bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acorn Pericarp Removal as a Cache Management Strategy of the Siberian Chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus
Authors: Yi Xianfeng , Steele Michael A. , Zhang Zhibin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNumerous recent studies have revealed a variety of behavioral adaptations of rodents for maximizing returns from cached seeds. Herein we report on a novel behavior by the Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus) in northeastern China, by which they consistently remove the pericarp (shell) of Quercus mongolica acorns before dispersing and caching these nuts. We investigated the effects of pericarp removal on acorn germination, tannin concentrations, cache pilferage, and insect damage, to determine if and how pericarp removal facilitates cache management by Siberian chipmunks and whether or not such behavior influences seed fates. Chipmunks cached acorns only after the pericarps were removed. Chipmunks preferred pericarp‐removed acorns over intact acorns when removing them from seed stations for both consumption and caching. Pericarp removal did not affect germination or tannin concentration of cached Q. mongolica acorns, suggesting that the behavior is not an adaptation for long‐term storage and tannin decomposition. Acetone treatments of the pericarp and artificial pericarp removal failed to alter pilferage rates by Siberian chipmunks and wood mice (Apodemus peninsulae). Since damage of acorns by weevils often leads to cache losses, we also tested the effects of weevil infestation on cache decision following pericarp removal. Siberian chipmunks removed pericarps and then scatter hoarded significantly more sound than weevil‐infested acorns, strongly suggesting that pericarp removal is used to discriminate between the infested and non‐infested acorns. Thus, we argue that the primary function of this behavior is to ensure successful storage of sound acorns, at least for short‐term storage. Future studies should consider the potential impact of pericarp removal on weevil populations and long‐term patterns of seed survival and establishment from the Siberian chipmunk’s caches.
Behavioural Syndromes, Partner Compatibility and Reproductive Performance in Steller’s Jays
Authors: Gabriel Pia O. , Black Jeffrey M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe concept of partner compatibility in monogamous animals implies that individuals may reproduce better when paired to a partner with similar traits than to a higher quality, but dissimilar individual. We investigated whether partner similarities in traits that are linked in a behavioural syndrome influence reproductive performance in a wild population of Steller’s jays. In some years, pairs more similar in explorative tendencies and in willingness to take risks initiated nests earlier and were more likely to fledge offspring than dissimilar pairs. Benefits of behavioural similarity differed among breeding seasons, being most pronounced in a year with late breeding onset after a severe winter. Pairing patterns for behavioural traits also varied among years and traits, and assortative pairing of behaviourally similar partners was not only common overall, but was also correlated across the three explorative and risk‐taking tendencies. Pair members with behavioural similarities may yield more compatible and complementary partnerships. Our results indicate that compatibility across a suite of behavioural traits (i.e. a behavioural syndrome) may be beneficial for assortative pairs and support the hypothesis that the combination of traits in behavioural syndromes in itself might be a target for selection.
Causes and outcome of late referral of children who develop end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Kennedy Sean E , Bailey Rohan , Kainer Gad 
Published: November 2011

Aims:  This study aims to characterise the timing of referral to a paediatric nephrology unit of children who develop end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). This study also aims to determine whether late referral (LR) influences outcomes and to explore factors that may lead to LR.Methods:  A retrospective case review of all incident patients with ESKD who received renal replacement therapy (RRT) at a single paediatric centre. Time between referral to a paediatric nephrologist and commencement of RRT, demographic and clinical data were collated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at referral was calculated using height and creatinine. LR was defined as having an eGFR ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2 when first seen by a paediatric nephrologist.Results:  RRT was initiated for 74 patients <18 years of age between 1988 and 2010. The median age at referral was 2.0 years (birth–15.9 years) and age at RRT was 10.0 years (6 days–17.4 years). Children referred before age 1 year (41%) had a more prolonged course before ESKD. Median (interquartile range) eGFR at referral of children >1 year was 27.2 (9.0–52.0) mL/min/1.73 m2. Twenty‐two (55%) of these children were referred late (LR) with an eGFR ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2. LR patients were more likely to have glomerulonephritis or haemolytic uraemic syndrome and to live in a remote or outer regional area. LR patients had higher urea, lower haemoglobin and were more likely to receive haemodialysis via a vascular catheter.Conclusions:  A significant proportion of children who develop ESKD are referred late to nephrology units with potentially preventable complications. Aetiology of renal disease and geographic isolation contribute to LR.
The application of spaced theta burst protocols induces long‐lasting neuroplastic changes in the human motor cortex
Authors: Goldsworthy Mitchell R. , Pitcher Julia B. , Ridding Michael C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThere is some limited evidence suggesting that the spaced application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols may extend the duration of induced neuroplastic changes. However, this has yet to be demonstrated in the human primary motor cortex (M1). We evaluated whether the paired application of an inhibitory rTMS protocol [continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS)] at 10‐min intervals prolonged the duration of induced M1 plasticity. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the right first dorsal interosseous muscle before and following single and paired cTBS protocols applied with two intensities: 80% of active motor threshold (AMT80) and 70% of resting motor threshold (RMT70). Single cTBS protocols did not significantly influence MEP amplitudes. Whereas paired trains applied at AMT80 had no effect on MEP amplitudes, paired cTBS trains at RMT70 significantly reduced them. MEP amplitudes remained suppressed for at least 2 h following the second train. Control experiments suggested that the contraction used to establish active motor threshold prior to cTBS application may be responsible for blocking the effect of paired cTBS trains at AMT80. The results suggest that the spaced application of cTBS protocols may be an effective approach for establishing long‐lasting M1 neuroplasticity only in the absence of prior voluntary motor activation. These findings may have important implications for the therapeutic application of rTMS.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 and ‐2 in normal and diseased canine eyes
Authors: Binder Daniel R. , Herring Ian P. , Zimmerman Kurt L. , Phillip Pickett J. , Huckle William R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjective  To immunohistochemically evaluate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (VEGFR1) and ‐2 (VEGFR2) in ocular tissue of healthy dogs and dogs affected with primary glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, and intraocular neoplasia.Sample population  Enucleated globes from five dogs with primary glaucoma, five dogs with uveitic glaucoma, six dogs with intraocular neoplasms and three ophthalmically normal control dogs.Procedure  Ocular tissues were obtained from enucleated globes of clinical cases or immediately following euthanasia for control dogs. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 via standard techniques and vascular tissue was qualitatively evaluated. Vascular endothelial VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression patterns are reported for normal and diseased ocular tissues. In addition, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression patterns are reported for all normal ocular tissues.Results  A constitutive expression pattern was detected for VEGFR1 by ocular vascular endothelial cells as well as nonvascular cells in the cornea, uvea, lens, and retina. VEGFR2 demonstrated limited expression in normal ocular tissue, but was widely expressed in vascular endothelium of diseased eyes, particularly in pre‐iridal fibrovascular membranes.Conclusions  The results of this study suggest a role for VEGF receptors in both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis in canine ocular tissue. Manipulation of this pathway may be a rational consideration for therapeutic intervention in canine ocular disease exhibiting pathologic neovascularization.
The effect of US holidays on the European markets: when the cat’s away…
Authors: Casado Jorge , Muga Luis , Santamaria Rafael 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis paper presents evidence of the existence of a return effect on European stock markets coinciding with New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays, which is particularly marked after positive closing returns on the NYSE the previous day. The effect is large enough to be exploited by trading index futures. This anomaly cannot be explained by seasonal effects, such as the day of the week effect, the January effect or the pre‐holiday effect, nor is it consistent with behavioural finance models that predict positive correlation between trading volume and returns. However, examination of factors such as information volume or investor mix provides a reasonable explanation.
Ladies who Lounge: Class, Religion and Social Interaction in Seventeenth‐Century Isfahan
Authors: Loosley Emma 
Published: November 2011

Western society appears inordinately keen on outdated and stereotypical tropes of Islamic architecture, talking of a ‘hidden world’ of Islam in which women are seen and not heard as they live their lives incarcerated in the harem. This trope of Western Orientalism has become entrenched in our culture through travel accounts, the writings of historical voyeurs such as Sir Richard Burton and the romantic/erotic imagery of nineteenth‐century Orientalist painters.This paper aims to dispel many of the preconceptions that are held regarding the Iranian harem and the role of women in Safavid society by addressing the status of elite Iranian women, but also placing them in the wider context and considering the evidence for lower‐class women who could simply not afford to live a cloistered life. There is also the case of non‐Muslim women whose religions forbade polygamy and who were therefore immediately placed outside the harem and, although Safavid Iran included significant numbers of Zoroastrians and Jews as well a handful of Hindus, this paper will concentrate on one particular religious minority; the Caucasian Christians who were such an integral part of Abbas’ great project that they were awarded a particular status in the city of Isfahan.
The self‐report Barthel Index: preliminary validation in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Morley D. , Selai C. , Thompson A. 
Published: November 2011

Background and purpose:  To make a preliminary assessment of the reliability and validity of the self‐report Barthel Index (SRBI) in people with Parkinson’s (PWP) disease.Methods:  Thirty‐nine PWP completed the SRBI, the self‐report Schwab & England (S & E) scale and the PDQ‐39. Standard statistical procedures were incorporated to assess the reliability and validity of the SRBI.Results:  A Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.69 was calculated, indicating adequate internal consistency. Reliability was further demonstrated through a Guttman split‐half reliability coefficient of 0.74. Validity was demonstrated through highly significant correlations between the SRBI and the S & E scale (r = 0.64, P < 0.00), the activities of daily living dimension of the PDQ‐39 (r = −0.60, P < 0.00) and mobility dimension of the PDQ‐39 (r = −0.49, P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Results suggest that the SRBI has the potential to be a reliable and valid indicator of ADL in PWP and utilized in studies that make comparisons across conditions. Further validation is required in a larger sample and through assessment of additional psychometric properties.
A Reappraisal of Karl Barth's Theological Development and his Dialogue with Catholicism
Authors: JOHNSON KEITH L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article offers a distinct account of Barth's theological development, one that has an eye toward both the historical record and the contemporary debates about the systematic and ecumenical implications of his theology. It establishes that, from the second edition of Romans until the end of his career, Barth's theological development occurs as a series of internal adjustments in four stages along a single christological trajectory. Barth's dialogues with Catholic theologians play a pivotal role in this development, because these dialogues help him arrive at some of his most important insights. Taken together, these conclusions help us push beyond contemporary divisions between historical and systematic readings of Barth's theology and reframe the dialogue between Barth and Catholic theologians.
Masking of the zeitgeber: African wild dogs mitigate persecution by balancing time
Authors: Rasmussen G. S. A. , Macdonald D. W. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe African wild dog Lycaon pictus is endangered, with anthropogenic impacts, pack size dynamics and competing predators explaining its decline. Relative to solar and lunar events, analysis of diel activity in two parapatric Zimbabwean populations revealed behavioural plasticity in response to human activity. In Hwange, human presence was low; in Nyamandlovu, human presence and persecution were high. In both populations,
Lycaon frequently hunted by moonlight, with 3–4 lux of light restricting nocturnal hunting to 13 days/lunar month. With diurnal hunts commencing at ‘civil twilight begin’ and ending at ‘astronomical twilight end’, light intensity was confirmed as a limiting factor.Nyamandlovu dogs exhibited behavioural plasticity, demonstrated by scattered rather than clumped organization when at rest, and masked the zeitgeber by utilizing evenings and moonlight for more days under suboptimal light conditions than did Hwange dogs. Significantly, different allocation of morning, evening and moonlight hunts between Hwange (47%, 36%, 15%) and Nyamandlovu (28%, 31%, 41%), reduced the temporal potential for human encounter by 64%, but increased this potential for hyaena and lion encounters by 70% and 37%, thus highlighting the trade‐off of this switch. Finally, we tentatively conclude that the cue masking the ‘zeitgeber’ is risk, rather than gain related, and could be seen as an evolutionary ‘emergency exit’, the understanding of which is important to conservation in landscapes that are increasingly dominated by people.
Serotonergic modulation of receptor occupancy in rats treated with l‐DOPA after unilateral 6‐OHDA lesioning
Authors: Nahimi Adjmal , Høltzermann Mette , Landau Anne M. , Simonsen Mette , Jakobsen Steen , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Vang Kim , Møller Arne , Wegener Gregers , Gjedde Albert , Doudet Doris J. 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem (2012) 120, 806–817.AbstractRecent studies suggest that l‐3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA)‐induced dyskinesia (LID), a severe complication of conventional l‐DOPA therapy of Parkinson’s disease, may be caused by dopamine (DA) release originating in serotonergic neurons. To evaluate the in vivo effect of a 5‐HT1A agonist [(±)‐8‐hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino) tetralin hydrobromide, 8‐OHDPAT] on the l‐DOPA‐induced increase in extracellular DA and decrease in [11C]raclopride binding in an animal model of advanced Parkinson’s disease and LID, we measured extracellular DA in response to l‐DOPA or a combination of l‐DOPA and the 5‐HT1A agonist, 8‐OHDPAT, with microdialysis, and determined [11C]raclopride binding to DA receptors, with micro‐positron emission tomography, as the surrogate marker of DA release. Rats with unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine lesions had micro‐positron emission tomography scans with [11C]raclopride at baseline and after two pharmacological challenges with l‐DOPA + benserazide with or without 8‐OHDPAT co‐treatment. Identical challenge regimens were used with the subsequent microdialysis concomitant with ratings of LID severity. The baseline increase of [11C]raclopride‐binding potential (BPND) in lesioned striatum was eliminated by the l‐DOPA challenge, while the concurrent administration of 8‐OHDPAT prevented this l‐DOPA‐induced displacement of [11C]raclopride significantly in lesioned ventral striatum and near significantly in the dorsal striatum. With microdialysis, the l‐DOPA challenge raised the extracellular DA in parallel with the emergence of strong LID. Co‐treatment with 8‐OHDPAT significantly attenuated the release of extracellular DA and LID. The 8‐OHDPAT co‐treatment reversed the l‐DOPA‐induced decrease of [11C]raclopride binding and increase of extracellular DA and reduced the severity of LID. The reversal of the effect of l‐DOPA on [11C]raclopride binding, extracellular DA and LID by 5‐HT agonist administration is consistent with the notion that part of the DA increase associated with LID originates in serotonergic neurons.
Dystroglycan promotes filopodial formation and process branching in differentiating oligodendroglia
Authors: Eyermann Christopher , Czaplinski Kevin , Colognato Holly 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 928–947.AbstractDuring central nervous system (CNS) development, individual oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple axons, thus requiring the outgrowth and extensive branching of oligodendroglial processes. Laminin (Lm)‐deficient mice have a lower percentage of myelinated axons, which may indicate a defect in the ability to properly extend and branch processes. It remains unclear, however, to what extent extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors contribute to oligodendroglial process remodeling itself. In the current study, we report that the ECM receptor dystroglycan is necessary for Lm enhancement of filopodial formation, process outgrowth, and process branching in differentiating oligodendroglia. During early oligodendroglial differentiation, the disruption of dystroglycan–Lm interactions, via blocking antibodies or dystroglycan small interfering RNA (siRNA), resulted in decreased filopodial number and length, decreased process length, and decreased numbers of primary and secondary processes. Later in oligodendrocyte differentiation, dystroglycan‐deficient cells developed fewer branches, thus producing less complex networks of processes as determined by Sholl analysis. In newly differentiating oligodendroglia, dystroglycan was localized in filopodial tips, whereas, in more mature oligodendrocytes, dystroglycan was enriched in focal adhesion kinase (FAK)‐positive focal adhesion structures. These results suggest that dystroglycan–Lm interactions influence oligodendroglial process dynamics and therefore may regulate the myelination capacity of individual oligodendroglia.
Family caregiver views on patient‐centred care at the end of life
Authors: Brazil Kevin , Bainbridge Daryl , Ploeg Jenny , Krueger Paul , Taniguchi Alan , Marshall Denise 
Published: November 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 513–518Family caregiver views on patient‐centred care at the end of lifeAim:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient‐centredness of community palliative care from the perspective of family members who were responsible for the care of a terminally ill family member.Method:  A survey questionnaire was mailed to families of a deceased family member who had been designated as palliative and had received formal home care services in the central west region of the Province of Ontario, Canada. Respondents reported on service use in the last four weeks of life; the Client‐Centred Care Questionnaire (CCCQ) was used to evaluate the extent to which care was patient‐centred. The accessibility instrument was used to assess respondent perception of access to care. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses.Results:  Of the 243 potential participants, 111 (46.0%) family caregivers completed the survey questionnaire. On average, respondents reported that they used five different services during the last four weeks of the care recipient’s life. When asked about programme accessibility, care was also perceived as largely accessible and responsive to patients’ changing needs (M = 4.3 (SD = 1.04)]. Most respondents also reported that they knew what service provider to contact if they experienced any problems concerning the care of their family member. However, this service provider was not consistent among respondents. Most respondents were relatively positive about the patient‐centred care they received. There were however considerable differences between some items on the CCCQ. Respondents tended to provide more negative ratings concerning practical arrangement and the organization of care: who was coming, how often and when. They also rated more negatively the observation that service providers were quick to say something was possible when it was not the case. Bivariate analyses found no significant differences in CCCQ or accessibility domain scores by caregiver age, care recipient age, income, education and caregiver sex.Conclusions:  Patient‐centred care represents a service attribute that should be recognized as an important outcome to assess the quality of service delivery. This study demonstrates how this attribute can be evaluated in the provision of care.
Biofilm formation by bacteria isolated from upper respiratory tract before and after adenotonsillectomy
Authors: DRAGO LORENZO , DE VECCHI ELENA , TORRETTA SARA , MATTINA ROBERTO , MARCHISIO PAOLA , PIGNATARO LORENZO 
Published: November 2011

Drago L, De Vecchi E, Torretta S, Mattina R, Marchisio P, Pignataro L. Biofilm formation by bacteria isolated from upper respiratory tract before and after adenotonsillectomy. APMIS 2012; 120: 410–6.Failure of antibiotics to eradicate the microbial pathogens primarily responsible for otorhinolaryngological diseases has led to the hypothesis that these microorganisms may be structured in a biolfilm. Aim of the study was to evaluate the ability to produce biofilm among bacteria isolated from tonsils and/or adenoids and nasopharynx. Biopsies and swabs were collected during surgery and after 3 and 6 months in 32 children undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. Production of biofilm by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae was evaluated in vitro by means of spectrophotometry after growth in microplates and staining with crystalviolet. Of the isolates from intraoperative samples, 44.7% were either moderate or strong biofilm producers compared with 27% of isolates at 6 months after surgery. A decrease in biofilm production was observed for H. influenzae and S. aureus. In conclusion, the rate of isolation and ability to form biofilm decreased in bacteria isolated subsequent to adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. This suggests a role for biofilm in pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic pharyngeal diseases and rhinopharingitis.