bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic diversity of geometrid moths decreases with elevation in the tropical Andes
Authors: Brehm Gunnar , Strutzenberger Patrick , Fiedler Konrad 
Published: April 2013

Species diversity of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) has previously been shown to be extremely and constantly high along a continuously forested elevational gradient in the Andes of southern Ecuador. We analysed samples taken from 32 sites between 1999 and 2011 in northern Podocarpus National Park and adjacent areas from 1020 to 2916 m a.s.l. We conjecture that high elevation habitats were historically mostly colonised by species from lower elevations, and that environmental filtering (e.g. through host plant specificity or temperature tolerance) constrained colonisation from lower elevations, which would yield a pattern of elevationally decreasing phylogenetic diversity. We analysed elevational phylogenetic patterns by means of: 1) the nearest‐taxon index (NTI), 2) DNA barcode‐based terminal branch lengths (TBLs) from maximum‐likelihood phylogeny, 3) the subfamily composition of the local assemblages, and 4), the rarefied number of morphologically defined genera per site.We counted a total of 1445 species. NTI values significantly increased with elevation, both in a conventional and a rarefaction approach. TBLs decreased significantly with elevation. Subfamily composition profoundly changed with elevation, particularly expressed as an increased proportion of the subfamily Larentiinae and decreased fractions of Sterrhinae and Geometrinae. The number of genera in equally rarefied species resamples significantly decreased with elevation. We conclude that environmental filtering indeed contributed to an altitudinal decrease in moth phylodiversity, but these constraints prevented only relatively few clades from colonising high elevation habitats.
The Price of a Drink – Too Exactly? Flawed Evidence for Minimum Unit Pricing
Authors: Duffy John C. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The UK government has been considering whether to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol. Extraordinarily precise benefits have been claimed for the measure, down to exactly how many lives a year will be saved. But are the statistics real or illusory? John C. Duffy says they are flawed to the point of uselessness.
Haiti After the Earthquake: Statistics Without Borders
Authors: Orelien Jean , Philippe Robert , Wesner Antwone , Ashley James , Fisher Justin , Scheuren Fritz 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
When a major disaster strikes, urgent needs may be food, water, shelter, medicines – and data. Unless you know the numbers of people involved and how their lives have been affected, giving efficient help is impossible. Statistics Without Borders tries to provide the data. The team that worked on a project in Haiti describe one effort.
Predictors of short‐ and long‐term mortality in first‐ever ischaemic older stroke patients
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Yu , Hu Gwo‐Chi , Chen Yi‐Min , Chen Chiu‐Hsiang , Hu Yu‐Ning 
Published: April 2013

AimPredictors of short‐ and long‐term all‐cause mortality of older stroke patients were explored.MethodsCox regression models were used to estimate the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in the database entries of 636 older stroke patients aged 70 years and over.ResultsNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, age and coronary heart disease were significantly associated with 28‐day death. The hazard ratios for the predictors of long‐term mortality were as follows: NIHSS score, 1.1 (95% CI: 1.07–1.1); serum glucose level, 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01–1.2); serum triglyceride level, 0.6 (95% CI: 0.4–0.8); age, 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01–1.08); and coronary heart disease, 2.7 (95% CI: 1.4–5.4).ConclusionsNIHSS score on admission, age and coronary heart disease are independent predictors of short‐ and long‐term mortality. Higher glucose and lower triglyceride level are significantly associated with the long‐term mortality.
Direct Control of Defects on Positron Lifetimes and Dielectric Constant of Microwave Ceramics
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhang Yi , Du Piyi , Deng Wen 
Published: April 2013

It is of great importance to discover completely the correlation between the defects and positron lifetimes in positron annihilation technology (PAT) and reveal clearly the effect of defects on the dielectric constant of universal microwave ceramics. In this work, ZnNb2−xTixO6−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) dielectric ceramics with nonstoichiometric defects were prepared by solid‐state reaction. All the pores and defects in as‐prepared ceramics were accurately revealed by PAT as a convenient way. The positron lifetimes of τ3 and τ2 in positron annihilation lifetime spectra (PALS) were dependent on two kinds of pores correlated with where o‐Ps atoms and trapping positron annihilated in, whereas τ1 could be separated evidently into τb and τt which are related to bulk structure and negatively charged defects in the system. The dielectric constant of microwave ceramics ZnNb2−xTixO6−x, which increases from 26 to 49 with x increasing from 0 to 0.5 at 10 GHz, is confirmed to be directly controlled by the negatively charged defect of through cation rattling.
Novel Series of Low‐Firing Microwave Dielectric Ceramics: Ca5A4(VO4)6 (A2+ = Mg,Zn)
Authors: Yao Guo‐guang , Liu Peng , Zhang Huai‐wu 
Published: April 2013

Using a conventional solid‐state reaction Ca5A4(VO4)6 (A2+ = Mg, Zn) ceramics were prepared and their microwave dielectric properties were investigated for the first time. X‐ray diffraction revealed the formation of pure‐phase ceramics with a cubic garnet structure for both samples. Two promising ceramics Ca5Zn4(VO4)6 and Ca5Mg4(VO4)6 sintered at 725°C and 800°C were found to possess good microwave dielectric properties: εr = 11.7 and 9.2, Q × f = 49 400 GHz (at 9.7 GHz) and 53 300 GHz (at 10.6 GHz), and τf = −83 and −50 ppm/°C, respectively.
Spark Plasma Sintering of Hexagonal Structure Yb3+‐Doped Sr5(PO4)3F Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Chen Shi , Wu Yiquan , Yang Yan 
Published: April 2013

Ytterbium‐doped Sr5(PO4)3F transparent ceramics have been developed through spark plasma sintering (SPS) with a low sintering temperature and short dwelling time. The XRD patterns show a polycrystalline hexagonal phase, and the TEM microstructure characterization indicates that the ceramics have a narrow grain size distribution which ranges from 40 to 200 nm, with an average grain size around 150 nm. The transmittance of a 2 mm thick ceramic sample is measured to be 74% at 1000 nm by a UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer. Furthermore, there is a strong emission peak around 1040 nm which has a lifetime of 1.06 ms and is exhibited by a PL spectrometer with the 980 nm laser diode excitation.
Establishment of a serum IgG4 cut‐off value for the differential diagnosis of IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis: A Japanese cohort
Authors: Ohara Hirotaka , Nakazawa Takahiro , Kawa Shigeyuki , Kamisawa Terumi , Shimosegawa Tooru , Uchida Kazushige , Hirano Kenji , Nishino Takayoshi , Hamano Hideaki , Kanno Atsushi , Notohara Kenji , Hasebe Osamu , Muraki Takashi , Ishida Etsuji , Naitoh Itaru , Okazaki Kazuichi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground and AimIgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) must be precisely distinguished from primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) because the treatments are completely different. However, the pathological diagnosis of IgG4‐SC is difficult. Therefore, highly specific non‐invasive criteria such as serum IgG4 should be established. This study established a cut‐off for serum IgG4 to differentiate IgG4‐SC from respective controls using serum IgG4 levels measured in Japanese centers.MethodsA total of 344 IgG4‐SC patients were enrolled in this study. As controls, 245, 110, and 149 patients with pancreatic cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and CC, respectively, were enrolled. IgG4‐SC patients were classified into three groups: type 1 (stenosis only in the lower part of the common bile duct), type 2 (stenosis diffusely distributed throughout the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts), and types 3 and 4 (stenosis in the hilar hepatic region) with 246, 56, and 42 patients, respectively. Serum IgG4 levels were compared, and the cut‐offs were established.ResultsThe cut‐off obtained from receiver operator characteristic curves showed similar sensitivity and specificity to that of 135 mg/dL when all IgG4‐SC and controls were compared. However, a new cut‐off value was established when subgroups of IgG4‐SC and controls were compared. A cut‐off of 182 mg/dL can increase the specificity to 96.6% (4.7% increase) for distinguishing types 3 and 4 IgG4‐SC from CC. A cut‐off of 207 mg/dL might be useful for completely distinguishing types 3 and 4 IgG4‐SC from all CC.ConclusionsSerum IgG4 is useful for the differential diagnosis of IgG4‐SC and controls.
The Impact of Behavioral Couple Therapy on Attachment in Distressed Couples
Authors: Benson Lisa A. , Sevier Mia , Christensen Andrew 
Published: April 2013

Emotion‐focused therapy (EFT; Greenberg & Johnson, Emotionally focused therapy for couples. New York: Guilford Press) is anchored in attachment theory (Johnson, 2003 Attachment processes in couples and families. New York: Guilford) and considers change in attachment schemas essential in the process of improving satisfaction in relationships (Johnson, 1999, Research and couples therapy: Where do we go from here? American Family Therapy Academy Newsletter). However, there are little data on how measures of attachment change over the course of EFT or any other couple therapy. The current study examines whether increases in attachment security predict improvements in marital satisfaction during behavioral couple therapy, which would suggest that change in attachment style is a key process variable even for a non‐attachment‐focused treatment. Multilevel models of data from 134 couples participating in a randomized clinical trial of integrative behavioral couple therapy and traditional behavioral couple therapy (Christensen et al. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 2004, 176) indicate that although there is a trend for early change in attachment‐related anxiety and avoidance to predict later change in marital satisfaction, early change in marital satisfaction strongly predicts change in attachment‐related anxiety through the end of treatment and 2‐year follow‐up. These findings suggest that changes in satisfaction may lead to changes in attachment rather than the reverse and that change in attachment may not be the mechanism of change in all efficacious couple therapy.
Why Do I Feel Valued and Why Do I Contribute? A Relational Approach to Employee's Organization‐Based Self‐Esteem and Job Performance
Authors: Liu Jun , Hui Chun , Lee Cynthia , Chen Zhen Xiong 
Published: April 2013

abstractDrawing on the relational perspective and self‐consistency theory, we theorize how relationships involving work‐centric, off‐work‐centric, and/or personal components can affect an employee's organization‐based self‐esteem and job performance in Chinese organizational contexts. Matched data were collected from a multi‐source sample that included 219 employee–supervisor dyads from a Chinese bank. Results based on hierarchical regression analyses reveal that a high‐quality relationship with a supervisor through work and off‐work domains (leader–member exchange and guanxi) is positively related to organization‐based self‐esteem. Organization‐based self‐esteem plays a mediating role in the relationship between guanxi and job performance. Additionally, career mentoring from a supervisor (a work‐centric relationship involving personal components) moderates the relationship between organization‐based self‐esteem and job performance.
Detection of claudin‐4 in salivary gland neoplasms (a study utilizing RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry)
Authors: Abd El‐Ghani Safa F. , Kasem Rehab F. , Ghallab Noha A. , Shaker Olfat G. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundClaudins are transmembrane proteins of tight junctions emerging as targets for diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, disease recurrence, and metastasis. Our goal was to evaluate expression of claudin‐4 in the most common benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms.MethodsClaudin‐4 gene levels and protein expression were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemistry in a total of 30 specimens containing normal salivary tissue, pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin's tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma.ResultsWe identified down‐regulation of claudin‐4 gene levels and protein expression from normal control to benign salivary gland neoplasms and reached their lowest values in the malignant salivary gland neoplasms.ConclusionsLow claudin‐4 expression could be considered as a sign of increasing cellular disorientation and invasion of salivary gland tumors.
Accuracy of infrared thermometers in very low birth weight infants and impact on newborn behavioural states
Authors: Jarvis Melanie , Guy Katelyn J , König Kai 
Published: April 2013

AimTo study the impact on newborn behavioural states and accuracy of three infrared thermometers compared with digital axillary thermometer measurements in very low birth weight infants.MethodsSingle‐centre prospective observational study. Preterm infants born <1500‐g birth weight were eligible. Infants were observed for pre‐measurement behaviour state using a five‐point neonatal behaviour observation tool. One infrared temperature was taken from each of the devices, followed by an axillary measurement. Further behaviour‐state observations were recorded following infrared and axillary measurements.ResultsOne hundred measurements were collected from each infrared device among a cohort of 42 very low birth weight infants. Only one infrared device showed satisfactory agreement with bias −0.071 (95% limits of agreement −0.68 to 0.54). The other two devices demonstrated poor agreement: bias −1.34; 95% limits of agreement −2.62 to –0.5 and bias −0.56; 95% limits of agreement −1.38 to 0.25. Neonatal behavioural scores showed only minimal changes when infrared measurements were performed but increased significantly following axillary measurements. The difference between the two modalities was statistically significant with a mean increase of 1.44 points following axillary measurements (95% confidence interval 1.21 to 1.67, P < 0.001).ConclusionsTemperature measurements taken with infrared thermometers demonstrated less disruption to preterm infants' behavioural state, however accuracy of devices varied.
Expression of Coat Protein of an Ordinary Strain of Potato virus Y in Escherichia coli and Production of Polyclonal Antibodies for Diagnosis
Authors: Jeevalatha Arjunan , Kaundal Priyanka , Sharma Nitya Nand , Thakur Priyanka , Chakrabarti Swarup Kumar , Singh Bir Pal 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe coat protein gene (CP) of an ordinary strain of Potato virus Y (PVYO) was cloned into the expression vector, pET‐28a(+). The insert was sequenced and analysis showed that the CP gene was in frame with intact N‐terminal 6X histidine tags. An approximately 35 kDa recombinant fusion protein was observed in inclusion bodies of induced Escherichia coli BL21 cells. This fusion protein was purified and used as antigen to raise polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. In Western blot and dot blot immuno‐binding assay (DIBA), both PVYO‐CP IgG and PVYO IgG strongly reacted with the recombinant CP. The PVYO‐CP IgG could detect PVYO in infected samples up to 1 : 3200 dilutions. A PVYO‐CP ELISA kit was prepared and compared with conventional ELISA kit based on purified virus particles (PVYO ELISA kit). The PVYO‐CP ELISA kit consistently detected the PVYO in DAS‐ELISA of field samples and was as effective as PVYO ELISA kit.
Effects of root competition and soils on seedling establishment at the ecotone between an arid grassland and succulent shrubland in South Africa
Authors: Shiponeni Ndafuda N. , Carrick Peter J. , Allsopp Nicky , Hoffman M. Timm 
Published: April 2013

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the effects of root competition from mature plants and soil type on the survival and growth of dominant grass and succulent shrub seedlings at an ecotonal site between arid grassland and succulent shrubland? Do these factors explain the occurrence of separate grass‐dominated and shrub‐dominated communities along the ecotone?LocationEcotone between Bushmanland arid grassland and Namaqualand succulent shrublands in the Karoo, South Africa.MethodsSeedlings of Stipagrostis brevifolia, a perennial C4 grass, and Ruschia robusta, a leaf‐succulent shrub were transplanted into naturally occurring openings within separate Stipagrostis brevifolia and Ruschia robusta communities. The effects of root competition were tested by exposing seedlings to roots of neighbouring adult plants or by excluding the influence of neighbouring roots using metal partitions. The influence of soil on the survival and growth response of seedlings was tested by comparing the response of each species grown in soil of their own community with their response when grown in soil of the other community.ResultsAll S. brevifolia seedlings died within the first 3 mo of the experiment, irrespective of competition exclusion or whether they were grown in grassland or shrubland soils. Root competition from mature plants reduced the survival of R. robusta seedlings in the grass community, but not in the shrub community. When seedlings of R. robusta were not exposed to root competition, their survival and biomass in the grass community soil type did not differ from that in the shrub community soil type.ConclusionsExcluding root competition in the grass community provided favourable conditions for R. robusta seedlings to establish, suggesting that root competition from the grass is more important in maintaining separate grass communities, and that any differences in soil properties are less important in influencing such processes. Our study presents an example where a species' fundamental niche may be differerent from its realized niche, as a result of competitive interactions.
From technology to biology: a malaria genetic toolbox for the functional dissection of essential genes
Authors: Pino Paco 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPossessing a system that experimentally controls gene expression has been a Holy Grail in molecular malaria research. Several strategies to control gene expression at different levels have been developed; the controlled step can range from transcription initiation to post‐translational modification and/or protein degradation. Strategies successfully developed in model organisms and adapted to the malaria parasite can be classified into four categories aimed at the conditional control of (i) gene deletion, (ii) gene transcription, (iii) mRNA translation, and (iv) protein stability. Here, I intend to describe the various strategies available and compare and contrast their advantages and limitations. In the absence of a unique, ubiquitous solution, it is instrumental to utilize a variety of approaches that can respond to the particular needs of each gene.
Brain size in neonatal and adult Weddell seals: Costs and consequences of having a large brain
Authors: Eisert Regina , Potter Charles W. , Oftedal Olav T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLittle is known about the ontogeny of brain size in pinnipeds despite potential functional implications of brain substrate (glucose, oxygen) requirements for diving, fasting, growth, and lactation strategies. We measured brain mass (brM) and cranial capacity (CC) in newborn and adult Weddell seals. Neonatal Weddell seals had brM that represented ~70% of adult brM. Weddell seals have the largest neonatal brain, proportional to adult brain, reported for any mammal to date, which is remarkable considering the relatively small size of Weddell seal pups at birth (6%–7% of maternal body mass) compared to neonates of other highly precocial mammals. Provision of sufficient glucose to maintain the large, well‐developed brain of the neonatal Weddell seal has a nontrivial metabolic cost to both pup and mother. We therefore hypothesize that this phenomenon must have functional significance, such as allowing pups to acquire complex under‐ice navigation skills during the period of maternal attendance.
Prey preferences of sympatric fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales revealed by stable isotope mixing models
Authors: Ryan Conor , Berrow Simon D. , McHugh Brendan , O'Donnell Ciarán , Trueman Clive N. , O'Connor Ian 
Published: April 2013

AbstractOver‐exploitation of top predators and fish stocks has altered ecosystems towards less productive systems with fewer trophic levels. In the Celtic Sea (CS), discards and bycatch levels have prompted concern about some fisheries, while fin and humpback whales are recovering from centuries of over‐exploitation. A lack of empirical evidence on the preferred diet of some predators such as whales in the CS has hindered the implementation of effective conservation measures using an ecosystem‐based approach to fisheries management. Using a Bayesian framework (SIAR), stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope mixing models were used to assign proportionate diet solutions to fin and humpback whales (skin biopsies) and putative prey items: herring (Clupea harengus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus), and krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica and Nyctiphanes couchii) in the CS. Krill was the single most important prey item in the diet of fin whales, but one of the least important for humpback whales (albeit based on a small sample of humpback whale samples). Age 0 sprat and herring comprised a large proportion of the diet of both species, followed by older sprat (age 1–2) and older herring (age 2–4). An ecosystem based approach to fisheries management will be required in the CS if we seek effective conservation of both fin and humpback whales, and sustainable fisheries.
Geminivirus protein structure and function
Authors: Fondong Vincent N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryGeminiviruses are a family of plant viruses that cause economically important plant diseases worldwide. These viruses have circular single‐stranded DNA genomes and four to eight genes that are expressed from both strands of the double‐stranded DNA replicative intermediate. The transcription of these genes occurs under the control of two bidirectional promoters and one monodirectional promoter. The viral proteins function to facilitate virus replication, virus movement, the assembly of virus‐specific nucleoprotein particles, vector transmission and to counteract plant host defence responses. Recent research findings have provided new insights into the structure and function of these proteins and have identified numerous host interacting partners. Most of the viral proteins have been shown to be multifunctional, participating in multiple events during the infection cycle and have, indeed, evolved coordinated interactions with host proteins to ensure a successful infection. Here, an up‐to‐date review of viral protein structure and function is presented, and some areas requiring further research are identified.