bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeographical patterns in the diet of the wildcat, Felis silvestris Schreber, in Eurasia: factors affecting the trophic diversity
Authors: Lozano Jorge , Moleón Marcos , Virgós Emilio 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAim  To analyse the biogeographical patterns in the feeding habits and trophic diversity of prey of the wildcat, Felis silvestris Schreber.Location  The Eurasian distribution range from the Caucasian mountains to the Iberian Peninsula and Scotland.Methods  We reviewed 15 studies to collate data on feeding behaviour across the current wildcat distribution range. We considered nine prey groups and recorded the latitude, whether the location was within a Mediterranean bioclimate area, and rabbit presence. Prey groups were reduced into four PCA factors. Regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships of latitude with PCA factors and trophic diversity. anova was used to test if trophic diversity was higher at locations with Mediterranean climates. We also analysed the relationship between small rodent consumption and both Mediterranean climates and rabbit presence using anova. Finally, we confirmed the relationship between the frequency of Murinae and Microtinae in the diets and the presence of rabbits and with respect to Mediterranean climates controlling for latitude (mancova).Results  Diet diversity was greatest in Mediterranean climates. Trophic diversity decreased when rodents formed the bulk of the diet, but increased with the inclusion of alternative prey such as rabbits and invertebrates. Small rodent consumption was also negatively related to rabbit consumption or presence. The inclusion of Murinae and Microtinae in the diet varied with latitude, with higher ingestion of the former in the southern locations and of the latter in northern areas.Main conclusions  The trophic diversity of the wildcat diet was associated with Mediterranean climatic conditions, being broader at more southern latitudes. At the continental scale, the wildcat cannot be considered a rodent specialist because rabbits were preferred when they were present. Thus, we consider the wildcat to be a facultative specialist. In addition, our results indicate that general trophic patterns in the diet of a species may not be accurately determined if the availability of alternative prey is not taken into account.
The effectiveness of a diabetes nurse clinic in treating older patients with type 2 diabetes for their glycaemic control
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Yee Amy Shun Wah , Leung Elaine Lai Yee , Day Mary Christine 
Published: April 2006

Aims.  The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a diabetes nurse clinic intervention in controlling the poor glycaemia of older patients with type 2 diabetes.Research method.  This is a quasi‐experimental design with pre‐ and follow‐up tests. The study was conducted in a regional acute hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 150 (75 controls, 75 cases) poor glycaemic control older patients with diabetes were recruited in the study.Outcome measures.  Biomedical and psychological data were collected at pre‐ and follow‐up period and compared between groups.Results.  The study results show an effective intervention of diabetes nurse clinic in giving consultation and education to the type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects in the nurse follow‐up group showed an improvement in the HbA1c, and systolic blood pressure and reduction on healthcare utilization.Conclusion.  The study provided evidence to support the diabetes nurse clinic in treating the older patients with diabetes. This study has provided confidence to the diabetes nurse to treat the unstable older patients with diabetes.Relevance to clinical practice.  Diabetes mellitus is a serious health concern that most commonly affects older people. As indicated by the results of this study, this educational programme can act as an effective nursing intervention to the type 2 diabetic patients.
Evidence for early oral feeding of patients after elective open colorectal surgery: a literature review
Authors: Ng Wai Quin , Neill Jane 
Published: April 2006

Aim.  To review research on early oral feeding following elective, open colorectal surgery.Background.  Fasting following gastrointestinal surgery is a traditional surgical practice, based on fears of causing postoperative complications if oral intake begins before bowel function returns, but fasting following elective surgery is questionable as a best practice.Methods.  Searches in Journals@Ovid CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library for primary studies, published during 1995–2004, used the keywords: ‘surgery’, ‘postoperative’, ‘elective, ‘colorectal’, ‘bowel, ‘colon’, ‘oral’, ‘enteral’, ‘feeding’, ‘early’, ‘traditional’. Studies of adults undergoing elective, open colorectal surgery who were allowed fluids and food before bowel function returned (early feeding) were included. Outcomes of interest were safety, tolerability, duration of gastrointestinal ileus and length of hospital stay. Critical appraisal of randomized and controlled studies was undertaken following inclusion.Results.  Fifteen studies comprising 1352 patients were reviewed. All studies concluded early feeding was safe, based on complications rates. Total complications were 12·5% (range 0–25%) for 935 early feeding patients, with no increased risk of anastomotic leak, aspiration pneumonia, or bowel obstruction. For all studies an average of 86% patients (range 73–100%) tolerated early feeding. Studies demonstrating faster resolution of postoperative ileus or shorter hospitalization were associated with multimodal perioperative care, including early mobilization, epidural analgesia and comprehensive patient education. Appraisal of five randomized trials revealed no blinding and inadequate randomization.Conclusions.  This review supports early oral feeding after elective, open colorectal surgery and challenges the traditional practice of fasting patients until return of bowel function. Early feeding was safe, well‐tolerated and easy to implement. Reduced length of ileus and shorter hospitalization may occur with multimodal protocols.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can highlight this new evidence for other health professionals, advocate development of clinical protocols featuring early feeding and participate in multi‐disciplinary, multi‐method research regarding benefits of early feeding.
Regional gene flow and population structure of the wind‐dispersed plant species Hypochaeris radicata (Asteraceae) in an agricultural landscape
Authors: MIX C. , ARENS P. F. P. , RENGELINK R. , SMULDERS M. J. M. , VAN GROENENDAEL J. M. , OUBORG N. J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractUsing microsatellites, we investigated population structure and gene flow of the short‐lived, wind‐dispersed plant species Hypochaeris radicata in a fragmented agricultural landscape where more than 99% of the nutrient‐poor grasslands have disappeared over the last century. We sampled populations in the few remaining high density populations in conservation areas, as well as individuals that occurred, with lower densities, in linear landscape elements, at two spatial scales. In a re‐inventory of the landscape, after 3 years, both extinctions and colonizations of populations were observed. Contrary to expectations, no differences in genetic diversity between high and low density populations were observed. Both types of populations had relatively high levels of diversity. Overall genetic differentiation (θ) was 0.04 and significantly different from zero (P < 0.01). A significant isolation‐by‐distance pattern was found when all populations were simultaneously analysed (r = 0.24, P = 0.013). Isolation by distance was (marginally) significant at the small scale (r = 0.32, P = 0.06), whereas nonsignificant at the large spatial scale (r = –0.05, P = 0.66). A maximization‐of‐explained‐variance procedure resulted in a threshold distance of 3.5 km above which populations were effectively genetically isolated. An additional partial exclusion Bayesian‐based assignment test showed that overall 32.3% of the individuals were assigned to their population of origin, 48% were assigned to another population in the area and 19.7% were not assigned. Together, these results suggest high levels of gene flow. Seed dispersal contributes to the observed gene flow up to several hundred metres, which is higher than previously modelled using aerodynamic models on seed dispersal of H. radicata. We discuss the consequences of these results for an evaluation of the probability of persistence of this species in the fragmented landscape.
Identifying units for conservation using molecular systematics: the cautionary tale of the Karner blue butterfly
Authors: GOMPERT ZACHARIAH , NICE CHRIS C. , FORDYCE JAMES A. , FORISTER MATTHEW L. , SHAPIRO ARTHUR M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe federally endangered North American Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and the closely related Melissa blue butterfly (L. m. melissa) can be distinguished based on life history and morphology. Western populations ofL. m. samuelisshare mitochondrial haplotypes withL. m. melissapopulations, while eastern populations ofL. m. samuelishave divergent haplotypes. Here we test two hypotheses concerning the presence ofL. m. melissamitochondrial haplotypes in westernL. m. samuelispopulations: (i) mitochondrial introgression has occurred fromL. m. melissapopulations into westernL. m. samuelispopulations, or (ii) western populations of the nominalL. m. samuelisare more closely related toL. m. melissathan to easternL. m. samuelispopulations, yet are phenotypically similar to the latter. A Bayesian algorithm was used to cluster 190L. melissaindividuals based on 143 informative amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) loci. This method clearly differentiatedL. m. samuelisandL. m. melissa. Thus, genomic divergence was greater between westernL. m. samuelispopulations andL. m. melissapopulations than it was between western and eastern populations ofL. m. samuelis. This supports the hypothesis that the presence ofL. m. melissamitochondrial haplotypes in westernL. m. samuelispopulations is the result of mitochondrial introgression. These data provide valuable information for conservation and management plans for the endangeredL. m. samuelis, and illustrate the risks of using data from a single locus for diagnosing significant units of biodiversity for conservation.
Genetics of cattails in radioactively contaminated areas around Chornobyl
Authors: TSYUSKO OLGA V. , SMITH MICHAEL H. , OLEKSYK TARAS K. , GORYANAYA JULIA , GLENN TRAVIS C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractResearch on populations from radioactively contaminated areas around Chornobyl has produced ambiguous results for the presence of radiation effects. More studies are needed to provide information on whether radiation exposure at Chornobyl significantly affected genetic diversity in natural populations of various taxa. Eleven and nine variable microsatellite loci were used to test for differences in genetic diversity between reference and Chornobyl populations of two cattail species (Typha angustifoliaandTypha latifolia,respectively) from Ukraine. Our purpose was to determine whether radiation had a significant impact on genetic diversities of the ChornobylTyphapopulations, or if their genetic composition might be better explained by species demography and/or changes in population dynamics, mainly in sexual and asexual reproduction. Populations closest to the reactor had increased genetic diversities and high number of genets, which likely were due to factors other than radiation including increased gene flow among Chornobyl populations, enhanced sexual reproduction within populations, and/or origin of the genets from seed bank. BothTyphaspecies also demonstrated small but significant effects associated with latitude, geographical regions, and watersheds.Typha's demography in Ukraine possibly varies with these three factors, and the small difference between Chornobyl and reference populations ofT. latifoliadetected after partitioning the total genetic variance between them is probably due primarily to these factors. However, the positive correlations of several genetic characteristics with radionuclide concentrations suggest that radiation may have also affected genetics of ChornobylTyphapopulations but much less than was expected considering massive contamination of the Chornobyl area.
High‐resolution shallow seismic identification of gas escape features in the sediments of Loch Tay, Scotland: tectonic and microbiological associations
Authors: DUCK ROBERT W. , HERBERT RODNEY A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHigh‐resolution seismic reflection profiles (3·5 kHz) have revealed the presence of extensive interstitial gas accumulation within the sedimentary sequences of Loch Tay, Scotland, as identified by acoustic turbidity masking the seismic stratigraphy. Within the central section of the loch, in the deepest water area directly above the zone of the seismically active Loch Tay Fault, focused flows of gas through the sediment pile to the loch bed via chimneys and pockmarks, together with gas seeps within the water column, have been identified. Microbiological observations indicate that the gas is biogenic CH4, produced by both chemoautotrophic (which use CO2 as a source of carbon and H2 as a source of energy) and aceticlastic species (which use acetate as a source of carbon and energy) of methanogens in the fine‐grained, organic rich deposits that have been focused into the zone of accumulation in the deep central part of the loch. The spatial distribution of the gas escape features suggests that earthquake movements along the Loch Tay Fault are responsible for facilitating focused gas escape in this part of the loch, by the creation of new pathways and conduits through the sediment pile, along which gas can migrate upwards and exit into the water column. Relict pockmarks and associated chimneys identified in the seismic records indicate that gas escape has been taking place since Pleistocene times though the precise timings cannot be ascertained. This is the first time that such features have been reported from a lake in the UK.
Direct regulation of the floral homeotic APETALA1 gene by APETALA3 and PISTILLATA in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sundström Jens F. , Nakayama Naomi , Glimelius Kristina , Irish Vivian F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe floral homeotic gene APETALA1 (AP1) specifies floral meristem identity and sepal and petal identity in Arabidopsis. Consistent with its multiple roles during floral development, AP1 is initially expressed throughout the floral meristem, and later its expression becomes restricted to sepal and petal primordia. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we show that the floral homeotic PISTILLATA (PI) protein, required for petal and stamen development, has the ability to bind directly to the promoter region of AP1. In support of the hypothesis that PI, and its interacting partner APETALA3 (AP3), regulates the transcription of AP1, we show that AP1 transcript levels are elevated in strong ap3‐3 mutant plants. Kinetic studies, using transgenic Arabidopsis plants in which both AP3 and PI are under post‐translational control, show that AP1 transcript levels are downregulated within 2 h of AP3/PI activation. This implies that the reduction in AP1 transcripts is an early event in the cascade following AP3/PI induction and provides independent support for the hypothesis that AP1 is a direct target of the AP3/PI heterodimer. Together these results suggest a model whereby AP3/PI directly acts, in combination with other factors, to restrict the expression of AP1 during early stages of floral development.
The Context and Quality of Social Relationships Affect Vigilance Behaviour in Wild Chimpanzees
Authors: Kutsukake Nobuyuki 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPrevious studies of vigilance behaviour have focused mainly on the influence of predation threat, whereas the influences of conspecific factors, such as within‐group threats, are relatively unstudied. To elucidate the influences of conspecific factors, this study examined vigilance behaviour in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Vigilance level was lower during foraging than during resting, which indicated a conflict between vigilance and foraging activity. In addition, vigilance level was higher when chimpanzees were on the ground where an encounter with leopards (Panthera pardus) is likely than when the chimpanzees were in trees. Males, but not females, increased their level of vigilance as the number of individuals within 3 m increased. In both males and females, daily party size – an index of group cohesion – did not affect the vigilance level. The level of maternal vigilance was higher when a dependent infant was separated from its mother than when the offspring was in contact with its mother. Both males and females increased their vigilance when a less‐associated group member was nearby, when compared with when there was no less‐associated group member nearby. This finding suggests that variation in relationship quality influences the vigilance level and that individuals need to increase their level of vigilance when the level of within‐group threats is high. This study indicated that variation in vigilance cannot be understood unless conspecific factors, such as variation in the relationship quality with associates, are considered.
Experimental Evidence for Male Sequential Mate Preference in a Lekking Species
Authors: Werner Noam Y. , Lotem Arnon 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn lekking species females visit male aggregations solely to copulate or have their eggs fertilized. Because lekking males do not contribute to parental care, evolutionary theory does not expect them to be choosy. However, we show here that in the cichlid fish Astatotilapia flaviijosephi the lekking males exhibit sequential mate preference that strongly suggests a trade‐off between present and future reproductive effort. We tested mate preferences of A. flaviijosephi males by sequentially presenting them with two images of a gravid female, differing only in size. Previously, males were shown to prefer larger, more fecund females in simultaneous preference tests. The sequential presentation experiment reported here indicates that even in the absence of simultaneous presentation, males spent more time courting larger female images, and stayed longer in their vicinity. Thus, our study suggests that lekking males may be much choosier than previously appreciated. Furthermore, considering the intense competition among lekking males we also suggest that male choosiness, combined with other factors, may help to solve the ‘paradox of the lek’. It can make less attractive females more available to subordinate males, thereby increasing the contribution of the latter to the population gene pool and keeping genetic variability among males at a level that justifies female choice.
Measurement of crack bridging stresses in environment‐assisted cracking of duplex stainless by synchrotron diffraction
Authors: MARROW T. J. , STEUWER A. , MOHAMMED F. , ENGELBERG D. , SARWAR M. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTCrack propagation studies have been conducted in age‐hardened Zeron 100 duplex stainless steel, which in the 475 °C embrittled condition exhibits environment‐assisted cracking under cathodic conditions in aqueous 3.5% NaCl solution. Values of the threshold stress intensity for environment‐assisted cracking, K1SCC, measured by crack arrest, show R‐curve behaviour. Diffraction experiments on the high‐energy beamline ID15A at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) were performed to measure the crystal lattice strains in ferrite and austenite in wedge open loaded (WOL) stress corrosion specimens. The observations demonstrate that significant crack bridging stresses develop in the wake of the crack. This is due to branching of the environment‐assisted crack. Simple bridging models for the effect of the measured stresses are in agreement with the observed R‐curve behaviour.
Training for neonatal resuscitation with the laryngeal mask airway: a comparison of the LMA‐ProSeal and the LMA‐Classic in an airway management manikin
Authors: MICAGLIO MASSIMO , DOGLIONI NICOLETTA , PAROTTO MATTEO , ZANARDO VINCENZO , ORI CARLO , TREVISANUTO DANIELE 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground : Neonatal resuscitation is a mandatory skill for healthcare professionals involved in maternity suites. For ethical reasons, it is impossible to teach and practice airway management skills on neonates, and manikins are used for this purpose. The Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway TM (cLMA) is accepted as an effective device for airway management during neonatal resuscitation. A neonatal size of the LMA‐ProSealTM (PLMA) was recently produced, but there are no comparative data on its performance. We describe the comparison of the performances of the neonatal cLMA and the neonatal PLMA when used by different healthcare professionals in a dedicated airway management manikin.Methods : Thirty‐five healthcare professionals, were given a brief description of the two devices followed by 15 min of supervised insertions on a single manikin. Every trainee was then instructed to insert both devices four times. The time from insertion to the first inflation of the artificial lungs (insertion time, IT) was recorded by a single unblinded observer.Results : No failed insertions were recorded. The success rates of the first attempt were higher with the PLMA than the cLMA (97.1% vs 92.1%; P < 0.01). The mean ± sd (range) IT was significantly lower with the cLMA compared with the PLMA [10.47 ± 2.85 (6–22) s vs 11.34 ± 2.5 (7–18) s; P < 0.01]. The mean ± sd (range) IT of the cLMA was 12.31 ± 3.54 (7–22) s for the first positioning and 9.2 ± 2.34 (6–16) s for the fourth (P < 0.01). The mean ± sd (range) IT of the PLMA was 12.71 ± 2.52 (8–18) s for the first positioning and 10.17 ± 2.28 (7–14) s for the fourth (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences among groups.Conclusions : Both LMAs are easy to insert by different delivery‐room workers. PLMA (with the introducer tool) has a higher success rate at first attempt than cLMA. Manikin ventilation was established equally without difference in performance among doctors, nurses, midwives. A brief manikin‐training reduces the IT significantly. The longer IT of PLMA vs cLMA is without clinical relevance.
Anesthesia for pediatric gastroscopy: a study comparing the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway with nasal cannulae
Authors: LOPEZ‐GIL MAITE , BRIMACOMBE JOSEPH , DÍAZ‐REGAÑON GONZALO 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground : We tested the hypothesis that pediatric gastroscopy is more successful using the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway with the drain tube as a conduit to the stomach (ProSeal LMA group) than using nasal cannulae with conventional oral access to the stomach (NC group).Methods : Sixty children were consecutively and randomly allocated into each group. Patients breathed spontaneously and were given sevoflurane/air/oxygen mixture with propofol 1 mg·kg−1 boluses, as required. Anesthesia was provided by experienced users of both techniques. The following data were collected by an unblinded observer: operation and anesthesia times; cardiorespiratory data; adverse events; and recovery scores. In addition, the surgeon scored the ease of performing the procedure.Results : The mean (range) age and weight was 74 (24–144) months and 26 (10–61) kg. Operation (15 min vs 24 min, P < 0.0001) and anesthesia (22 min vs 37 min, P < 0.0001) times were shorter in the ProSeal LMA group, but propofol bolus requirements per unit time were similar. Oxygen saturation was higher in the ProSeal LMA group (100% vs 94%, P < 0.0006), but other cardiorespiratory variables were similar. There were no differences in the ease of performing the procedure. Hypoxia occurred more frequently in the NC group (20% vs 0%). Recovery scores were similar.Conclusions : We conclude that pediatric gastroscopy is quicker and has fewer airway complications when performed through the ProSeal LMA than using nasal cannulae and a conventional approach by experienced users.