bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environment–richness relationships for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians at global and regional scales
Authors: Qian Hong 
Published: February 2010

AbstractClimate has been routinely indicated as a major determinant of broad‐scale species richness patterns for a variety of taxa, but studies vary widely in attributing richness variation to the broad‐scale distribution of energy, water, ecosystem productivity, habitat heterogeneity, or some combination thereof. Here, I report global and regional environment–richness relationships for the four classes of terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians) using identical sample units and the same set of climate (temperature, precipitation, annual actual evapotranspiration), productivity (normalized difference vegetation index), and topographic (elevation range) variables. My results strongly support concomitant availability of energy and water as the principal constraint on global richness for all vertebrate groups except reptiles, which are largely constrained by temperature. However, environment–richness models for all taxonomic groups varied widely when applied to single (continental‐scale) biogeographic realms. In particular, I found strong support for the ‘water–energy dynamics hypothesis’ that models richness as a function of ambient energy (temperature) in high latitudes and water availability (precipitation) at low latitudes, partially independent of productivity. Ectotherm groups were more constrained by temperature than endotherms, and amphibians were more constrained by water availability than other groups. Although habitat heterogeneity, measured as elevation range, was a consistent contributor to global and regional richness models for all groups, its contribution was always minor compared to other variables. I conclude that temperature and water availability are key variables for modeling broad‐scale vertebrate richness, but there remains significant room for taxon‐specific modeling approaches and for the inclusion of non‐climate factors related to evolutionary history and faunal assembly in different regions.
A Novel Method for Monitoring the Transesterification Reaction of Oil in Biodiesel Production by Estimation of Glycerol
Authors: Reddy Sabbasani Rajasekhara , Titu Devamani , Chadha Anju 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA quantitative method is reported for the estimation of glycerol during transesterification of oil to form biodiesel. The reagent used to derivatize glycerol was 9,9‐dimethoxyfluorene. Glycerol is estimated by both UV–visible spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography methods. Using the former method, detection limits of 0.05% w/w of glycerol in biodiesel was established. Validation of the developed method was done using the Greenhill method for determination of free glycerol formed during the transesterification reaction.
Relative expression of the 14-3-3 gene in different morphotypes of cysts of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from the Indian buffalo
Authors: Pan D. , Bera A.K. , De S. , Bandyopadhyay S. , Das S.K. , Manna B. , Sreevatsava V. , Bhattacharya D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus is of zoonotic importance. In general, the 14-3-3 protein is involved in multiplication and survival of eukaryotes. Therefore, this communication presents succinct information on relative expression of the 14-3-3 protein in six different morphotypes of cysts of E. granulosus. All isolated E. granulosus belonged to the common sheep strain (G1). Relative expression of the 14-3-3 protein was higher in fertile cysts when compared to sterile cysts. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 14-3-3 protein was closely clustered with zeta-type isoforms 1 and 2 of the 14-3-3 protein. In addition, the present study demonstrates the presence of the 14-3-3 protein which until now had not been detected in the germinal layer. Our findings indicate that the expression of this biomolecule in the germinal layer of sterile organisms may contribute to the development and survival of the parasite in the host. The uniform expression of actin II conclusively proves the survivability of the harvested organisms.
Growth and reproduction of Munida rutllanti (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheidae) and impact of parasitism by Pleurocrypta sp. (Isopoda: Bopyridae) in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Petrić Mirela , Ferri Josipa , Mladineo Ivona 
Published: February 2010

Relative growth and reproductive biology of Munida rutllanti were investigated for the first time in the Adriatic Sea. A total of 938 individuals were analysed. Sex-ratio differed statistically from the expected 1:1. Six individuals exhibited secondary sex characteristics of both males and females. Carapace length of males ranged from 10.5 to 21.5 mm, while in females it ranged from 11.2 to 19.4 mm. Sexual dimorphism was observed in seven morphometric characters. Ovigerous females were first observed in summer and later in autumn with higher frequency. Realized fecundity showed wide variation (273–3250 eggs) and positive correlation between the brood and female size. An epicaridean isopod Pleurocrypta sp., parasitizing the gill chamber of both sexes was isolated and its effect on the oogenesis was studied by histological examination of host reproductive system. Growth inhibition, modification of secondary sex characteristics, as well as retardation of oogenesis and failure of oviposition, are repercussions of bopyrid infestation. Given the small prevalence (7.85%) of the bopyrid in the M. rutllanti Adriatic population, we assume that for the moment there is no severe effect on the host population dynamic.
Iron metabolism in trypanosomatids, and its crucial role in infection
Authors: TAYLOR M. C. , KELLY J. M. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYIron is almost ubiquitous in living organisms due to the utility of its redox chemistry. It is also dangerous as it can catalyse the formation of reactive free radicals – a classical double-edged sword. In this review, we examine the uptake and usage of iron by trypanosomatids and discuss how modulation of host iron metabolism plays an important role in the protective response. Trypanosomatids require iron for crucial processes including DNA replication, antioxidant defence, mitochondrial respiration, synthesis of the modified base J and, in African trypanosomes, the alternative oxidase. The source of iron varies between species. Bloodstream-form African trypanosomes acquire iron from their host by uptake of transferrin, andLeishmania amazonensisexpresses a ZIP family cation transporter in the plasma membrane. In other trypanosomatids, iron uptake has been poorly characterized. Iron-withholding responses by the host can be a major determinant of disease outcome. Their role in trypanosomatid infections is becoming apparent. For example, the cytosolic sequestration properties of NRAMP1, confer resistance against leishmaniasis. Conversely, cytoplasmic sequestration of iron may be favourable rather than detrimental toTrypanosoma cruzi. The central role of iron in both parasite metabolism and the host response is attracting interest as a possible point of therapeutic intervention.
Précis ofBayesian Rationality: The Probabilistic Approach to Human Reasoning
Authors: Oaksford Mike , Chater Nick 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAccording to Aristotle, humans are the rational animal. The borderline between rationality and irrationality is fundamental to many aspects of human life including the law, mental health, and language interpretation. But what is it to be rational? One answer, deeply embedded in the Western intellectual tradition since ancient Greece, is that rationality concerns reasoning according to the rules of logic – the formal theory that specifies the inferential connections that hold with certainty between propositions. Piaget viewed logical reasoning as defining the end-point of cognitive development; and contemporary psychology of reasoning has focussed on comparing human reasoning against logical standards.Bayesian Rationalityargues that rationality is defined instead by the ability to reason aboutuncertainty. Although people are typically poor at numerical reasoning about probability, human thought is sensitive to subtle patterns of qualitative Bayesian, probabilistic reasoning. In Chapters 1–4 ofBayesian Rationality(Oaksford & Chater 2007), the case is made that cognition in general, and human everyday reasoning in particular, is best viewed as solving probabilistic, rather than logical, inference problems. In Chapters 5–7 the psychology of “deductive” reasoning is tackled head-on: It is argued that purportedly “logical” reasoning problems, revealing apparently irrational behaviour, are better understood from a probabilistic point of view. Data from conditional reasoning, Wason's selection task, and syllogistic inference are captured by recasting these problems probabilistically. The probabilistic approach makes a variety of novel predictions which have been experimentally confirmed. The book considers the implications of this work, and the wider “probabilistic turn” in cognitive science and artificial intelligence, for understanding human rationality.
Predicting cash flows related to defined benefit plan contributions
Authors: DOWDELL THOMAS D. , KLAMM BONNIE K. , SPINDLE ROXANNE M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFuture contributions to defined benefit pension plans are a significant cash flow item that can be difficult to estimate. Funding ratios – pension assets relative to pension liabilities – have long been considered important for estimating cash flows needed for current and future pension contributions (Ballester et al., 1998). However, US GAAP or IFRS funding ratios that companies report in their financial statements may differ from funding ratios used by pension regulators. These regulatory funding ratios may be more useful for predicting future contributions.We investigate whether US regulatory and GAAP funding ratios are different and whether regulatory funding ratios provide useful information for predicting future contributions. For 3,877 firm years from 1995 through 2002, we observe that regulatory and GAAP funding ratios differ by more than 5% for 73% of our sample. We also find that predictions of future contributions are improved by using regulatory funding ratios in addition to GAAP funding ratios. Our results are relevant to accounting standard setters' ongoing review of pension accounting rules.
The interacting effects of temperature and food chain length on trophic abundance and ecosystem function
Authors: Beveridge Oliver S. , Humphries Stuart , Petchey Owen L. 
Published: February 2010

Summary 1. While much is known about the independent effects of trophic structure and temperature on density and ecosystem processes, less is known about the interaction(s) between the two. 2. We manipulated the temperature of laboratory‐based bacteria‐protist communities that contained communities with one, two, or three trophic levels, and recorded species’ densities and bacterial decomposition. 3. Temperature, food chain length and their interaction produced significant responses in microbial density and bacterial decomposition. Prey and resource density expressed different patterns of temperature dependency during different phases of population dynamics. The addition of a predator altered the temperature‐density relationship of prey, from a unimodal trend to a negative one. Bacterial decomposition was greatest in the presence of consumers at higher temperatures. 4. These results are qualitatively consistent with a recent model of direct and indirect temperature effects on resource‐consumer population dynamics. Results highlight and reinforce the importance of indirect effects of temperature mediated through trophic interactions. Understanding and predicting the consequences of environmental change will require that indirect effects, trophic structure, and individual species’ tolerances be incorporated into theory and models.
Predator‐hunting success and prey vulnerability: quantifying the spatial scale over which lethal and non‐lethal effects of predation occur
Authors: Cresswell Will , Lind Johan , Quinn John L. 
Published: February 2010

Summary 1. The shape of the function linking predator‐attack success rate with distance to predator‐concealing cover, or prey refuge, will affect population dynamics, distribution patterns and community trophic structure. Theory predicts that predator‐attack success should decline exponentially with distance from predator‐concealing cover, resulting in a threshold distance value above which there is little change in risk. Animals should then completely avoid areas of otherwise suitable habitat below this threshold, except when starvation risk exceeds predation risk. 2. We measured the shape of the function linking attack success with distance from cover in a system of Eurasian Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus attacking (n = 445) and killing (n = 71) Redshanks Tringa totanus. We then determined if there was a threshold value and whether redshanks avoided areas below this threshold. 3. Sparrowhawk success rate with distance to predator‐concealing cover declined exponentially with a threshold value of approximately 30 m. Redshanks used habitat above the threshold according to profitability and only fed below it, on average, in cold weather when starvation risk can be imminently high. Above about 5°C, 26% of available habitat was avoided. 4. Our data support the hypothesis that predators create discrete areas with respect to cover that are avoided by prey. Large areas of suitable habitat may be unused, except in times of high starvation risk, when such areas may provide a foraging reserve, with large implications for population distribution and dynamics. 5. Our results are generated from a system in which predators attack their prey from concealing cover. But in the theoretically identical reverse scenario where the prey animal’s distance from protective cover determines predation risk, such non‐lethal effects will be equally important, especially in heavily fragmented landscapes.
An evaluation of an obesity and weight management resource pack
Authors: Leslie W. S. , Watson L. , Hankey C. R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  The prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity is a priority for all health professionals and requires resources that are regularly evaluated to ensure that they meet the needs of their target population. Dietitians in Obesity Management UK (DOM UK), a specialist group of the British Dietetic Association, commissioned an evaluation of their resources. These have been developed for use by Dietitians to determine the uptake and implementation of DOM UK resources in dietetic practice, as well as the opinions and suggestions of Dietitians concerning the resource pack.Methods:  A random sample of 20% (n = 33) of the 165 Dietitians who had ordered resources were selected from the DOM UK database along with 20% of DOM UK members who had not (n = 38). Data were then collected using telephone‐administered questionnaires.Results:  Most of the Dietitians who used the resources favoured them because they improved their consultations and were liked by patients. Resources ‘j’ (controlling your portions) and ‘k’ (planning your meals) were most frequently used. However, the cost of the pack was a deterrent to both new and repeat orders. The evaluation also revealed that 17% of DOM UK members were unaware of these resources and 23% who ordered them were unaware that online samples were available.Conclusion:  The evaluation showed that most Dietitians who used the resources found them very useful especially resources concerning meal planning and portion sizes. However, concerns about cost and the need for greater awareness about the resources among Dietitians were highlighted.
An expanded role for dietitians in maximising retention in nutrition and lifestyle intervention trials: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Delahanty L. M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe demand for clinical trials targeting lifestyle intervention has increased as a result of the escalation in obesity, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Little is published about the strategies that dietitians have used to successfully screen potential study volunteers, implement interventions and maximise adherence and retention in large multicentre National Institutes of Health funded nutrition and lifestyle intervention clinical trials. This paper discusses an expanded role for the contributions of dietitians as members of an interdisciplinary team based on research experiences in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, Diabetes Prevention Program and Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes). Many of the strategies and insights discussed are also relevant to effective clinical practice. Dietitians need to broaden their scope of practice so that they are integrated proactively into the screening and intervention phases of large clinical trials to maximise retention and adherence to assigned nutrition, lifestyle and behavioural interventions. The skills of dietitians are a unique fit for this work and it is important that investigators and project managers consider including them in both the screening and intervention phases of such clinical trials to maximise retention results.
Comparison of a food frequency questionnaire with an online dietary assessment tool for assessing preschool children’s dietary intake
Authors: Vereecken C. , Covents M. , Maes L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  It is important to assess the dietary habits of children as they progress from early childhood to adolescence. However, there are few validated tools available to assess the diet of this group of children. The present study aimed to investigate the relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for use in a biennial longitudinal study.Methods:  The parents of 216 Belgian–Flemish preschool children completed a FFQ (including questions on 77 food groups) and an online dietary assessment tool for three nonconsecutive days on their child’s diet. Intakes of energy, macronutrients, fibre, calcium and 20 food groups recorded by both methods were compared using Spearman’s correlations, Wilcoxon’s signed rank test and Bland and Altman analyses.Results:  At the group level, good agreement was found for energy, fat and protein intake, an overestimation was found for carbohydrates (5.6%) and fibre (13.3%), and an underestimation was found for calcium (9%). For the food groups, overestimation as well as underestimation and good agreement were found, although overestimation was most common.Good agreement was found in ranking the children’s fruit (r = 0.53), beverages (r = 0.58–0.76), soup (r = 0.51), breakfast cereals (r = 0.55) and calcium (r = 0.59) intake according to both methods.Conclusion:  The results obtained revealed that the FFQ was a useful alternative for estimating energy and macronutrient intake at a group level; however, when used to estimate fibre and calcium intake, respectively, over‐ and underestimation need to be considered. The short reference period (3 days) may have compromised agreement in ranking and agreement at the individual level.
Bowel habit, diet and body weight in preadolescent children
Authors: Jennings A. , Davies G. J. , Costarelli V. , Dettmar P. W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  The possible influence of diet and body weight on bowel habit in children is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the inter‐relationships between bowel function, excess body weight and dietary intake in a group of preadolescent children.Methods:  Eighty‐four preadolescent children aged 7–10 years were recruited [mean (SD) age 9.7 (1.0) years]. All children completed a bowel habit diary, examining specific parameters of bowel function and a weighed food inventory concurrently for seven consecutive days. Height and weight measurements were also taken. Children were grouped according to whether they met dietary recommendations and by overweight status; differences in bowel function between the groups were then analysed.Results:  Children who exceeded reference values for fat were more likely to report an incidence of straining to start (P = 0.005) and pain during defaecation (P = 0.021). Subjects who met protein recommendations were less likely to report incomplete evacuation (P = 0.000) and those who met zinc recommendations were less likely to report pain during defaecation (P = 0.044). Excess body weight (according to International Obesity Task Force cut‐offs) was also associated with poor bowel habit, with overweight and obese children reporting lower defaecation frequency and a higher incidence of straining and feelings of incomplete evacuation, although these findings were not statistically significant. Defaecation frequency in healthy children was 1.4 defaecations per day compared to 1.2 defaecations for overweight and obese children.Conclusion:  A poor diet that fails to meet dietary recommendations as well as being overweight and obese appears to be associated with increased defaecation problems in preadolescent children.
Inverse vaccination, the opposite of Jenner’s concept, for therapy of autoimmunity
Authors: Steinman L. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract.  Steinman L (Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA). Inverse vaccination, the opposite of Jenner’s concept, for therapy of autoimmunity (foresight). J Intern Med 2010: 267: 441–451.DNA‐based vaccines to induce antigen‐specific inhibition of immune responses in human autoimmune diseases represent the inverse of what Jenner intended when he invented vaccination. Jenner’s vaccine induced antigen‐specific immunity to small pox. DNA vaccines for autoimmunity have been developed in preclinical settings, and now tested in human trials. The first two clinical trials, one in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, and the other in type 1 diabetes indicate that specific inhibition of antigen‐specific antibody and T‐cell responses is attainable in humans. Further development of this approach is ongoing. This new version of immunization termed ‘inverse vaccination’ when applied to autoimmune diseases, may allow targeted reduction of unwanted antibody and T‐cell responses to autoantigens, while leaving the remainder of the immune system intact. The method of specifically reducing a pathological adaptive autoimmune response is termed inverse vaccination.
Transmission electron microscopy of solution‐processed, intrinsic and Al‐doped ZnO nanowires for transparent electrode fabrication
Authors: KUSINSKI G.J. , JOKISAARI J.R. , NORIEGA R. , GORIS L. , DONOVAN M. , SALLEO A. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryA solution‐based chemistry was used to synthesize intrinsic and Al‐doped (1% and 5% nominal atomic concentration of Al) ZnO nanostructures. The nanowires were grown at 300°C in trioctylamine by dissolving Zn acetate and Al acetate. Different doping conditions gave rise to different nanoscale morphologies. The effect of a surfactant (oleic acid) was also investigated. An electron microscopy study correlating morphology, aspect ratio and doping of the individual ZnO wires to the electrical properties of the spin coated films is presented. HRTEM revealed single crystalline [0001] wires.