS. erinaceieuropaeispargana of human and animal health significance.
Life on deadwood: cut stumps as a model system for the succession and management of lichen diversity
Authors: BLASY Vérèna , ELLIS Christopher J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCoarse deadwood provides an important habitat for a suite of niche-specialist lichens in old-growth forests, for example, snags (standing dead trees) and fallen logs. Conversely, the scarcity of deadwood in managed forests is a limiting factor to lichen diversity, though cut stumps may provide an alternative habitat for deadwood species. The surface of cut stumps is an ecologically useful study system, facilitating standardized sampling with which to determine the pattern and process of deadwood succession. This study examined vegetation patterns for the surface of cut stumps at Abernethy RSPB Reserve in northern Scotland. We demonstrate the interrelationship between key topographic, management and edaphic factors during a successional process of terrestrialization. Consequently, we recommend that deadwood diversity might be maximized by 1) creating managed plots with varying degrees of canopy openness for sites with different levels of topographic exposure, and 2) providing cut stumps at different heights within plots, to ensure that during a rotational period the process of terrestrialization operates at different speeds among individual microhabitats. The study examined successional processes on cut stumps using two recently accessible and powerful statistical methods: 1) nonparametric multiplicative regression (NPMR), and 2) multivariate regression trees (MRT). The principles on which these techniques are based are becoming the preferred statistical framework with which to provide robust interpretation of field-sampled data; they are unconstrained by prior assumptions as to the form of a species' niche response, and are data-led models evaluated based on cross-validated performance, thereby avoiding the complication of multiple hypothesis tests.
Unveiling a surprising diversity in the lichen genus Micarea (Pilocarpaceae) in Réunion (Mascarenes archipelago, Indian Ocean)
Authors: BRAND A. Maarten , VAN DEN BOOM Pieter P. G. , SÉRUSIAUX Emmanuël 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDetailed anatomical and chemical studies conducted on recent collections made in almost all suitable habitats on Réunion, a small remote tropical island in the Indian Ocean, yielded a surprising diversity in the widespread lichen genus Micarea (Pilocarpaceae, Lecanorales). Twenty-one species are recognized, including 13 described here as new to science. They are: Micarea alectorialica, M. bebourensis, M. borbonica, M. boryana, M. cilaoensis, M. hyalinoxanthonica, M. isidiosa, M. melanoprasina, M. pseudocoppinsii, M. pseudolignaria, M. sublithinella, M. takamakae and M. tenuispora. Notes on local ecology and important biogeographical features are also given and a key to the species is provided. Isidiiform areolae are reported for the first time in the genus (M. isidiosa and M. tenuispora), as well as the production of protolichesterinic and confluentic acids (M. sublithinella and M. takamakae, respectively). Two groups within the genus are species-rich on the island: the M. peliocarpa group with possibly 5 species, including 3 new to science, and the M. prasina group with 4 species, including 2 new to science. Micarea levicula is reported here for the first time since its description, and the status of the material that can be referred to M. micrococca s. lat. needs further study.
Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi on the Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico
Authors: Hunter Michael , Cresswell Will 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi is an Endangered species endemic to Mexico, with a range of < 400 km2. We investigated threats from destruction, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, hunting, and cattle grazing intensity in relation to the distribution and abundance of the volcano rabbit on the Iztaccihuatl volcano. Faecal pellet counts were taken as a proxy for rabbit abundance in 1,718 random 0.2 m2 quadrats at 859 sampling points along 25 transects, covering an area of c. 100 km2 at altitudes of 3,400–4,000 m. Presence of the species was significantly associated with absence of closed forest, absence of long grass types (not bunchgrass), shallow inclines, absence of cattle grazing, lower altitude, low hunting pressure (measured by proximity to ranger station), absence of bare ground and, contrary to previous findings, increased frequency of fire. The species was significantly more abundant in habitats with a greater percentage cover of zacaton (bunchgrass) and short grass types. It was significantly less abundant in areas with more hunting (measured by proximity to ranger station) and cattle grazing. Key conservation priorities are therefore the protection of the subalpine zacaton bunchgrass-dominated habitat type, strict enforcement of hunting laws and the removal of livestock from relevant national park boundary areas. However, the results suggest that frequent fires have a significant positive effect on the occurrence of the volcano rabbit as a result of habitat improvement and this is often a consequence of anthropogenic management of land for cattle grazing.
Relationship between the abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi and vegetation structure in the Sierra Chichinautzin mountain range, Mexico
Authors: Rizo-Aguilar Areli , Guerrero José Antonio , Hidalgo-Mihart Mircea G. , González-Romero Alberto 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi is endemic to the mountains of central Mexico, where its habitat has been gradually destroyed to make way for agriculture, ranching and logging, and by forest fires. The volcano rabbit is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We evaluated the relationship between the abundance of the volcano rabbit and vegetation structure at a small scale (0.25 ha). Using a general linear model we generated a set of 21 predictive models and proposed the best model as a habitat quality index. Our results suggest that greater height and cover of bunchgrasses and the presence of a shrub layer offer the volcano rabbit the best refuge from predators. The habitat quality index and the limited available habitat documented in our survey indicate that the populations of volcano rabbits in the study area are more threatened than previously thought. As R. diazi is a habitat specialist it does not have the option of moving to another habitat type.
Natural course of cannabis use disorders
Authors: Farmer R. F. , Kosty D. B. , Seeley J. R. , Duncan S. C. , Lynskey M. T. , Rohde P. , Klein D. N. , Lewinsohn P. M. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundDespite its importance as a public health concern, relatively little is known about the natural course of cannabis use disorders (CUDs). The primary objective of this research was to provide descriptive data on the onset, recovery and recurrence functions of CUDs during the high-risk periods of adolescence, emerging adulthood and young adulthood based on data from a large prospective community sample.MethodProbands (n = 816) from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project (OADP) participated in four diagnostic assessments (T1–T4) between the ages of 16 and 30 years, during which current and past CUDs were assessed.ResultsThe weighted lifetime prevalence of CUDs was 19.1% with an average onset age of 18.6 years. Although gender was not significantly related to the age of initial CUD onset, men were more likely to be diagnosed with a lifetime CUD. Of those diagnosed with a CUD episode, 81.8% eventually achieved recovery during the study period. Women achieved recovery significantly more quickly than men. The recurrence rate (27.7%) was relatively modest, and most likely to occur within the first 36 months following the offset of the first CUD episode. CUD recurrence was uncommon after 72 months of remission and recovery.ConclusionsCUDs are relatively common, affecting about one out of five persons in the OADP sample prior to the age of 30 years. Eventual recovery from index CUD episodes is the norm, although about 30% of those with a CUD exhibit a generally persistent pattern of problematic use extending 7 years or longer.
Triviality of the ℓ-class groups in -extensions of for split primes p ≡ 1 modulo 4
Authors: LAMPLUGH JACK 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper we study the class numbers in the finite layers of certain non-cyclotomic $\mathbb{Z}$p-extensions of the imaginary quadratic field $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-1})$, for all primes p ≡ 1 modulo 4. By studying the Mahler measure of elliptic units, we are able to show that there are only finitely many primes ℓ congruent to a primitive root modulo p2 that divide any of the class numbers in the $\mathbb{Z}$p-extension.
Labour NGOs in China: A Real Force for Political Change?
Authors: Franceschini Ivan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe narrative about Chinese NGOs active in defending migrant workers' rights describes these organizations as increasingly powerful instruments through which Chinese people take part in public affairs, develop and articulate personal interests, and collectively form a more active and participatory citizenry. This article challenges not only the idea of labour NGOs as a progressive force for political change, but also the belief – widely shared among the international labour movement – that these organizations are sprouts of independent unionism in China. After a short overview of the historical process which led to the birth of labour NGOs in China, this article analyses the relations between these NGOs and four fundamental actors – the state, the workers, international donors and other NGOs – and argues that many of these organizations are struggling as a consequence of a substantial lack of “social capital.”
On Method: An Apologia and A Plea
Authors: Henige David 
Published: May 2014

Why yet another Africanist journal? the reader may ask. And, given the astonishin, increase in the number (now over 200) of journals devoted to Africa, the question is a fair one. Every new journal should seek to justify itself to the audience it addresses.Despite the large number of African journals now available, not all aspects of the study of the African past are covered adequately. Because this study is so recent the emphasis, both in research itself and in the format of the journals, has been on the collection, use, and presentation of data. It cannot be denied that these procedures have been and will remain the chief concerns of historical enquiry, but they are not the only ones. The value of data obviously depends, first, on its validity, and, second, on its use. The assessment of these aspects in turn depends on the close and continued scrutiny of sources as well as on the quality of historical thought. We cannot agree with Livy, who wrote of his sources for early Roman history that “it is not worth the trouble either to affirm or to dispose of these matters [improbabilities] … we must abide by the tradition.”
Recently Published Articles: A Historical Bibliography of Interest to Africanists
Authors: Gardinier David 
Published: May 2014

In February of 1976 the American Historical Association published the first issue of Recently Published Articles. RPA is a current, comprehensive bibliography of scholarly historical articles in all fields, and replaces the bibliographical sections previously published in the American Historical Review under the same title. RPA is issued three times a year and, at present, lists nearly 15,000 citations annually, of which about one-eighth relate to Africa -- a number second only to that for the United States.The creation of RPA resulted from the re-organization of the American Historical Association and its various services. A survey of American Historical Review subscribers revealed a desire by the majority for a more extensive and balanced book review section and most of the space left in the Review by the departure of the bibliography has in fact been filled by additional book reviews, including more in African history. Surprisingly -- and perhaps distressingly -- only a minority of those surveyed indicated that they consulted the bibliographical sections with any regularity. Because of this, and because the growth of the bibliographies during the 1970s (reflecting both increased output and better coverage) was adding steadily to the cost of producing the Review, it was decided to transfer these costs directly to the users -- a practice the reader will recognize as becoming more common. At the same time it was decided to intensify efforts at better and more extensive coverage, in particular to include more articles outside history proper which nevertheless have interest to historians.
Using Microsimulation to Reassess Aging Trends in Canada
Authors: Légaré Jacques , Décarie Yann , Bélanger Alain 
Published: May 2014

RÉSUMÉLe vieillissement de la population est l’enjeux démographique du XXI ième siècle et plusieurs indicateurs sont utilisés pour en mesurer le niveau et les tendances. DansScience(2010), Sanderson et Scherbov ont suggéré des améliorations à la mesure du rapport de dépendance des personnes âgées. Ils ont identifié plusieurs limites à l’utilisation de l’âge chronologique comme la principale variable et ont proposé un nouvel indice, le rapport de dépendance des adultes avec incapacités, défini comme le nombre d’adultes ayant une incapacité qui ont au moins 20 ans, divisé par le nombre d’adultes du même âge sans incapacité. Ils ont utilisé la méthode de Sullivan, basée sur la prévalence, en multipliant des taux d’incapacité dérivés à des projections démographiques de niveau macro. Ils ont montré leurs résultats pour plusieurs pays de la CEE et de l’OCDE. Les résultats pour le Canada (voir l’annexe en ligne) ont été calculés en utilisant les coefficients de l’Italie. Cependant, l’incapacité est un processus complexe et multidimensionnel (voir Carrière et al, 2007; Légaré et Décarie, 2011), et la microsimulation peut tenir compte de cette complexité implicite. Nos résultats pour le Canada, présentés ici, sont supérieurs à ceux deScience, et indique comment des projections plus élaborées des personnes âgées avec incapacités peuvent améliorer l’analyse. Nous avons utilisé LifePaths, un modèle de microsimulation de Statistique Canada, pour fournir une perspective du phénomène du vieillissement impossible à obtenir en utilisant des méthodes basées sur la prévalence.
Heterogeneity in hotspots: spatio-temporal patterns in neglected parasitic diseases
Authors: LAL A. , HALES S. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYCryptosporidiosis and giardiasis have been recognized by the WHO as ‘Neglected Diseases’. Minimal attention has been paid to the spatial and temporal distribution of disease incidence patterns. Using disease notification data, we detected spatio-temporal clusters of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis across three time periods: (i) 1997–2000, (ii) 2001–2004, (iii) 2005–2008. There was substantial variation in the geographical location and timing of recurrent cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis clusters. Statistically significant (P < 0·05) giardiasis clusters tended to occur in predominantly urban areas with little apparent seasonal influence, while statistically significant cryptosporidiosis clusters were detected in spring, in areas with high livestock land use. The location and timing of cryptosporidiosis clusters suggest an influence of livestock production practices, while urban exposures and host behaviour are likely to influence giardiasis clusters. This approach provides a resource-efficient method for public health authorities to prioritize future research needs and areas for intervention.
Saffron and retina: Neuroprotection and pharmacokinetics
Authors: BISTI SILVIA , MACCARONE RITA , FALSINI BENEDETTO 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal neurodegenerative disease whose development and progression are the results of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Experimental studies in rats with light-induced photoreceptors degeneration demonstrated that saffron may protect photoreceptor from retinal stress, preserving both morphology and function and probably acting as a regulator of programmed cell death, in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, a randomized clinical trial showed that in patients with early AMD, dietary supplementation with saffron was able to improve significantly the retinal flicker sensitivity suggesting neuroprotective effect of the compound. Here, we examine the progress of saffron dietary supplementation both in animal model and AMD patients, and discuss the potential and safety for using dietary saffron to treat retinal degeneration.
Molecular analyses of gut contents: elucidating the feeding of co-occurring salps in the Lazarev Sea from a different perspective
Authors: Metfies Katja , Nicolaus Anja , Von Harbou Lena , Bathmann Ulrich , Peeken Ilka 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe diet of Antarctic salps was elucidated by investigating their gut content using automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) and 454-pyrosequencing. Salp samples were collected during the Lazarev Sea Krill Study in the western Weddell Sea (summer 2005–06 and 2007–08, autumn 2004 and winter 2006). Two salp species,Salpa thompsoniandIhlea racovitzai, both occur in the Southern Ocean and can overlap geographically and seasonally. We provide evidence that, despite the non-selective feeding mechanism, the two co-occurring salp species might have different niches within a habitat. ARISA-patterns of 93 gut content samples revealed strong differences between the two salp species, even at the same sampling site. These differences were confirmed by 454-pyrosequencing of the V4-18S rDNA of ten salps. The pyrosequencing data indicate that flagellates, in particular dinophyceae, constitute a high proportion of the sequence reads identified in the gut content of both salp species. However, within the dinophyceae, differences in the read composition were detected between the two salp species. This supports the findings of a previous study where fatty acid signatures indicate a flagellate-based diet, even though microscopic analyses identified diatoms as the dominant component of salp gut contents.
Acute Incident Rapid Response at a Mass-Gathering Event Through Comprehensive Planning Systems: A Case Report from the 2013 Shamrock Shuffle
Authors: Başdere Mehmet , Ross Colleen , Chan Jennifer L. , Mehrotra Sanjay , Smilowitz Karen , Chiampas George 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPlanning and execution of mass-gathering events involves various challenges. In this case report, the Chicago Model (CM), which was designed to organize and operate such events and to maintain the health and wellbeing of both runners and the public in a more effective way, is described. The Chicago Model also was designed to prepare for unexpected incidents, including disasters, during the marathon event. The model has been used successfully in the planning and execution stages of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon since 2008. The key components of the CM are organizational structure, information systems, and communication. This case report describes how the organizers at the 2013 Shamrock Shuffle used the key components of the CM approach in order to respond to an acute incident caused by a man who was threatening to jump off the State Street Bridge. The course route was changed to accommodate this unexpected event, while maintaining access to key health care facilities. The lessons learned from the incident are presented and further improvements to the existing model are proposed.BaşdereM,RossC,ChanJL,MehrotraS,SmilowitzK,ChiampasG.Acute incident rapid response at a mass-gathering event through comprehensive planning systems: a case report from the 2013 Shamrock Shuffle.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(3):1-6.
Analysis of Catalytic Gas Products Using Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy and Residual Gas Analysis for Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Miller Benjamin K. , Crozier Peter A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOperando transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of catalytic reactions requires that the gas composition inside the TEM be known during the in situ reaction. Two techniques for measuring gas composition inside the environmental TEM are described and compared here. First, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, both in the low-loss and core-loss regions of the spectrum was utilized. The data were quantified using a linear combination of reference spectra from individual gasses to fit a mixture spectrum. Mass spectrometry using a residual gas analyzer was also used to quantify the gas inside the environmental cell. Both electron energy-loss spectroscopy and residual gas analysis were applied simultaneously to a known 50/50 mixture of CO and CO2, so the results from the two techniques could be compared and evaluated. An operando TEM experiment was performed using a Ru catalyst supported on silica spheres and loaded into the TEM on a specially developed porous pellet TEM sample. Both techniques were used to monitor the conversion of CO to CO2 over the catalyst, while simultaneous atomic resolution imaging of the catalyst was performed.
Electron Holographic Visualization of Collective Motion of Electrons Through Electric Field Variation
Authors: Shindo Daisuke , Aizawa Shinji , Akase Zentaro , Tanigaki Toshiaki , Murakami Yasukazu , Park Hyun Soon 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study demonstrates the accumulation of electron-induced secondary electrons by utilizing a simple geometrical configuration of two branches of a charged insulating biomaterial. The collective motion of these secondary electrons between the branches has been visualized by analyzing the reconstructed amplitude images obtained using in situ electron holography. In order to understand the collective motion of secondary electrons, the trajectories of these electrons around the branches have also been simulated by taking into account the electric field around the charged branches on the basis of Maxwell’s equations.