bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship of tropical bird communities to tree species composition and vegetation structure along an Andean elevational gradient
Authors: Jankowski Jill E. , Merkord Christopher L. , Rios William Farfan , Cabrera Karina García , Revilla Norma Salinas , Silman Miles R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimUnderstanding patterns of species turnover along environmental gradients and their consistency across taxonomic groups is central to the study of biodiversity. We may expect congruence in diversity patterns across groups whose ranges could be influenced by species interactions. We explore associations between bird and vegetation communities in the tropical Andes to determine whether patterns of species richness and turnover in birds and trees are congruent with elevation, and whether tree species composition, vegetation structure, elevation, or a combination of these best predicts bird species composition.LocationA forested 2600‐m elevational gradient on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes.MethodsBird surveys and vegetation measurements were conducted at 172 points, and a subset of these were spatially matched with fourteen 1‐ha tree inventory plots. Diversity patterns were described for trees, birds, and avian foraging guilds. We used dissimilarity matrices to examine patterns of turnover and nestedness. Turnover of birds and trees was examined by comparing compositional change of adjacent plots along the gradient. Multiple regression on distance matrices was employed to determine contributions of tree species composition, vegetation structure and elevation to explaining variation in bird species composition.ResultsSpecies richness was higher for trees than for birds, and whereas diversity in both taxa decreased with elevation, tree richness showed a low‐elevation plateau before declining at higher elevations. Tree species had narrower distributions compared to birds, but patterns of turnover were largely congruent between taxa. Nestedness contributed much less to dissimilarity than turnover, although birds showed higher nestedness, particularly at high elevations. Tree species composition, elevation and vegetation structure were all important predictors of bird species composition; the best model explained 78% of bird dissimilarity across plots. Tree species composition was always included in the best models, for all birds and foraging guilds.Main conclusionsOur assessment of Andean bird and vegetation communities suggests strong correspondence, perhaps due to direct interactions or similar underlying drivers. We hypothesize that with climate change, range shifts in these groups may not occur independently. Rather, birds may have delayed upslope shifts or may be limited to high‐elevation patches where appropriate vegetation communities exist.
Influence of tomato spotted wilt virus on performance and behaviour of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
Authors: Ogada P. A. , Maiss E. , Poehling H.‐M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe general principles in pathogen transmission by insects involve a complex and specific interplay, in this case between thrips, tospovirus and their shared host plant, which has led to outbreaks of crop disease epidemics of economic and social importance. The possible processes and factors driving their co‐evolution were partly studied by rearing Frankliniella occidentalis [western flower thrips (WFT)] on either tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)–infected or uninfected Capsicum annum leaflets throughout their larval stages. Later, pupae were transferred individually on healthy leaf discs for further studies of the influence of TSWV on WFT development and behavioural patterns. The exposure of WFT to TSWV was found to improve performance with regard to longevity and survival, with mean longevity being significantly higher in TSWV‐exposed WFT compared to unexposed ones (F(3,403) = 22.44, P < 0.0001). The observed improvement in survival was as a result of significant reduction in mortality for the WFT individuals exposed to TSWV (F(3,383) = 849.94, P < 0.0001) compared to the unexposed. However, the results showed a significant reduction in mean daily fecundity overtime (F10,10) = 246.66, P < 0.0001) and across the four treatments (F(3,30) = 6.62, P = 0.001), as well as lifetime fecundity (F(3,23) = 21.23, P < 0.0001) of the WFT exposed to TSWV compared to the unexposed reared on uninfected leaf discs. For preferential test, C. annum leaf discs infected with TSWV were more attractive to WFT as compared to healthy leaf discs (χ2(4, 34) = 112.35, P < 0.0001). These results are envisaged to contribute to a clear understanding into the plant–vector–virus interaction, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and control of the TSWV epidemic, as well as the control of F. occidentalis as crop pest.
Microbial sampling process can change results of microbiological analysis in periodontitis diagnosis. A minireview
Authors: Nguyen‐Hieu Tung 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis minireview aims to verify the supposition that the microbial sampling process can change results of microbiological analysis in periodontitis diagnosis. The literature search via Pubmed yielded 52 appropriate articles for analysis. Of which 38% (20/52) described that the sampling sites were isolated from saliva, whereas 62% (32/52) did not. Also, 29% (15/52) declared that the microbial sampling was performed before probing pocket depth (PPD), whereas 71% (37/52) did not. Comparison of the results of microbiological analysis in these studies showed that the bacteria most frequently detected in periodontal pockets was variable. Therefore, a sampling process that includes both the microbial sample being taken before PPD and saliva isolation of the sampling sites is needed to ensure the accuracy of microbiological analysis in periodontitis diagnosis.
Host responses induced by different animal models of periodontal disease: a literature review
Authors: de Molon Rafael Scaf , de Avila Erica Dorigatti , Cirelli Joni Augusto 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPeriodontitis is an infectious disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the periodontium, and it is mediated and modulated by the host immune system. In the presence of microorganisms or other antigens, immune cells (macrophages/monocytes, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils), endothelial cells and fibroblasts secrete cytokines and trigger immune and inflammatory reactions. However, when synthesized at high levels, cytokines modify the pattern of cellular response, participating substantially in the development of chronic inflammatory pathologies, such as periodontal disease. Understanding the origin and progression of bone resorption is one of the primary goals of the field of periodontics, aiming to arrest the disease progression and to optimize future treatments. For this purpose, the development of experimental models is an important and necessary step before entering into clinical trials with new therapies. The purpose of this study is to characterize/evaluate the tissue changes induced by various models of experimental periodontitis through a literature review.
Leading on the frontlines with passion and persistence: a necessary condition for Breastfeeding Best Practice Guideline uptake
Authors: Matthew‐Maich Nancy , Ploeg Jenny , Jack Susan , Dobbins Maureen 
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectivesThe research question explored was what are the processes and strategies used by frontline leaders to support the uptake of the Breastfeeding Best Practice Guideline by nurses in maternity care practice settings?BackgroundBest Practice Guidelines have been shown to enhance client care and outcomes. Leadership is known to have a key role in moving Best Practice Guidelines into nursing practice yet how this happens is poorly understood. This insight is needed to consistently and efficiently facilitate Best Practice Guideline uptake into clinical practice.DesignConstructivist grounded theory was used to explore the social processes and strategies involved in facilitating Best Practice Guideline uptake.MethodsPurposive, criterion‐based, theoretical and negative case sampling were used recruiting 58 health professionals and 54 clients. Triangulation and constant comparison of data sources and types (interviews, documents and field notes) were used for analysis and rigour.ResultsPassionate, persistent, respected frontline leaders using tailored, multifaceted strategies aimed at three groups of nurse adopters effectively support the uptake of the Breastfeeding Best Practice Guideline in nursing practice. Successful uptake strategies used by frontline leaders that are new or underdeveloped in the previous literature are presented.ConclusionsThe study findings illuminated multidimensional, tailored strategies that frontline leaders use to facilitate the uptake of Best Practice Guidelines. Attention to individual attitudes and beliefs, as well as organisational, interorganisational and interprofessional partnerships are vital to uptake. Organisations that aspire to foster Best Practice Guideline uptake must invest in frontline leaders to ‘make it happen’ and sustain Best Practice Guideline uptake in practice.Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding how frontline leaders facilitate Best Practice Guideline uptake is essential to selecting, educating and supporting them to foster desired practice changes. Strategies are explicated that frontline leaders can adopt and tailor to their own practice contexts.
When Does Everyone Contribute in the Private Provision of Local Public Goods?
Authors: SUN GUANG‐ZHEN 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWhen does everyone genuinely contribute in the private provision of a local public good? We first introduce a monotonic condition to characterize the relationship between the structure of the network that underlie the noncooperative game of private provision of local public goods on the one hand, and the preferences of the agents on the other, showing that the monotonic condition is a sufficient and necessary condition of existence of a distributed Nash equilibrium (DNE) in which each agent exerts a positive amount of effort to provision of the public good (Theorem 1). We then study the number of equilibria, and, by using the monotonic condition, characterize the condition under which the DNE set is a singleton, a continuum, or null (Theorem 2). As it turns out, the structure of the network and the agents’ preferences jointly shape the effort profile in the provision of local public goods.
Physiological responses of dietary tryptophan fedLabeo rohitato temperature and salinity stress
Authors: Akhtar M. S. , Pal A. K. , Sahu N. P. , Ciji A. , Meena D. K. , Das P. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted to elucidate the possible effects of dietary L‐tryptophan (TRP) inLabeo rohitabased on growth performance and physio‐biochemical responses. In the experiment I, a 60‐day feeding trial was carried out to elucidate the effects of dietary TRP enrichment on growth performance and physio‐biochemical responses. In the experiment II, the TRP pre‐fedL. rohita,from experiment I, was exposed to temperature and salinity stress to evaluate stress‐mitigating efficacy of TRP. InL. rohita, dietary supplementation of TRP showed significant effect on weight gain percentage and feed conversion ratio but not on blood glucose. A significant increase in RNA content and RNA/DNA ratio upon TRP supplementation was observed and was positively correlated with growth performance. The results of experiment II indicated that weight gain percentage, serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly reduced in groups that were exposed to temperature and salinity stress and fed diets without TRP supplementation. However, dietary supplementation of TRP significantly augmented weight gain percentage in stress‐exposed groups. Tryptophan supplementation helped in bringing back T3 and T4 levels comparable with control. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, Adenosine triphosphatase, blood glucose and serum cortisol was observed in temperature‐ and salinity‐exposed groups fed without TRP‐supplemented diets. However, TRP supplementation was found to be effective in restoring the above parameters. The results of these experiments suggest that dietary TRP supplementation augments growth, lowers energy demand and helps in mitigating thermal and salinity stress inL. rohita.
Pedigree Analysis and Exclusion of Alpha‐Tocopherol Transfer Protein (TTPA) as a Candidate Gene for Neuroaxonal Dystrophy in the American Quarter Horse
Authors: Finno C.J. , Famula T. , Aleman M. , Higgins R.J. , Madigan J.E. , Bannasch D.L. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundEquine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (NAD/EDM) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting young horses of various breeds that resembles ataxia with vitamin E deficiency in humans, an inherited disorder caused by mutations in the alpha‐tocopherol transfer protein gene (TTPA). To evaluate variants found upon sequencingTTPAin the horse, the mode of inheritance forNAD/EDMhad to be established.HypothesisNAD/EDMin the American Quarter Horse (QH) is caused by a mutation inTTPA.Animals88 clinically phenotyped (35 affected [ataxia score ≥2], 53 unaffected)QHs with a diagnosis of NAD/EDM with 6 affected and 4 unaffected cases confirmed at postmortem examination.ProceduresPedigrees and genotypes across 54,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were assessed to determine heritability and mode of inheritance of NAD/EDM.TTPAsequence of exon/intron boundaries was evaluated in 2 affected and 2 control horses. An association analysis was performed by 71 SNPs surroundingTTPAand 8 SNPs withinTTPAthat were discovered by sequencing. RT‐PCR forTTPAwas performed onmRNAfrom the liver of 4 affected and 4 control horses.ResultsEquineNAD/EDMappears to be inherited as a polygenic trait and, within this family ofQHs, demonstrates high heritability. Sequencing ofTTPAidentified 12 variants. No significant association was found using the 79 available variants in and surroundingTTPA.RT‐PCRyieldedPCRproducts of equivalent sizes between affected cases and controls.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceNAD/EDMdemonstrates heritability in this family ofQHs. Variants inTTPAare not responsible forNAD/EDMin this study population.
A Single‐Blood‐Sample Method Using Inulin for Estimating Feline Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Katayama M. , Saito J. , Katayama R. , Yamagishi N. , Murayama I. , Miyano A. , Furuhama K. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundApplication of a multisample method using inulin to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in cats is cumbersome.ObjectivesTo establish a simplified procedure to estimate GFR in cats, a single‐blood‐sample method using inulin was compared with a conventional 3‐sample method.AnimalsNine cats including 6 clinically healthy cats and 3 cats with spontaneous chronic kidney disease.MethodsRetrospective study. Inulin was administered as an intravenous bolus at 50 mg/kg to cats, and blood was collected at 60, 90, and 120 minutes later for the 3‐sample method. Serum inulin concentrations were colorimetrically determined by an autoanalyzer method. The GFR in the single‐blood‐sample method was calculated from the dose injected, serum concentration, sampling time, and estimated volume of distribution on the basis of the data of the 3‐sample method.ResultsAn excellent correlation was observed (r = 0.99, P = .0001) between GFR values estimated by the single‐blood‐sample and 3‐sample methods.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe single‐blood‐sample method using inulin provides a practicable and ethical alternative for estimating glomerular filtration rate in cats.
Rebuilding after collapse: evidence for long‐term cohort dynamics in the native Hawaiian rain forest
Authors: Boehmer Hans Juergen , Wagner Helene H. , Jacobi James D. , Gerrish Grant C. , Mueller‐Dombois Dieter 
Published: November 2012

AbstractQuestionsDo long‐term observations in permanent plots confirm the conceptual model of Metrosideros polymorpha cohort dynamics as postulated in 1987? Do regeneration patterns occur independently of substrate age, i.e. of direct volcanic disturbance impact?LocationThe windward mountain slopes of the younger Mauna Loa and the older Mauna Kea volcanoes (island of Hawaii, USA).MethodsAfter widespread forest decline (dieback), permanent plots were established in 1976 in 13 dieback and 13 non‐dieback patches to monitor the population structure of M. polymorpha at ca. 5‐yr intervals. Within each plot of 20 × 20 m, all trees with DBH >2.5 cm were individually tagged, measured and tree vigour assessed; regeneration was quantified in 16 systematically placed subplots of 3 × 5 m. Data collected in the subplots included the total number of M. polymorpha seedlings and saplings (five stem height classes). Here we analyse monitoring data from six time steps from 1976 to 2003 using repeated measures ANOVA to test specific predictions derived from the 1987 conceptual model.ResultsRegeneration was significantly different between dieback and non‐dieback plots. In dieback plots, the collapse in the 1970s was followed by a ‘sapling wave’ that by 2003 led to new cohort stands of M. polymorpha. In non‐dieback stands, seedling emergence did not result in sapling waves over the same period. Instead, a ‘sapling gap’ (i.e. very few or no M. polymorpha saplings) prevailed as typical for mature stands. Canopy dieback in 1976, degree of recovery by 2003 and the number of living trees in 2003 were unrelated to substrate age.ConclusionsPopulation development of M. polymorpha supports the cohort dynamics model, which predicts rebuilding of the forest with the same canopy species after dieback. The lack of association with substrate age suggests that the long‐term maintenance of cohort structure in M. polymorpha does not depend on volcanic disturbance but may be related to other environmental mechanisms, such as climate anomalies.
Identification of a response regulator involved in surface attachment, cell–cell aggregation, exopolysaccharide production and virulence in the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Voegel Tanja M. , Doddapaneni Harshavardhan , Cheng Davis W. , Lin Hong , Stenger Drake C. , Kirkpatrick Bruce C. , Roper M. Caroline 
Published: November 2012

SummaryXylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce's disease of grapevine, possesses several two‐component signal transduction systems that allow the bacterium to sense and respond to changes in its environment. Signals are perceived by sensor kinases that autophosphorylate and transfer the phosphate to response regulators (RRs), which direct an output response, usually by acting as transcriptional regulators. In the X. fastidiosa genome, 19 RRs were found. A site‐directed knockout mutant in one unusual RR, designated XhpT, composed of a receiver domain and a histidine phosphotransferase output domain, was constructed. The resulting mutant strain was analysed for changes in phenotypic traits related to biofilm formation and gene expression using microarray analysis. We found that the xhpT mutant was altered in surface attachment, cell–cell aggregation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and virulence in grapevine. In addition, this mutant had an altered transcriptional profile when compared with wild‐type X. fastidiosa in genes for several biofilm‐related traits, such as EPS production and haemagglutinin adhesins.
Slow esophageal propagation velocity: association with dysphagia for solids
Authors: Sankineni A. , Salieb L. , Harrison M. , Fisher R. S. , Parkman H. P. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackground  Spastic disorders of the esophagus, associated with rapid esophageal propagation velocity, are classically associated with dysphagia and/or chest pain. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with slow esophageal propagation velocity (SPV) on high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HRM).Methods  A review of patients undergoing HRM was conducted during 1‐year study period. Patients with achalasia, aperistalsis, and diffuse esophageal spasm were excluded. Patients with contractile front velocity (CFV) ≤2.3 cm s−1 were defined as having SPV, whereas normal propagation velocity (NPV) was defined as ≥2.6 cm s−1. A composite isobaric contour of all swallows for each patient was generated to determine composite distal contraction latency (cDL).Key Results  A total of 650 HRMs were reviewed and 552 met inclusion criteria. 173 patients had SPV and 339 had NPV. There was a greater female predominance in the SPV group compared with NPV (75.7%vs 66.4%, P = 0.03). Patients in the SPV group reported more dysphagia for solids (66.3%vs 53.3%; P = 0.004) and nausea (68.6%vs 59.0%; P = 0.04) than NPV group. Dysphagia for solids was the only symptom significantly associated with SPV group (OR = 2.21, CI = 1.21–4.02; P = .01). There was a negative correlation between CFV and cDL, r = −0.494, P < 0.001.Conclusions & Inferences  Patients with SPV have a higher prevalence of dysphagia for solids and nausea when compared with NPV. Dysphagia for solids was the only symptom significantly associated with SPV group. Thus, abnormal esophageal propagation velocity (both slow and rapid) is associated with dysphagia.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Gabapentin Enacarbil in Subjects with Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Rauck Richard , Makumi Clare W. , Schwartz Sherwyn , Graff Ole , Meno‐Tetang Guy , Bell Christopher F. , Kavanagh Sarah T. , McClung Carrie L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundGabapentin enacarbil (GEn), a transported prodrug of gabapentin, provides sustained, dose‐proportional gabapentin exposure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose response of GEn to select the optimal dose(s) for clinical use in subsequent diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) trials.MethodsThis was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel group, placebo‐controlled trial with a study duration of approximately 20 weeks (Clinicaltrials.gov database, Identifier ! NCT00643760). Pregabalin (PGB) (Lyrica®; Pfizer Inc.) was used as an active control to provide assay sensitivity of the trial. A total of 421 adult subjects with DPN were randomized in a ratio of 2:1:1:1:2 to receive oral GEn 3,600 mg/day, GEn 2,400 mg/day, GEn 1,200 mg/day, PGB 300 mg/day, or matching placebo, respectively. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to end of maintenance treatment with respect to the mean 24‐hour average pain intensity score based on an 11‐point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI‐NRS). Safety and tolerability assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), laboratory evaluations, vital signs, electrocardiograms (ECG), neurological examination, and pedal edema.ResultsThe adjusted mean difference vs. placebo at the end of maintenance treatment with respect to the mean 24‐hour average PI‐NRS pain intensity score for GEn 1,200 mg (−0.35; [95% CI: −1.02, 0.31]; P = 0.295), GEn 2,400 mg (−0.02; [95% CI: −0.71, 0.66]; P = 0.946), and GEn 3,600 mg (−0.55; [95% CI: −1.10, 0.01]; P = 0.105) was not statistically significant. The active control, PGB (300 mg/day), did not differentiate from placebo.ConclusionOverall, none of the GEn treatment groups differentiated from placebo. Analyses of the secondary endpoints showed comparable results across treatment groups. However, the majority of the endpoints, including all of the pain endpoints, showed the largest numerical treatment difference was between GEn 3,600 mg and placebo. The active control, PGB (300 mg/day), did not differentiate from placebo.