bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective Prey Delivery to Incubating Females by Dominant Males, but not Helpers, in the Cooperatively Breeding Green Woodhoopoe
Authors: Radford Andrew N. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn cooperatively breeding bird species, one of the most conspicuous helping behaviours is the provisioning of food. Many studies have considered the feeding of nestlings, but far fewer have examined feeding of incubating females, and none have looked at the types of prey delivered at this stage. Here I show that green woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) group members selectively feed incubating females with certain prey items: the diet delivered to incubating females contains a higher proportion of caterpillars, centipedes and cockroaches than that eaten by the provisioning adults themselves. The prey items selectively delivered are the largest in the diet and so might be provided in an effort to enhance the breeding female’s condition, thus minimizing the time that she spends off the nest and so increasing hatching success. Intriguingly, it is only breeding males that show this adjustment in provisioning diet; helpers of both sexes simply provide the incubating female with the same proportions of different prey items that they eat when self‐feeding. My results therefore offer the first evidence that members of cooperative groups may not all follow the same provisioning rules, and they also emphasize the need for studies to consider the incubation stage in just as much detail as the nestling phase if we are to understand fully the complexities of cooperative societies.
Food Color Preferences of Molting House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) in Relation to Sex and Plumage Coloration
Authors: Bascuñán Ana L. , Tourville Elizabeth A. , Toomey Matthew B. , McGraw Kevin J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFood color can be indicative of specific nutrients, and thus discrimination based on color can be a valuable foraging behavior. Several bird and fish species with carotenoid‐based body ornamentation show color preferences for presumably carotenoid‐rich red and orange foods. However, little is known within species about whether or not individuals with (or growing) more colorful ornaments show stronger food‐color preferences than those with drabber coloration. Here, we examine food color preferences in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) – a species with sexually dichromatic and selected carotenoid coloration – as a function of sex and plumage coloration during molt. We captured wild, molting juvenile house finches over 4 wk in late summer/early fall, quantified the color and size of plumage ornaments being developed in males, and determined food color preference in captivity by presenting individuals with dyed sunflower chips (red, orange, yellow, and green). On average, finches showed an aversion to yellow‐dyed chips and a preference for red‐ and green‐colored chips. We found no significant difference between male and female preferences for specific food colors, and food color preference was not significantly related to male plumage ornamentation. However, we did find that redder birds demonstrated a higher degree of food selectivity, measured as the proportion of their preferred food color consumed. These results suggest that food color is not a major factor determining food choice in molting house finches, but that there still may be aspects of foraging behavior that are linked to the development of colorful plumage.
Species‐specific responses to atmospheric carbon dioxide and tropospheric ozone mediate changes in soil carbon
Authors: Talhelm Alan F. , Pregitzer Kurt S. , Zak Donald R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe repeatedly sampled the surface mineral soil (0–20 cm depth) in three northern temperate forest communities over an 11‐year experimental fumigation to understand the effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or elevated phyto‐toxic ozone (O3) on soil carbon (C). After 11 years, there was no significant main effect of CO2 or O3 on soil C. However, within the community containing only aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), elevated CO2 caused a significant decrease in soil C content. Together with the observations of increased litter inputs, this result strongly suggests accelerated decomposition under elevated CO2. In addition, an initial reduction in the formation of new (fumigation‐derived) soil C by O3 under elevated CO2 proved to be only a temporary effect, mirroring trends in fine root biomass. Our results contradict predictions of increased soil C under elevated CO2 and decreased soil C under elevated O3 and should be considered in models simulating the effects of Earth’s altered atmosphere.
Humification degrees of a lacustrine sedimentary sequence as an indicator of past climatic changes in the last c. 49 000 years in South China
Authors: ZHONG WEI , MA QIAOHONG , XUE JIBIN , ZHENG YANMING , CAI YING , OU YANGJUN 
Published: September 2009

Zhong, W., Ma, Q. H., Xue, J. B., Zheng, Y. M., Cai, Y. & Ou, Y. J. 2009: Humification degrees of a lacustrine sedimentary sequence as an indicator of past climatic changes in the last c. 49 000 years in South China. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00119.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.An 860 cm long sediment core recovered from Dahu Swamp was used to test the potential of the degree of humification (expressed as the corrected absorbance values, HDcab) of lacustrine sediments as an indicator of past climatic changes in South China. The chronological sequence of this core was established using 10 AMS 14C dates and 10 conventional 14C dates and gives the bottom age of c. 48 800 cal. yr BP. Based on comparisons with multiproxy records, such as lithological variation, organic carbon isotope ratio, organic matter content and dry bulk density, we infer that the HDcab record is sensitive to local hydrological variations that are closely related to the East Asian (EA) summer monsoon precipitation. Higher HDcab values would indicate relatively drier conditions, suggesting a weakening of the EA summer monsoon and vice versa. Based on the HDcab, as well as other multiproxies, the climatic history in the last c. 49 000 years in the swamp area shows agreement with the Chinese stalagmite record and with the 25°N summer solar insolation, implying that orbitally induced insolation may have played a role in the last glacial period (LGP) climate in South China. Several millennial‐scale dry phases during the LGP show similarities with the stadials revealed by the ice core record in Greenland and from the Chinese cave stalagmites. Our study demonstrates that the HDcab of lacustrine sediments is a useful proxy of past climatic changes in South China.
An Intervention Integrated into Daily Clinical Practice Reduces the Incidence of Delirium During Hospitalization in Elderly Patients
Authors: Vidán María T. , Sánchez Elisabet , Alonso Mar , Montero Beatriz , Ortiz Javier , Serra José A. 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention integrated into daily practice for the prevention of in‐hospital delirium in elderly patients.DESIGN: Controlled study comparing an intervention in a geriatric unit (GI) with usual care in two internal medicine services (UC).SETTING: University hospital in Madrid, Spain.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred forty‐two consecutive patients (170 GI, 372 UC), aged 70 and older, with any of the risk criteria for delirium (cognitive impairment, visual impairment, acute disease severity, dehydration).INTERVENTION: Educational measures and specific actions in seven risk areas (orientation, sensory impairment, sleep, mobilization, hydration, nutrition, drug use). Daily monitoring of adherence.MEASUREMENTS: Baseline characteristics, risk factors for delirium, and quality care indicators were analyzed. The primary endpoint was incidence of delirium assessed daily. The secondary endpoint was functional decline, defined as loss of independence in any of the activities of daily living. The intervention effect was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: Delirium affected 11.7% of the GI group and 18.5% of the UC group (P=.04). After adjustment for confounders, the intervention was associated with lower incidence of delirium (odds ratio=0.4, 95% confidence interval=0.24–0.77; P=.005). In the patients who experienced delirium, severity, length, and recurrence of episodes were similar in both groups. Adherence to the intervention protocols was 75.7%.The intervention reduced the rate of functional decline (45.5% in GI vs 56.3% in UC, P=.03) and improved other quality indicators (e.g., mobilization and physical restraints reduction).CONCLUSION: A multicomponent, nonpharmacological intervention integrated into routine practice reduces delirium during hospitalization in older patients, improves quality of care, and can be implemented without additional resources in a public healthcare system.
Influence of Age on the Association Between Various Measures of Obesity and All‐Cause Mortality
Authors: Kuk Jennifer L. , Ardern Chris I. 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the association between various simple measures of obesity and risk for all‐cause mortality differs between younger and older men and women.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 8.7 ± 0.2 years of follow‐up for mortality linkage.SETTING: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994.PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand, four hundred thirty‐seven men and 5,166 women.MEASUREMENTS: Measures of obesity included body mass, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, hip circumference, sum of skinfolds, and bioelectrical impedance.RESULTS: Overall and abdominal obesity are associated with greater mortality risk in younger adults (<65) (P<.05), whereas the associations between obesity and mortality are null or inverse in older adults (>65). In general, the association was stronger with measures of abdominal obesity than with measures of overall obesity or fat‐free mass.CONCLUSION: The adverse effects of obesity on mortality risk are apparent only in adults younger than 65. Obesity as characterized using several different measures was not generally associated with greater mortality risk in older adults. Although weight loss is beneficial for reducing morbidity in obese adults of any age, it is unclear whether weight loss is equally beneficial for reducing mortality risk in older adults.
Observer Variation in the Echocardiographic Measurement of Maximum Atrial Septal Excursion: A Comparison of M‐Mode with Two‐Dimensional or Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Garg Rajeev , Khaja Azam , Madsen Richard , Alpert Martin A. , Tejwani Lokesh , Aggarwal Kul 
Published: September 2009

Background: Atrial septal aneurysm is typically diagnosed by transthoracic two‐dimensional or transesophageal echocardiography (2DE or TEE). Such techniques are highly dependent on visual inspection which predisposes to observer variation. This study compares inter‐ and intraobserver variations in the measurement of maximum atrial septal excursion (MASE) obtained using transthoracic M‐mode echocardiography (MME) with that obtained using 2DE or TEE. Methods: Consecutive patients with highly mobile atrial septal motion by visual inspection during 2DE or TEE were studied. MASE was estimated visually on 2DE or TEE. MME tracings were obtained with the cursor bisecting the parabola formed by the atrial septum at its maximum deviation from the midline. Electronic calipers were used to measure MASE for all echocardiographic techniques. Two observers provided two measurements each. Observer variation was determined by assessing standard deviation and confidence intervals of inter‐ and intraobserver differences. Results: Interobserver analysis showed standard deviations of 0.077 cm (95% CI 0.065–0.094) for MME and 0.280 cm (95% CI 0.242–0.334) for 2DE or TEE. Intraobserver analysis showed standard deviations of 0.08 cm (95% CI 0.068–0.101) for MME and 0.318 cm (95% CI 0.274–0.381) for 2DE or TEE. The mean magnitude of measured MASE was 0.44 cm higher with MME than with 2DE or TEE (95% CI 0.068–0.101). Conclusions: MME assessment of MASE is associated with substantially lower inter‐ and intraobserver variation than 2DE or TEE assessment. The magnitude of MASE is substantially higher with MME than with 2DE or TEE. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume **, ********)
Optimization of isolation and further characterization of umbilical cord blood‐derived very small embryonic/ epiblast‐like stem cells (VSELs)
Authors: Zuba‐Surma Ewa K. , Klich Iza , Greco Nick , Laughlin Mary J. , Ratajczak Janina , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBecause of their small size and density, umbilical cord blood (UCB)‐derived very small embryonic/epiblast‐like stem cells (VSELs) are usually lost at various steps of UCB preparation. Accordingly, we noticed that a significant number of these cells, which are smaller than erythrocytes, are lost during gradient centrifugation over Ficoll‐Paque as well as during routine volume depletion of UCB units before freezing. To preserve these cells in final UCB preparations, we propose a relatively short and economical three‐step isolation protocol that allows recovery of approximately 60% of the initial number of Lin−/CD45−/CD133+ UCB‐VSELs present in freshly harvested UCB units. In this novel approach (i) UCB is lysed in a hypotonic ammonium chloride solution to deplete erythrocytes; (ii) CD133+ including VSELs cells are enriched by employing immunomagnetic beads; and subsequently (iii) Lin−/CD45−/CD133+ cells are sorted by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. The whole isolation procedure takes approximately 2–3 h per UCB unit and isolated cells are highly enriched for an Oct‐4+ and SSEA‐4+ population of small Lin−/CD45−/CD133+ cells.
Enhanced T‐cell activation by immature dendritic cells loaded with HSP70‐expressing heat‐killed melanoma cells
Authors: Knudsen Susanne , Schardt Anke , Buhl Timo , Boeckmann Lars , Schön Michael P. , Neumann Christine , Haenssle Holger A. 
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as: Enhanced T‐cell activation by immature dendritic cells loaded with HSP70‐expressing heat‐killed melanoma cells. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 108–116.Abstract:  Vaccination protocols that utilize dendritic cells (DCs) to elicit therapeutic immunity against tumors are the subject of intense research. Given that the capacity of DCs to cross‐present antigens is physiologically low, there is considerable interest to develop strategies that enhance that pathway. In order to best exploit the enhanced cross‐presentation of antigens bound to heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), we analysed melanoma cell preparations for their HSP70 expression. Western blotting revealed strong upregulation of HSP70 after heat‐killing in contrast to UV‐B irradiation. When the uptake of heat‐killed necrotic cells by DCs at various levels of maturation was assessed, 61 ± 7% of immature DCs (iDCs) internalized fluorescence‐labelled necrotic material. Apoptotic material from UV‐B‐irradiated cells was internalized by only 48 ± 5% of iDCs. Maturation‐inducing cytokines did not affect the uptake when added simultaneously with the tumor cell preparations. Loading DCs with heat‐necrotic or apoptotic melanoma cells slightly reduced CD83 expression while leaving CD208 (DC‐LAMP) expression unchanged. As determined by IFN‐γ‐detecting enzyme‐linked‐immunospot assays, iDCs loaded with heat‐killed melanoma cells activated autologous T cells most effectively when used without any further maturation, whereas DCs loaded with apoptotic material required maturation. In conclusion, HSP70‐expressing melanoma cells could be generated by heat‐killing. Loading iDCs with heat‐killed melanoma cells resulted in a superior priming of autologous T cells in vitro.
Isolation of human eosinophils: microbead method has no impact on IL‐5 sustained viability
Authors: Percopo Caroline M. , Dyer Kimberly D. , Killoran Kristin E. , Rosenberg Helene F. 
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as: Isolation of human eosinophils: microbead method has no impact on IL‐5 sustained viability. Experimental Dermatology 2009; 19: 467–469.AbstractBackground/purpose:  In a recent issue of Experimental Dermatology (18, 2009, 654), Schefzyk et al. concluded that multi‐antibody eosinophil isolation (Miltenyi) should be abandoned, as differential purity was minimal, and eosinophils underwent accelerated apoptosis when compared with those isolated with traditional anti‐CD16 microbeads. Our intent was to investigate the universality of these findings.Methods:  We isolated eosinophils from normal donor granulocyte packs using two methods, and evaluated purity, viability and annexin‐V/propidium‐iodide staining.Results:  Purity was substantially greater when multi‐antibody isolation was used for eosinophil isolation from granulocyte packs (98% vs 69%). No differential survival was detected when eosinophils were maintained in culture with or without interleukin‐5.Conclusions:  Multi‐antibody eosinophil isolation represents a substantial advantage over anti‐CD‐16 microbeads when isolating large numbers of eosinophils from concentrated leucocyte preparations. No differential survival was observed. While appropriate consideration of methods is always crucial, multi‐antibody eosinophil isolation should not be abandoned completely.
Participation of older adults in cyberspace: How Australian older adults use the Internet
Authors: Sum Shima , Mathews R Mark , Hughes Ian 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  The present study explores how Australian older adults use the Internet.Method:  Older adults were recruited online to complete an online survey.Results:  Participants primarily used the Internet for interpersonal communication, followed by information seeking, commerce and entertainment.Conclusion:  The Internet is an important technology in helping older adults lead independent and social lives.
Transitions from hospital to residential aged care in Australia
Authors: Karmel Rosemary , Gibson Diane , Lloyd Jonas , Anderson Phil 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To investigate movement of people from hospital into residential aged care.Methods:  An innovative record linkage method was implemented to create a national database to investigate transitions from hospital into aged care.Results:  In 2001–2002, 3.2% of hospitalisations for people aged 65+ ended with admission into residential aged care. A further 5.5% were for people already living permanently in care. Nationally, more people were admitted into permanent care from hospital than from the community. Factors important in predicting admission to aged care from hospital included length of hospital stay, diagnoses, region of usual residence and hospital jurisdiction.Conclusion:  Individually, national hospital and aged care datasets do not provide adequate information on movement between the sectors. Linking the data allowed the first national investigation into movement from hospital into aged care. Results indicate the importance of investigating interactions of service provision (both supply and demand driven) at the local level.
Autoeroticism, Mental Health, and Organic Disturbances in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Boddi Valentina , Bandini Elisa , Lotti Francesco , Fisher Alessandra D. , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Masturbation is a common, but often neglected, male sexual behavior.

Aim
To investigate the psychobiological correlates of self-reported masturbation in the last 3 months.

Methods
A consecutive series of 2,786 heterosexual male patients (mean age 48.4 ± 13.2) consulting an outpatient clinic for erectile dysfunction (ED) was studied.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal, biochemical and instrumental parameters (penile Doppler ultrasound [PDU]) were investigated. Patients were interviewed, prior to the beginning of any treatment, with Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY) and ANDROTEST structured interviews. They also completed the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, a brief self-reported questionnaire for the screening of the symptoms of mental disorders in a nonpsychiatric setting.

Results
Among the patients studied, 1,781 (61.9%) reported they had masturbated at least once per month in the preceding 3 months. The frequency of masturbation was inversely related to age (r = −0.329; P &lt;0.0001) and directly associated with education level (adj r = 0.052, P &lt;0.05 after adjustment for age). A feeling of guilt during masturbation was reported by 274 (15.4%) patients. After adjusting for age, masturbation was positively associated with testosterone levels, stressful conditions, and both unstable and long-lasting couple relationship. Urogenital problems such as varicocele and prostate abnormalities also increased the chance of masturbation. Reported guiltiness during autoeroticism was associated with psychological disturbances, low prolactin, low testosterone, and increased relational problems. An erection not normal during masturbation was declared by 1,361 (76.4%) patients and associated with a prevalent organic component of ED, because of lower peak systolic velocity PDU and higher SIEDY Scale 1 scores.

Conclusions
This study indicates that masturbation is a relatively frequent behavior in male subjects with ED. Inquiring about this sexual behavior is an important issue for understanding overall patients’ sexual attitudes and behavior.
What's in a Name? Interior Design and/or Interior Architecture: The Discussion Continues
Authors: White Allison Carll 
Published: September 2009

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of–for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. Socrates, Greek philosopher in Athens (469 BC–399 BC)
Complete Nucleotide Sequence of pCTX-M360, an Intermediate Plasmid between pEL60 and pCTX-M3, from a Multidrug-Resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Strain Isolated in China
Authors: Zhu Wen-han , Luo Lan , Wang Jia-yi , Zhuang Xiao-hong , Zhong Ling , Liao Kang , Zeng Yan , Lu Yong-jun 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

In this work we report the characterization of plasmid pCTX-M360, isolated from a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain from China and encoding the CTX-M-3 extended-spectrum β-lactamase. Sequence analysis of pCTX-M360 revealed extensive similarity with pEL60 and pCTX-M3, two other enterobacterial plasmids of the IncL/M incompatibility group. Compared to pEL60, pCTX-M360 contains several insertions but lacks most of a 27-kb insert found in pCTX-M3, suggesting that it could be an evolutionary intermediate between pEL60 and pCTX-M3.