bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Competition on the range: science vs. perception in a bison–cattle conflict in the western USA
Authors: Ranglack Dustin H. , Durham Susan , du Toit Johan T. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Competition between livestock and wild ungulates is commonly perceived to occur on shared rangelands. In the Henry Mountains (HM) of Utah, a free‐ranging population of bison Bison bison has raised concerns among ranchers holding grazing permits on these public lands. Bison are the most conspicuous potential competitors with cattle, but lagomorphs (mainly jackrabbits Lepus californicus) are also abundant in this area. The local ranching community is applying political pressure on state and federal agencies to resolve ‘the bison problem’, but the relative grazing impacts of bison, cattle and lagomorphs have not previously been quantified.

We constructed 40 grazing exclosures (each 5·95 m2) in the conflict area: 20 excluded bison + cattle (‘partial’) and 20 excluded bison + cattle + lagomorphs (‘full’). All exclosures, each with a paired open reference plot, were monitored for 1 year, and above‐ground plant production was measured. GPS telemetry (bison) and scheduled grazing (cattle) allowed visitation to be quantified for each ungulate species based on the number of ‘animal days’ in the area. Rancher perceptions of wildlife–cattle interactions were recorded in a questionnaire survey.

Ranchers perceived bison as a high‐level competitor with cattle, whereas lagomorphs were perceived as low‐level competitors.

Grazed reference plots yielded an average (±SE) of 22·7 g m−2 (±5·16) of grass, compared to 36·5 g m−2 (±7·33) in the partial exclosures and 43·7 g m−2 (±7·61) in the full exclosures. Exclusion of large herbivores thus resulted in a 13·8 g m−2 increase in grass biomass relative to the reference plots (P = 0·005), with the additional exclusion of lagomorphs resulting in a further 7·18 g m−2 increase (P = 0·048).

Overall, lagomorphs accounted for 34·1%, bison 13·7% and cattle 52·3% of the total grass biomass removed by all herbivores on the shared range.

Synthesis and applications. Cattle face a greater competitive challenge from lagomorphs than from bison in the study area. This case study illustrates the need for science‐based management of social–ecological systems in which even long‐term resource users might underestimate the complexities of trophic interactions. Attention should be redirected at the lagomorphs and their main predators, coyotes Canis latrans, which are currently subject to population control. To reduce negative perceptions among local ranchers, options should be explored to incorporate benefit‐sharing into the management of the bison population.
Lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis in intramucosal adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction
Authors: Li Zhi Gang , Zhu Hui , Shi Hong , Xie Hao , Goldblum John R , Thota Prashanthi N , Liu Xiuli 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the tumor parameters predictive of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and nodal metastases in intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMAC) of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction.MethodsIn all, 171 cases of IMAC from esophagectomy database (1986–2009) were reviewed. LVI was evaluated on HE and by immunohistochemistry stain for D2‐40 (in selected cases). Univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors for LVI (in this cohort) and nodal metastasis (for pooled data from literature review).ResultsAltogether 150 IMAC were included in the study after histology review; 7 (4.7%) showed LVI and one (0.7%) had nodal metastasis. LVI‐positive IMAC were thicker (tumor thickness 3.0 ± 2.8 mm vs 1.3 ± 1.2 mm, P = 0.01), and more likely to invade the outer muscularis mucosae (M3) (P = 0.004), be poorly differentiated (P < 0.001), and to show a nodular or plaque‐like lesion (P = 0.04) compared with LVI‐negative IMAC. Patients' age, gender, the frequency of tumor multifocality, ulceration and tumor size were not significantly different between these two groups. The pooled rates of LVI and nodal metastases in IMAC from five published studies and this cohort were 6.0% (range 2.9–16.7%) and 3.4% (range 0–10.0%), respectively. Pooled analysis of studies with histology review showed that LVI in IMAC was associated with a nodal metastases rate of 27.3%.ConclusionFor IMAC of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction, LVI is associated with tumor thickness, M3 invasion, poor differentiation and the presence of nodular or plaque‐like lesion; by pooled analysis, it is associated with a risk of nodal metastasis of 27.3%.
Increased Serum Neurotrophin Levels Related to Alcohol Use Disorder in a Young Population Sample
Authors: Lhullier Alfredo C. , Moreira Fernanda P. , da Silva Ricardo A. , Marques Melina B. , Bittencourt Guilherme , Pinheiro Ricardo T. , Souza Luciano D. M. , Portela Luis Valmor , Lara Diogo R. , Jansen Karen , Wiener Carolina D. , Oses Jean Pierre 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundThe diagnosis of alcohol use disorder is based on clinical signs and on the measurement of biological markers. However, these markers are neither sufficiently sensitive, nor specific enough, for determining the effects of alcohol abuse on the central nervous system. Serum neurotrophins are important regulators of neural survival, development, function, and plasticity and have been found to be reduced in alcohol use disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in serum neurotrophin levels (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], glial‐derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF], and nerve growth factor [NGF]) in alcohol use disorder in a young population, and thus possibly representing the early stages of the illness.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study, nested in a population‐based study of people aged 18 to 35, involving 795 participants. The participants responded to the CAGE questionnaire, and a CAGE score of ≥2 was considered to be a positive screen for the abuse/dependence or moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and NGF levels were measured by ELISA.ResultsIn the CAGE ≥ 2 group, GDNF (p ≤ 0.001) and NGF (p ≤ 0.001) serum levels were significantly increased, and the BDNF elevation was near a statistical significance (p = 0.068) when compared to the CAGE < 2 group. A significantly positive correlation was observed only in the CAGE ≥ 2 group for BDNF/GDNF (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and GDNF/NGF (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) levels. The correlation between the NGF and BDNF levels was significantly positive in both groups (r = 0.28, p < 0.001 for the CAGE < 2 group, and r = 0.30, p = 0.008 for the CAGE ≥ 2 group).ConclusionsThese results suggest that elevated neurotrophins are candidate markers for the early stages of alcohol misuse.
Preventing Alcohol‐Exposed Pregnancy Among an American Indian/Alaska Native Population: Effect of a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Intervention
Authors: Montag Annika C. , Brodine Stephanie K. , Alcaraz John E. , Clapp John D. , Allison Matthew A. , Calac Daniel J. , Hull Andrew D. , Gorman Jessica R. , Jones Kenneth L. , Chambers Christina D. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundFetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the result of alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEP) and believed to be the leading known cause of developmental disabilities in the United States. Our objective was to determine whether a culturally targeted Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) intervention may reduce risky drinking and vulnerability to AEP among American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) women in Southern California.MethodsSouthern California AIAN women of childbearing age who completed a survey including questions regarding alcohol consumption and contraceptive use were randomized into intervention or treatment as usual groups where the former group completed an online SBIRT intervention, and were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months postintervention.ResultsOf 263 women recruited and 247 with follow‐up data, one‐third were at high risk of having an AEP at baseline. Both treatment groups decreased self‐reported risky drinking behavior (drinks per week, p < 0.001; frequency of heavy episodic [binge] drinking episodes per 2 weeks, p = 0.017 and risk of AEP p < 0.001 at 6 months postintervention) in the follow‐up period. There was no difference between treatment groups. Baseline factors associated with decreased risk of an AEP at follow‐up included the perception that other women in their peer group consumed a greater number of drinks per week, having reported a greater number of binge episodes in the past 2 weeks, and depression/impaired functionality.ConclusionsParticipation in assessment alone may have been sufficient to encourage behavioral change even without the web‐based SBIRT intervention. Randomization to the SBIRT did not result in a significantly different change in risky drinking behaviors. The importance of perception of other women's drinking and one's own depression/functionality may have implications for future interventions.
Effects of Combined Alcohol and Anti‐HIV Drugs on Cellular Stress Responses in Primary Hepatocytes and Hepatic Stellate and Kupffer Cells
Authors: Hu Jay , Han Hui , Lau Mo Yin , Lee Harrison , MacVeigh‐Aloni Michelle , Ji Cheng 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundCertain anti‐HIV drugs alone or in combination are often associated with liver damages, which are frequently worsened by alcohol consumption. We previously found an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress mechanism for the drug‐ and alcohol‐induced hepatic injuries in animal models and in vitro hepatocytes. However, it is unknown whether anti‐HIV drugs and alcohol induce similar cellular stress responses and injuries in liver nonparenchymal cells.MethodsPrimary mouse hepatocytes (PMH), kupffer cells (KC), and hepatocellular stellate cells (HSC) were freshly isolated from mouse liver and treated with DMSO, stress‐inducing pharmaceutical agents, alcohol alone, or in combination with antiviral ritonavir (RIT), lopinavir (LOP), or efavirenz (EFV). Expression of cellular stress markers, protein colocalization, and cell death were analyzed with immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and positive double staining with Sytox green and Hoechst blue, respectively.ResultsExpression of the ER stress markers of BiP, CHOP, and SERCA and the autophagy marker LC3 was significantly changed in PMH in response to combined alcohol, RIT, and LOP, which was companied by increased cell death compared with control. In contrast, although pharmaceutical agents induced ER stress and cell death, no significant ER stress or cell death was found in KC treated with alcohol, RIT, LOP, and EFV singly or in combination. In HSC, alcohol, RIT, LOP, or EFV induced BiP, but not CHOP, SERCA, or cell death compared with vehicle control. Further in PMH, RIT and LOP or in combination with alcohol‐induced dose‐dependent inhibition of β‐actin. Inhibition of β‐actin by RIT and LOP was companied with an inhibited nuclear expression of the antioxidant response regulator Nrf2 and reduced GST downstream of Nrf2. Ascorbic acid treatment reduced the alcohol‐, RIT‐, and LOP‐induced cell death.ConclusionsThe data suggest for the first time that sensitivities of hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells to alcohol and anti‐HIV drugs in vitro are different in terms of cellular stress response and cell death injury. Oxidative stress mediated by Nrf2 contributes to the alcohol‐ and drug‐induced toxicity in the hepatocytes.
Alcohol Consumption and Fatal Injuries in Australia Before and After Major Traffic Safety Initiatives: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Jiang Heng , Livingston Michael , Room Robin 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundThe associations between population‐level alcohol consumption and fatal injuries have been examined in a number of previous studies, but few have considered the external impacts of major policy interventions. This study aims to quantify the associations between per capita alcohol consumption and traffic and nontraffic injury mortality rates in Australia before and after major traffic safety initiatives (the introduction of compulsory seat belt legislation [CSBL] and random breath testing [RBT] in 1970s).MethodsUsing data from 1924 to 2006, gender‐ and age‐specific traffic and nontraffic mortality rates (15 years and above) were analyzed in relation to per capita alcohol consumption using time series analysis. The external effects of policy interventions were measured by inserting a dummy variable in the time series models.ResultsStatistically significant associations between per capita alcohol consumption and both types of fatal injuries were found for both males and females. The results suggest that an increase in per capita alcohol consumption of 1 l was accompanied by an increase in traffic mortality of 3.4 among males and 0.5 among females per 100,000 inhabitants and an increase in nontraffic mortality of 3.0 among males and 0.9 among females. The associations between alcohol consumption and fatal injury rates varied across age groups. The introduction of CSBL and RBT was associated with significant reductions in traffic crash mortality in Australia, particularly for males and young people.ConclusionsThe magnitude and distribution of the preventive effects from the reduction in population drinking on fatal injuries vary across different gender and age groups, with the strongest preventive impacts on fatal injuries among people aged 15 to 29 and 70 years and above. The mechanisms behind these effects are unclear from this study, but are likely to be due to the strong association between per capita consumption and heavy drinking.
Characterizing prefrontal cortical activity during inhibition task in methamphetamine‐associated psychosis versus schizophrenia: a multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Okada Naohiro , Takahashi Katsuyoshi , Nishimura Yukika , Koike Shinsuke , Ishii‐Takahashi Ayaka , Sakakibara Eisuke , Satomura Yoshihiro , Kinoshita Akihide , Takizawa Ryu , Kawasaki Shingo , Nakakita Mayumi , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Okazaki Yuji , Kasai Kiyoto 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMethamphetamine abuse and dependence, frequently accompanied by schizophrenia‐like psychotic symptoms [methamphetamine‐associated psychosis (MAP)], is a serious public health problem worldwide. Few studies, however, have characterized brain dysfunction associated with MAP, nor investigated similarities and differences in brain dysfunction between MAP and schizophrenia. We compared prefrontal cortical activity associated with stop‐signal inhibitory task in 21 patients with MAP, 14 patients with schizophrenia and 21 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls using a 52‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system. Both the MAP and the schizophrenia groups showed significantly reduced activation in the bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex compared with controls; however, only the MAP group showed reduced activation in the frontopolar prefrontal cortex. The MAP group demonstrated significant positive correlations between task performance and hemodynamic responses in the bilateral ventrolateral, polar and left dorsolateral regions of the prefrontal cortex. The MAP and schizophrenia groups demonstrated a significant difference in the relationship of impulsivity to hemodynamic changes in the bilateral premotor cortex. These findings characterize similarities and differences in prefrontal cortical dysfunction between psychosis associated with methamphetamine and schizophrenia. The reduced hemodynamic changes in the bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex suggest a common underlying pathophysiology of MAP and schizophrenia, whereas those in the frontopolar prefrontal cortex point to an impaired state that is either inherent or caused specifically by methamphetamine use.
Use of Non‐invasive Methods for Evaluating the Testicular Biometry in Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Peixoto G. C. X. , Silva M. A. , Lima G. L. , Campos L. B. , Paiva A. L. C. , Paula V. V. , Ricarte A. R. F. , Silva A. R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to estimate testicular volume in the collared peccary. Calliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were taken on five adult collared peccaries. The testicular volume was calculated by Lambert's empiric formula: length (L) × width (W) × height (H) × 0.71, the formula of an ellipsoid L × W × H × 0.52, and Hansen's formula: L × W2 × 0.52. The calculated volumes were then compared with the actual ones, which were estimated by water displacement. The mean of true testicular volume was 22.65 ± 1.52 ml. Lambert's formula estimated testicular volume more accurately when ultrasound measurements were taken. However, when the calliper was the methodology used, the results were closest to the true volume, especially when Ellipsoid formula and Hansen's formula were applied, and underestimated the true volumes by 1.53 ± 1.75 ml and 1.53 ± 1.65 ml, respectively. This specific application of technologies in wild animals has the potential to revolutionize the selection process for the collared peccary entering artificial insemination or natural breeding programmes.
Justice and the Dark Arts: Law and Shamanism in Amazonia
Authors: Walker Harry 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe idea of “law” as a regulating force external to individuals is rapidly gaining traction among Peruvian Urarina. Its uptake and mode of use have been guided by local forms of shamanic practice, reflecting the common basis of law and shamanism in ritual and violence. Yet despite people's best efforts to deploy law on their own terms—namely as a weapon through which a higher force or authority is harnessed to individual ends—law, unlike shamanism, is inherently unifying rather than fragmenting and implies a unitary standard of truth and justice that is inimical to Amazonian political cosmology. Law epitomizes the centralizing processes of the state, promoting a fragile peace but only by establishing a monopoly on violence. [law, shamanism, subjectivity, violence, morality, Urarina, Peru, Amazonia]
An introduction to behavioural decision‐making theories for paediatricians
Authors: Haward Marlyse F. , Janvier Annie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBehavioural decision‐making theories provide insights into how people make choices under conditions of uncertainty. However, few have been studied in paediatrics. This study introduces these theories, reviews current research and makes recommendations for their application within the context of shared decision‐making.ConclusionAs parents are expected to share decision‐making in paediatrics, it is critical that the fields of behavioural economics, communication and decision sciences merge with paediatric clinical ethics to optimise decision‐making.
Modelling foot‐and‐mouth disease transmission in a wild pig–domestic cattle ecosystem
Authors: Ward MP , Garner MG , Cowled BD 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo use simulation modelling to predict the potential spread and to explore control options for a foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) incursion in a mixed wild pig–domestic cattle ecosystem in northernAustralia.DesignBased on aerial surveys, expert opinion and published data, the wild pig and grazing cattle distributions were simulated. A susceptible–infected–resistant disease‐spread model was coded and parameterised according to published literature and expert opinion.MethodsA baseline scenario was simulated in which infection was introduced via wild pigs, with transmission from pigs to cattle and no disease control. Assumptions regarding disease transmission were investigated via sensitivity analyses. Predicted size and length of outbreaks were compared for different control strategies based on movement standstill, surveillance and depopulation.ResultsIn most of the simulations,FMDoutbreaks were predicted to be ongoing after 6 months, with more cattle herds infected than wild pig herds (median 907 vs 22, respectively). Assuming only pig‐to‐pig transmission, the infection routinely died out. In contrast, assuming cattle‐to‐cattle, cattle‐to‐pig or pig‐to‐cattle transmission resulted inFMDestablishing and spreading in more than 75% of simulations. A control strategy targeting wild pigs only was not predicted to be successful. Control based on cattle only was successful in eradicating the disease. However, control targeting both pigs and cattle resulted in smaller outbreaks.ConclusionsIfFMDis controlled in cattle in the modelled ecosystem, it is likely to be self‐limiting in wild pigs. However, to eradicate disease as quickly as possible, both wild pigs and cattle should be targeted for control.
Trial of human laser epilation technology for permanent wool removal in Merino sheep
Authors: Colditz IG , Cox T , Small AH 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo assess whether human laser epilation technology can permanently prevent wool growth in sheep.DesignAn observational study.MethodsTwo commercial human epilation lasers (Sharplan alexandrite 755 nm laser, and Lumenis LightSheer® 800 nm diode laser) were tested at energies between 10 and 100 J/cm2 and pulse widths from 2 to 400 ms. Wool was clipped from flank, breech, pizzle and around the eyes of superfine Merino sheep with Oster clippers. After initial laser removal of residual wool to reveal bare skin, individual skin sites were treated with up to 15 cycles of laser irradiation. Behavioural responses during treatment, skin temperature immediately after treatment and skin and wool responses for 3 months after treatment were monitored.ResultsA clear transudate was evident on the skin surface within minutes. A dry superficial scab developed by 24 h and remained adherent for at least 6 weeks. When scabs were shed, there was evidence of scarring at sites receiving multiple treatment cycles and normal wool growth in unscarred skin. There was no evidence of laser energy level or pulse width affecting the response of skin and wool to treatment and no evidence of permanent inhibition of wool growth by laser treatment. Laser treatment was well tolerated by the sheep.ConclusionsTreatment of woolled skin with laser parameters that induce epilation by selective photothermolysis in humans failed to induce permanent inhibition of wool growth in sheep. Absence of melanin in wool may have contributed to the result.