bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the effects of area, energy and habitat heterogeneity on boreal forest bird species richness in protected areas
Authors: Honkanen Merja , Roberge Jean‐Michel , Rajasärkkä Ari , Mönkkönen Mikko 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAim  One of the few general laws in ecology is that species richness is a positive function of area. However, it has been proposed that area would merely be a proxy for energy. Additionally, habitat heterogeneity has been found to be an important factor determining species richness. Yet the relative importance of those relationships is little known, and it is still unclear how they are brought about. We aimed to dissect which factors drive the species richness of boreal forest birds, and to identify the most probable mechanisms.Location  Forested protected areas in Finland.Methods  Using bird line census data collected in 104 protected areas, we ran simultaneous autoregressive models to explain the species richness of forest birds. We explored the value of forest area, tree volume, tree growth, mean degree days and habitat heterogeneity as explanatory variables and used the species richness within different species groups, based on the predictions of hypothesized mechanisms, as a response variable.Results  Energy, rather than area or habitat heterogeneity, seems to be the main driver of species richness in boreal forest birds. More specifically, productive energy was a better predictor of total species richness than solar energy. Among the tested hypothetical mechanisms, the sampling hypothesis received strong support. After accounting for sampling, solar energy had an effect on species richness.Main conclusions  As productive energy, such as tree volume, is associated with species richness, high‐energy areas should be prioritized in forest conservation planning. Reductions in productive energy may first lead to the disappearance of the rarest species due to the random sampling process. Climate change may result in increased species richness due to increasing amount of productive and solar energy in forests. However, the range shifts of bird species may not be fast enough to keep up with the temperature increases.
Regulatory Uncertainty: A Reason to Postpone Investments? Not Necessarily
Authors: Hoffmann Volker H. , Trautmann Thomas , Hamprecht Jens 
Published: September 2009

abstractThere is a polarity in the literature as to whether companies do or do not postpone investment decisions in the light of regulatory uncertainty. In the case of flexible regulation characterized by a high degree and discontinuous resolution of uncertainty, we show that companies do not necessarily postpone investment decisions. We trace this observation back to three motivations: securing competitive resources, leveraging complementary resources, and alleviating institutional pressure. We connect these motivations to fundamental principles of the resource‐based view and institutional theory and further show the existence of a regime where institutionally motivated and resource‐based actions are not necessarily decoupled. We base our research on a case study covering 80 per cent of the German power generation industry which faces regulatory uncertainty from the European CO2 Emission Trading Scheme.
Publishing affects funding in neurology
Authors: Gilhus N. E. , Sivertsen G. 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose:  A new national system for funding research in universities and hospitals in Norway based on publication output is described.Methods:  All scientific publications were counted and weighted according to the quality of the publication channel. Author addresses were credited. This led to a number of publication points for each institution/department.Results:  The number of publication points for neurology had increased from 75.0 in 2005 to 98.3 in 2007. Publishing and the quality of publications were given more attention than before, and there was a stronger focus on facilitating research at the institutions. Research was regarded as not only an institutional but also as an individual responsibility.Conclusions:  The principle of performance‐based funding in addition to funding based on project applications has been well received, and it stimulates more and better research. Scientific publications represent a useful marker, whereas the way of counting author addresses and determining quality is still debated.
Impairment of rapid repetitive finger movements and visual reaction time in patients with essential tremor
Authors: Jiménez‐Jiménez F. J. , Rubio L. , Alonso‐Navarro H. , Calleja M. , Pilo‐de‐la‐Fuente B. , Plaza‐Nieto J. F. , Benito‐León J. , García‐Ruiz P. J. , Agúndez J. A. G. 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose: The question whether patients with essential tremor (ET) have slowed movements as part of their clinical manifestations is still a matter of controversy. We analyzed basic motor function in patients with ET and in healthy matched controls.Methods: We studied 61 patients with ET and 122 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Evaluation included four timed tests (pronation‐supination, finger tapping and movement between two points, all with both hands, and walking test); and three tests performed on a personal computer (speed for pressing repetitively a key – frequency, visual reaction time and movement time, all with both hands).Results: Essential tremor patients showed higher mean values for right and left finger tapping, left movement between two points; and with right and left frequency and reaction time. In the logistic regression study, ET patients showed significantly higher values than controls for right and left finger tapping; mean, SD, maximum and rank values of right and left frequency; and mean, SD, minimum, maximum and rank values of right and left visual reaction time. Tremor severity was not correlated with the altered values.Conclusions: Patients with ET showed impaired motor performance, at least in some tasks, such as rapid repetitive finger movements (finger tapping and frequency) and visual reaction time (impairment was not related with tremor severity). This probably means that patients with ET have some degree of bradykinesia.
Ageing appearance in China: biophysical profile of facial skin and its relationship to perceived age
Authors: Mayes AE , Murray PG , Gunn DA , Tomlin CC , Catt SD , Wen YB , Zhou LP , Wang HQ , Catt M , Granger SP 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Perceived age is important to women and is a primary driver for topical product use and facial cosmetic surgery. Changes in facial features and biophysical skin parameters with chronological age and their associations with perceived age have not been described in Asian populations.Objective  To investigate the relationship between biophysical properties of the skin, visual features of skin ageing and perceived facial age in Chinese women.Methods  Facial photographs were collected of 250 Chinese women, aged 25–70 years in Shanghai, China. The perceived facial age was determined and related to the chronological age for each participant and to a range of visual assessments of skin appearance and objective biophysical measurements of the skin. The profile of changes in these parameters with age was investigated together with the differences in those parameters for women judged to look younger than their chronological age and those judged to look older than their chronological age.Results  Large discrepancies in perceived age (up to 29 years) were found in women of the same chronological age. Each objective skin measure and visual assessment parameter had a stronger correlation with perceived age than with chronological age. The strongest relationships to perceived age were for wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Skin colour, hydration and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) had weaker associations with perceived age. Women judged to look older than their chronological age had significantly higher scores than those judged to look younger for coarse wrinkles and hyperpigmentation across all age groups. The appearance differences between these groups were evident in composite facial images of the same average chronological age.Conclusions  We have identified the skin attributes which differ with perceived age in Chinese women. Perceived age is a better measure of the biological age of facial skin than is chronological age in this population.
The spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations in Adamantiades‐Behçet’s disease in Greece
Authors: Vaiopoulos G , Konstantopoulou P , Evangelatos N , Kaklamanis Ph 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  This is the largest specific demographic and clinical study performed until now in Greece.Objectives  To analyse the spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations in 202 patients with Adamantiades‐Behçet’s disease (ABD) in Greece.Methods  Any mucocutaneous symptom at disease onset and during the follow‐up was recorded in a particular questionnaire that included 58 items. All patients fulfilled the International Study Group Criteria for BD.Results  Consecutive patients (130 men and 72 women) were included in this study. Their mean age was 42.03 ± 12.41 and 44.96 ± 11.99 years for male and female patients respectively. Pathergy test was positive in 38%, whereas HLA‐B5 (51) positivity was evident in 76% of patients. Onset signs: oral aphthous ulcers were found in 64.36%, genital ulcers in 6.93%, skin lesions in 8.91%, erythema nodosum in 7.42% and pseudofolliculitis in 1.5%. One patient had leg ulcers. During the follow‐up, oral aphthous ulcers were found in 100%, genital ulcers in 65.4% and in 51.4%, erythema nodosum in 42.9% and in 78.1%, whereas pseudofolliculitis in 57.1% and in 21.9% in men and women respectively. Significant differences pointing to a different course of mucocutaneous disease were found between men and women.Conclusions  The nature and frequency of mucocutaneous manifestations at presentation are important for the diagnosis of ABD, whereas significant differences were found between genders in this Greek patient cohort. Significant differences were also observed when our results were compared with those of four other series, probably explained by genetic and environmental factors.
Studies on the teleost brain morphology in search of the origin of cognition
Authors: YAMAMOTO NAOYUKI 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAlthough it is frequently assumed that fish possess only simple brain functions, it is becoming increasingly clear that rather complex cognitive abilities are also found in fishes, in particular teleosts. Further studies in teleosts are thus expected to extend our knowledge of cognition from a comparative point of view. The anatomical substrates responsible for such cognitive abilities, however, remain almost entirely unknown in teleosts, offering little clues to understand the evolutionary history or origins of cognition based on neural grounds. Moreover, a firm conclusion on the homology of the teleostean forebrain, in particular the telencephalon, which is a candidate central structure involved in cognitive functions, still remains to be drawn. The present paper introduces an overview of teleost brain morphology as well as different interpretations on the forebrain homology. With the currently available knowledge, it remains possible that the telencephalon of teleosts includes a neocortical homologue. Further studies to determine the homological interrelationships of different brain structures in diverse animals are important for fruitful advancement of comparative cognitive studies.
Visual working memory of jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) in operant delayed matching‐to‐sample1
Authors: GOTO KAZUHIRO , WATANABE SHIGERU 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe examined the capacity of visual working memory in three male jungle crows using an operant delayed matching‐to‐sample procedure. In the delayed matching‐to‐sample, each trial started with the presentation of a sample stimulus, followed by the presentation of comparison stimuli after a delay interval. The choice of the matching comparison was rewarded. Jungle crows showed a steady decline in proportion correct with increasing delay interval. The proportion correct was higher when the sample stimulus was the same in the preceding trial, suggesting that proactive interference prevented the birds from retrieving the memory successfully. The analysis of response time revealed that response time was faster in correct than incorrect trials when the matching performance was acquired. Furthermore, response time linearly increased as the delay interval increased. Response time may reflect the processing of scanning memory as well as the level of confidence in their choice when retrieving.
A perspective on the study of cognition and sociality of cephalopod mollusks, a group of intelligent marine invertebrates1
Authors: IKEDA YUZURU 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCephalopod mollusks are found virtually everywhere throughout the world's oceans. They are highly mobile invertebrates that have evolved behavioral and morphological defenses against vertebrate predators. Unlike other mollusks, the coleoid cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish, and squid) possess highly developed nervous systems with huge brains equivalent in size to some vertebrate brains. Cephalopod intelligence is also exhibited by their impressive memory and learning abilities. Why have cephalopods developed such huge brains and cognitive ability? One of the keys to answering this question lies in understanding the social interactions of cephalopods, which have thus far not been well documented. In this paper, I will outline our recent behavioral experiments using mirrors with some cephalopods and discuss these experiments in light of the diversity of social and cognitive behaviors of cephalopods.
Attachment between humans and dogs
Authors: NAGASAWA MIHO , MOGI KAZUTAKA , KIKUSUI TAKEFUMI 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe special relationship that dogs have developed with humans has been studied not only from the social sciences perspective, but also from the perspectives of psychology and human medicine. Recently, in cognitive science, it has been suggested that dogs may have acquired the superior cognitive ability to communicate with humans, particularly using human‐like visual cues during evolution, and that emotional bonding has developed between humans and dogs by means of similar social cues. This article discusses the biological aspects of human‐dog attachment. Attachment requires the distinction of a specific figure using species‐specific social cues and specific responses to the figure, brought about by neuroendocrinological homeostatic functions as well as behavioral aspects. It has been shown that dogs can distinguish a particular human figure (e.g. the owner) and exhibit specific autonomic reactions. Moreover, when dogs gaze at their owners, the latter's urinary oxytocin levels increase after the interaction. This understanding of the biological aspect of interspecies attachment suggests the possible elements that form the basis of cross‐species empathy and the development of evolutionary cognitive abilities that may depend on not merely their genetic dendrogram.
Perception of neon‐color spreading in squirrel monkeys1
Authors: NAGASAKA YASUO , NAKATA RYUZABURO , OSADA YOSHIHISA 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn three experiments, we explored the perception of neon‐color spreading in squirrel monkeys and compared it with that of humans. In Experiment 1, human observers were tested to confirm the effect of stimulus aspects that were controlled in a series of experiments on the neon‐color effect. The strength of the neon‐color effect was modulated by the width, spacing, and luminance ratio of crosshatched lines that induced neon‐color spreading. In Experiment 2A, one squirrel monkey was taught to discriminate a circle from three other shapes induced by the neon‐color effect under the same stimulus conditions as in Experiment 1. The dependent measure was the percentage of correct responses. In Experiment 2B, two monkeys were trained to discriminate a target stimulus from three nontarget stimuli that were neon‐color effect versions of the target stimulus. The dependent measure was the error rate that monkeys committed in their task of discrimination. The results in Experiments 2A and 2B were comparable with the results in Experiment 1, which suggests that squirrel monkeys perceive neon‐color spreading.
Organic and local food consumer behaviour: Alphabet Theory
Authors: Zepeda Lydia , Deal David 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSemi‐structured interviews are conducted to understand why consumers buy organic and/or local foods. The interview findings are consistent with existing theoretical frameworks for explaining environmentally significant behaviour: Value‐Belief‐Norm (VBN) theory and Attitude‐Behaviour‐Context (ABC) theory. Findings show that organic food shoppers in particular are motivated by values, beliefs and the creation of norms. However, the interviews indicate that knowledge (K), information seeking (IS) and habit (H) are also important in understanding why consumers choose organic and local foods. Incorporating demographics (D) as well, the resulting VBN‐ABC‐D‐K‐IS‐H or ‘Alphabet Theory’ is presented as a new framework to explain organic and local food purchase behaviour.
The molecular physiology of activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis of synaptic vesicles
Authors: Clayton Emma L. , Cousin Michael A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCentral nerve terminals release neurotransmitter in response to a wide variety of stimuli. Because maintenance of neurotransmitter release is dependent on the continual supply of synaptic vesicles (SVs), nerve terminals possess an array of endocytosis modes to retrieve and recycle SV membrane and proteins. During mild stimulation conditions, single SV retrieval modes such as clathrin‐mediated endocytosis predominate. However, during increased neuronal activity, additional SV retrieval capacity is required, which is provided by activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE). ADBE is the dominant SV retrieval mechanism during elevated neuronal activity. It is a high capacity SV retrieval mode that is immediately triggered during such stimulation conditions. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of ADBE, including molecules required for its triggering and subsequent steps, including SV budding from bulk endosomes. The molecular relationship between ADBE and the SV reserve pool will also be discussed. It is becoming clear that an understanding of the molecular physiology of ADBE will be of critical importance in attempts to modulate both normal and abnormal synaptic function during intense neuronal activity.
Caenorhabditis elegans PI3K mutants reveal novel genes underlying exceptional stress resistance and lifespan
Authors: Ayyadevara Srinivas , Tazearslan Çagdaþ , Bharill Puneet , Alla Ramani , Siegel Eric , Shmookler Reis Robert J. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryTwo age‐1 nonsense mutants, truncating the class‐I phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase catalytic subunit (PI3KCS) before its kinase domain, confer extraordinary longevity and stress‐resistance to Caenorhabditis elegans. These traits, unique to second‐generation homozygotes, are blunted at the first generation and are largely reversed by additional mutations to DAF‐16/FOXO, a transcription factor downstream of AGE‐1 in insulin‐like signaling. The strong age‐1 alleles (mg44, m333) were compared with the weaker hx546 allele on expression microarrays, testing four independent cohorts of each allele. Among 276 genes with significantly differential expression, 92% showed fewer transcripts in adults carrying strong age‐1 alleles rather than hx546. This proportion is significantly greater than the slight bias observed when contrasting age‐1 alleles to wild‐type worms. Thus, transcriptional changes peculiar to nonsense alleles primarily involve either gene silencing or failure of transcriptional activation. A subset of genes responding preferentially to age‐1‐nonsense alleles was reassessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, in worms bearing strong or weak age‐1 alleles; nearly all of these were significantly more responsive to the age‐1(mg44) allele than to age‐1(hx546). Additional mutation of daf‐16 reverted the majority of altered mg44‐F2 expression levels to approximately wild‐type values, although a substantial number of genes remained significantly distinct from wild‐type, implying that age‐1(mg44) modulates transcription through both DAF‐16/FOXO‐dependent and ­independent channels. When age‐1‐inhibited genes were targeted by RNA interference (RNAi) in wild‐type or age‐1(hx546) adults, most conferred significant oxidative‐stress protection. RNAi constructs targeting two of those genes were shown previously to extend life, and RNAi’s targeting five novel genes were found here to increase lifespan. PI3K‐null mutants may thus implicate novel mechanisms of life extension.
Sealing Performance of a Magnetic Fluid Seal for Rotary Blood Pumps
Authors: Mitamura Yoshinori , Takahashi Sayaka , Kano Kentaro , Okamoto Eiji , Murabayashi Shun , Nishimura Ikuya , Higuchi Taka‐aki 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA magnetic fluid (MF) for a rotary blood pump seal enables mechanical contact‐free rotation of the shaft and, hence, has excellent durability. The performance of a MF seal, however, has been reported to decrease in liquids. We have developed a MF seal that has a “shield” mechanism and a new MF with a higher magnetization of 47.9 kA/m. The sealing performance of the MF seal installed in a rotary blood pump was studied. Under the condition of continuous flow, the MF seal remained in perfect condition against a pressure of 298 mm Hg (pump flow rate: 3.96 L/min). The seal was also perfect against a pressure of 170 mm Hg in a continuous flow of 3.9 L/min for 275 days. We have developed a MF seal that works in liquid against clinically used pressures. The MF seal is promising as a shaft seal for rotary blood pumps.
Impact of Hyperthermal Rotary Blood Pump Surfaces on Blood Clotting Behavior: An Approach
Authors: Hamilton Kathrin F. , Schlanstein Peter C. , Mager Ilona , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe influence of heat dissipating systems, such as rotary blood pumps, was investigated. Titanium cylinders as rotary blood pump housing dummies were immersed in porcine blood and constantly tempered at specific temperatures (37–60°C) over a defined period of time. The porcine blood was anticoagulated either by low heparin dosage or citrate. At frequent intervals, samples were taken for blood analysis and the determination of the plasmatic coagulation cascade. Blood parameters do not alter at surface temperatures below 50°C. Hyperthermia‐induced hemolysis could be confirmed. The plasmatic coagulation cascade is terminated at surface temperatures exceeding 55°C. The adhesion of blood constituents on surfaces is temperature and time dependent, and structural changes of adhesions and blood itself were detected.