bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social information from immigrants: multiple immigrant‐based sources of information for dispersal decisions in a ciliate
Authors: Jacob Staffan , Chaine Alexis S. , Schtickzelle Nicolas , Huet Michèle , Clobert Jean 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Dispersal is increasingly recognized as being an informed process, based on information organisms obtain about the landscape. While local conditions are often found to drive dispersal decisions, local context is not always a reliable predictor of conditions in neighbouring patches, making the use of local information potentially useless or even maladaptive. In this case, using social information gathered by immigrants might allow adjusting dispersal decisions without paying the costs of prospecting. However, this hypothesis has been largely neglected despite its major importance for ecological and evolutionary processes.

We investigated three fundamental questions about immigrant‐informed dispersal: Do immigrants convey information that influences dispersal, do organisms use multiple cues from immigrants, and is immigrant‐informed dispersal genotype dependent?

Using Tetrahymena thermophila ciliates in microcosms, we manipulated the number of immigrants arriving, the density of congeners, the resource quality in neighbouring patches, matrix characteristics and the level of cooperation of individuals in the neighbouring populations.

We provide the first experimental evidence that immigrants convey a number of different cues about neighbouring patches and matrix (patch quality, matrix characteristics and cooperation in neighbouring populations) in this relatively simple organism. Furthermore, we demonstrate genotype‐dependent immigrant‐informed dispersal decisions about patch quality and matrix characteristics.

Multiple cues from immigrants and genotype‐dependent use of cues have major implications for theoretical metapopulation dynamics and the potential for local adaptation.
Combined effects of retention forestry and prescribed burning on polypore fungi
Authors: Suominen Mai , Junninen Kaisa , Heikkala Osmo , Kouki Jari 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Retention forestry and prescribed burning aim to alleviate the negative effects of forestry on biodiversity by maintaining the structural elements of natural forests in managed forests. We present the long‐term effects of these methods on polypore fungi, a taxonomic group that has been severely affected by forestry.

Using a 10‐year, large‐scale field experiment, we studied how prescribed burning and two different tree retention levels (10 and 50 m3 ha−1) affect polypore fungi. We monitored polypore sporocarps on 2767 individually marked trees four times over the study period: in the first autumn after the treatments, and again 2, 4 and 10 years after the treatments.

The number of polypore species and records initially increased rather slowly but showed a marked increasing trend towards the end of the 10‐year monitoring period. After 2 years, the higher retention sites had an average 8·5 species and the low retention sites 4·5 species per site. After 4 years, the difference was 14 vs. 9 species and after 10 years 26 vs. 19 species. Red‐listed species were not found often on the trunks earlier than 10 years after the treatments.

Prescribed burning increased the number of polypore species and records along with time. Furthermore, 13 species favoured burned sites, while only six species favoured unburned sites, and the differences in the composition of species assemblages between burned and unburned sites were evident 10 years after the treatments.

Synthesis and applications. We show, for the first time, that retention trees can host rich polypore assemblages, and even some red‐listed species, and, thus, be useful in conservation of forest biodiversity outside protected areas. Higher retention levels maintain more diverse polypore assemblages. Prescribed burning increases the positive effects of retention forestry by creating substrates that are typical in the early‐successional natural forests.
Feeding evolution of a herbivore influences an arthropod community through plants: implications for plant‐mediated eco‐evolutionary feedback loop
Authors: Utsumi Shunsuke 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Genetic variation in individual species can have important ecological consequences, and sometimes, these interactions are mediated through another species. For example, genetic variation in an herbivore could alter plant responses that then influence other plant‐associated arthropods. However, few systems have experimentally tested the ecological consequences of genetic variation as mediated through other species, especially within the same trophic community context.

I studied how evolution of feeding preference in the willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora), which occurs under selection in a herbivore community context, feeds back to an arthropod community through plant‐mediated indirect interactions. Previous studies show beetle populations locally adapt distinct preferences ranging from the gourmet‐type, which feeds exclusively on new leaves of willows, to the no‐preference (no‐pref) type, which displays non‐preferential feeding on leaves of different ages.

I conducted field experiments at two sites that mimicked evolutionary changes in the feeding preference of the leaf beetle. I manipulated the composition of leaf beetle feeding types for 6 days in spring and then investigated subsequent development of arthropod communities. I found that initial herbivory by a higher proportion of gourmet‐type beetles led to lower subsequent abundance of conspecific beetle larvae. In contrast, a higher proportion of gourmet‐type beetles resulted in higher abundance of aphids. Aphid‐tending ants also increased with the increasing abundance of aphids. As a result, species diversity of arthropod communities decreased with the proportion of gourmet‐type beetles in the initial beetle treatment.

Community assembly dynamics were significantly influenced by interactive effects between the initial beetle treatment and subsequent colonizer species identities. Thus, beetle genetic variation had long‐lasting effects through a temporal chain of indirect interactions likely mediated through induced plant responses and the abundance of aphids.

Synthesis. Evolutionary changes in feeding traits within an herbivore species had profound but predictable impact on local arthropod communities. Because the feeding evolution of herbivores nearly always occurs in a community context, plant‐mediated feedback loops between the evolution and ecological community of arthropods may be widespread in nature.
Vitamin D3 potentiates the growth inhibitory effects of metformin in DU145 human prostate cancer cells mediated by AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: Li Hong‐Xia , Gao Jing‐Miao , Liang Jia‐Qi , Xi Jun‐Min , Fu Meng , Wu Yong‐Jie 
Published: April 2015

SummaryMetformin and vitamin D3 both exhibit a strong antiproliferative action in numerous cancer cell lines, including in human prostate cancer cells. Here we showed that the combination of the two drugs had a much stronger effect on DU145 human prostate cancer cell growth than either drug alone. In this research, cell proliferation was measured by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis was determined with Hoechst 33342 staining. Western blotting and cell cycle analyses were used to elucidate potential mechanisms of interaction between the drugs. It is shown that in cultured DU145 cells, vitamin D3 combined with metformin exhibits synergistic effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. The underlying antitumor mechanisms may involve altered cycle distribution with a G1/S cell cycle arrest, activation of phospho‐AMPK with subsequent inhibition of downstream mTOR signalling pathway, down‐regulate c‐Myc expression, and reducing the level of anti‐apoptotic protein p‐Bcl‐2. In conclusion, metformin and vitamin D3 synergistically inhibit DU145 cell growth, indicating a promising clinical therapeutic strategy for the treatment of androgen‐independent prostate cancer.
A Rickettsiales symbiont of amoebae with ancient features
Authors: Schulz Frederik , Martijn Joran , Wascher Florian , Lagkouvardos Ilias , Kostanjšek Rok , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Horn Matthias 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe Rickettsiae comprise intracellular bacterial symbionts and pathogens infecting diverse eukaryotes. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of ‘Candidatus Jidaibacter acanthamoeba’, a rickettsial symbiont of Acanthamoeba. The bacterium establishes the infection in its amoeba host within 2 h where it replicates within vacuoles. Higher bacterial loads and accelerated spread of infection at elevated temperatures were observed. The infection had a negative impact on host growth rate, although no increased levels of host cell lysis were seen. Phylogenomic analysis identified this bacterium as member of the Midichloriaceae. Its 2.4 Mb genome represents the largest among Rickettsiales and is characterized by a moderate degree of pseudogenization and a high coding density. We found an unusually large number of genes encoding proteins with eukaryotic‐like domains such as ankyrins, leucine‐rich repeats and tetratricopeptide repeats, which likely function in host interaction. There are a total of three divergent, independently acquired type IV secretion systems, and 35 flagellar genes representing the most complete set found in an obligate intracellular Alphaproteobacterium. The deeply branching phylogenetic position of ‘Candidatus Jidaibacter acanthamoeba’ together with its ancient features place it closely to the rickettsial ancestor and helps to better understand the transition from a free‐living to an intracellular lifestyle.
Fiscal Transparency, Fiscal Performance and Credit Ratings
Authors: Arbatli Elif , Escolano Julio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFiscal transparency can provide policymakers with incentives to adopt better policies by enhancing the public debate on the design and sustainability of fiscal policy and establishing accountability for their implementation. Fiscal transparency can also reduce uncertainty about fiscal policy and fiscal outturns by providing more information on the underlying fiscal position and fiscal risks. Both effects suggest that countries should benefit from adopting transparency enhancing policies through better market assessments of their sovereign risk. In this paper, we investigate whether fiscal transparency has an effect on market perceptions of sovereign risk, as measured by sovereign credit ratings, and if so, through which channels. We find that fiscal transparency has a positive and significant effect on ratings – one standard deviation increase in fiscal transparency increases credit ratings by 0.7 and 1 notches (or steps in the credit rating scale) in advanced and developing economies, respectively – but its effect works through different channels in advanced and developing economies. In advanced economies, fiscal transparency is associated with better fiscal outcomes, leading indirectly to higher credit ratings. In developing economies, the direct uncertainty‐reducing effect of fiscal transparency seems to be more important. Indeed, the effect of fiscal transparency on fiscal performance is found to increase with the level of institutional development.
How voters' perceptions of junior coalition partners depend on the prime minister's position
Authors: Fortunato David , Adams James 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRecent studies document that voters infer parties' left‐right policy agreement based on governing coalition arrangements. This article extends this research to present theoretical and empirical evidence that European citizens update their perceptions of junior coalition partners' left‐right policies to reflect the policies of the prime minister's party, but that citizens do not reciprocally project junior coalition partners' policies onto the prime minister's party. These findings illuminate the simple rules that citizens employ to infer parties' policy positions, broaden understanding of how citizens perceive coalition governance and imply that ‘niche’ parties, whose electoral appeal depends upon maintaining a distinctive policy profile, assume electoral risks when they enter government.
Prostatosymphyseal fistula and osteomyelitis pubis following transurethral resection of the prostate: CT and MRI findings
Authors: Plateau Benjamin , Ruivard Marc , Montoriol Pierre‐François 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWe present a very rare case of osteomyelitis pubis in a 75‐year‐old male patient due to a prostatosymphyseal fistula, which constituted a few weeks after trans‐urethral resection of the prostate. The patient had a previous history of prostatic carcinoma treated by radiotherapy, which may have played a role in the development of the fistula. Computed tomography with excretory phase and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and enabled to make the final diagnosis.
Nefopam as an adjunct to intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia after renal transplantation: a randomised trial
Authors: Kim S. Y. , Huh K. H. , Roh Y. H. , Oh Y. J. , Park J. , Choi Y. S. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundNefopam has been used as an adjuvant to opioid analgesia after operation. We investigated the efficacy of nefopam as an adjunct to fentanyl‐based intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (IV PCA) on post‐operative pain relief in patients undergoing renal transplantation.MethodsNinety‐eight patients undergoing elective renal transplantation were randomised into two groups: nefopam or control groups. The former received nefopam (160 mg in 200 ml at a rate of 4 ml/h) whereas the latter received normal saline during the first 48 h after reperfusion of grafted kidney. Pain intensity scores, cumulative dose of fentanyl, and the incidence of adverse events were assessed at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h post‐operatively. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate were evaluated on post‐operative days 1, 2, 4, and 7.ResultsThe cumulative fentanyl consumption during the first 48 h after operation was 19% less in the nefopam group than that in the control group (1005 ± 344 μg vs. 1246 ± 486 μg, mean ± SD; P = 0.006). Pain intensity scores at rest and on coughing were significantly lower in the nefopam group throughout the first 12 and 48 h after operation, respectively. Adverse events and early graft function were comparable between the groups, except a significantly lower incidence of drowsiness observed in the nefopam group (4% vs. 21%, P = 0.027).ConclusionIn combination with fentanyl PCA, nefopam reduced post‐operative fentanyl consumption with superior analgesia after renal transplantation.
Prevalence and predictors of persistent post‐surgical pain 12 months after thoracotomy
Authors: Hetmann F. , Kongsgaard U. E. , Sandvik L. , Schou‐Bredal I. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPersistent post‐surgical pain is recognised as a major problem. Prevalence after different surgical procedures has been reported to range from 5% up to 85%. Limb amputation and thoracotomy have the highest reported prevalence. Prediction of persistent post‐surgical pain has over the last decade caught attention. Several factors have been investigated, but in‐depth knowledge is still scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of persistent post‐surgical pain, and predictive factors for persistent post‐surgical pain 12 months after thoracotomy.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study was conducted. One‐hundred and seventy patients were recruited before scheduled thoracotomy, and asked to answer a questionnaire. One‐hundred and six patients completed the same questionnaire at 12‐month follow‐up. Regression analysis was performed to explore variables assumed predictive of persistent post‐surgical pain.ResultsOne‐hundred and six patients (62%) filled out the questionnaire at both time points. Preoperative, 34% reported muscle‐skeletal related chronic pain. At 12‐month follow‐up, 50% of the patients reported persistent post‐surgical pain. Of the variables explored in the logistic regression model, only preoperative pain (P < 0.001) and dispositional optimism (P = 0.04) were statistically significant. In this study, preoperative pain was a predominant predictor for persistent postoperative pain (OR 6.97, CI 2.40–20.21), while dispositional optimism (OR 0.36, CI 0.14–0.96) seem to have protective properties.ConclusionOur results show that preoperative pain is a predominant predictor of future pain. This implies that patients presenting with a chronic pain condition prior to surgery should be assessed thoroughly preoperatively and have an individually tailored analgesic regimen.
Ethical Issues in the Response to Ebola Virus Disease in United States Emergency Departments: A Position Paper of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Authors: Venkat Arvind , Asher Shellie L. , Wolf Lisa , Geiderman Joel M. , Marco Catherine A. , McGreevy Jolion , Derse Arthur R. , Otten Edward J. , Jesus John E. , Kreitzer Natalie P. , Escalante Monica , Levine Adam C. ,   the American College of Emergency Physicians,   the Emergency Nurses Association,   the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa has presented a significant public health crisis to the international health community and challenged U.S. emergency departments (EDs) to prepare for patients with a disease of exceeding rarity in developed nations. With the presentation of patients with Ebola to U.S. acute care facilities, ethical questions have been raised in both the press and medical literature as to how U.S. EDs, emergency physicians (EPs), emergency nurses, and other stakeholders in the health care system should approach the current epidemic and its potential for spread in the domestic environment. To address these concerns, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine developed this joint position paper to provide guidance to U.S. EPs, emergency nurses, and other stakeholders in the health care system on how to approach the ethical dilemmas posed by the outbreak of EVD. This paper will address areas of immediate and potential ethical concern to U.S. EDs in how they approach preparation for and management of potential patients with EVD.
Learning Curves in Emergency Ultrasound Education
Authors: Blehar David J. , Barton Bruce , Gaspari Romolo J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesProficiency in the use of bedside ultrasound (US) has become standard in emergency medicine residency training. While milestones have been established for this training, supporting data for minimum standard experience are lacking. The objective of this study was to characterize US learning curves to identify performance plateaus for both image acquisition and interpretation, as well as compare performance characteristics of learners to those of expert sonographers.MethodsA retrospective review of an US database was conducted at a single academic institution. Each examination was scored for agreement between the learner and expert reviewer interpretation and given a score for image quality. A locally weighted scatterplot smoothing method was used to generate a model of predicted performance for each individual examination type. Performance characteristics for expert sonographers at the site were also tracked and used in addition to performance plateaus as benchmarks for learning curve analysis.ResultsThere were 52,408 US examinations performed between May 2007 and January 2013 and included for analysis. Performance plateaus occurred at different points for different US protocols, from 18 examinations for soft tissue image quality to 90 examinations for right upper quadrant image interpretation. For the majority of examination types, a range of 50 to 75 examinations resulted in both excellent interpretation (sensitivity > 84% and specificity > 90%) and good image quality (90% the image quality benchmark of expert sonographers).ConclusionsEducational performance benchmarks occur at variable points for image interpretation and image quality for different examination types. These data should be considered when developing training standards for US education as well as experience requirements for US credentialing.
Laboratory Alcohol Self‐Administration Experiments Do Not Increase Subsequent Real‐Life Drinking in Young Adult Social Drinkers
Authors: Sommer Christian , Seipt Christian , Spreer Maik , Blümke Toni , Markovic Alexandra , Jünger Elisabeth , Plawecki Martin H. , Zimmermann Ulrich S. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundWhile the utility of experimental free‐access alcohol self‐administration paradigms is well established, little data exist addressing the question of whether study participation influences subsequent natural alcohol consumption. We here present drinking reports of young adults before and after participation in intravenous alcohol self‐administration studies.MethodsTimeline Follow‐back drinking reports for the 6 weeks immediately preceding the first, and the 6 weeks after the last experimental alcohol challenge were examined from subjects completing 1 of 2 similar alcohol self‐administration paradigms. In study 1, 18 social drinkers (9 females, mean age 24.1 years) participated in 3 alcohol self‐infusion sessions up to a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 160 mg%. Study 2 involved 60 participants (30 females, mean age 18.3 years) of the Dresden Longitudinal Study on Alcohol Use in Young Adults (D‐LAYA), who participated in 2 sessions of alcohol self‐infusion up to a maximum BAC of 120 mg%, and a nonexposed age‐matched control group of 42 (28 females, mean age 18.4 years) subjects.ResultsIn study 1, participants reported (3.7%) fewer heavy drinking days as well as a decrease of 2.5 drinks per drinking day after study participation compared to prestudy levels (p < 0.05, respectively). In study 2, alcohol‐exposed participants reported 7.1% and non‐alcohol‐exposed controls 6.5% fewer drinking days at poststudy measurement (p < 0.001), while percent heavy drinking days and drinks per drinking day did not differ.ConclusionsThese data suggest that participation in intravenous alcohol self‐administration experiments does not increase subsequent real‐life drinking of young adults.