bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interlinking hare and lynx dynamics using a century's worth of annual data
Authors: Vik Jon Olav , Brinch Christian N. , Boutin Stan , Stenseth Nils Christian 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe classic fur trade records on Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) have rarely been analysed in direct conjunction with data on its principal prey, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Comparable long‐term data for hare exist only for a region south of Hudson Bay. We fitted a bivariate log‐linear time‐series model to this hare and lynx data to disentangle the within‐ and between‐population interactions of these species. To reduce problems with fur returns being non‐normal and non‐linearly related to abundance, we transformed the fur returns to a normal distribution based on sample quantiles. The estimated effect on next year's lynx abundance of a 1% increase in current hare abundance was a 0.23% (SE = 0.05) increase in lynx. Conversely, a 1% increase in current lynx abundance corresponded to a 0.46% (SE = 0.12) decrease in next year's hare abundance. This contrasts with some earlier studies. However, these studies mixed hare data from south of Hudson Bay with lynx totals for all of Canada. Despite this asymmetry of interaction strengths, coefficients of determination were similar for hare versus lynx and lynx versus hare, because hare abundance varies more than lynx. Both species showed clear intraspecific density‐dependence of about equal strength. A 1% increase in current abundance increased next year's abundance by about 0.75%.
Ligamentum teres maintenance and transfer as a stabilizer in open reduction for pediatric hip dislocation: Surgical technique and early clinical results
Authors: Wenger Dennis R. , Mubarak Scott J. , Henderson Patrick C. , Miyanji Firoz 
Published: April 2008

Purpose The ligamentum teres has primarily been considered as an obstruction to reduction in children with developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH). In the early surgical descriptions of both the medial (Ludloff) approach and the anterior (Salter) approach to the hip, it was generally accepted that the ligamentum teres was an obstruction to reduction and was excised (similar to the discarding of menisci for knee surgery in our orthopedic history). Because of the known propensity for early re-dislocation following open reduction, we developed surgical methods for maintaining the ligamentum teres when performing open reduction for hip dislocation in young children. This study presents the surgical methods developed for ligament maintenance and transfer, and analyzes the early clinical and radiographic results in a study group. Methods The techniques for open reduction by both the medial Ludloff approach and the anterior open reduction were developed and refined. Twenty-one children (23 hips) had ligamentum teres shortening and transfer performed as part of either a medial Ludloff or anterior open reduction for hip dislocation. Complete pre-operative and post-operative clinical and radiographic analysis was performed. Results All patients had stable hips at follow-up. The transferred ligamentum teres appeared to provide additional stability to prevent repeat dislocation. We noted no apparent loss of hip motion or other adverse events. One patient had avascular necrosis (AVN). Conclusions In this series of 23 hips, in which ligamentum teres transfer/tenodesis was utilized, we found no residual subluxation or dislocation in either the medial Ludloff or the anterior open reduction groups. Based on these early positive results, we recommend the method for children treated with the Ludloff open reduction procedure. Although we have less experience with it, the technique presented for ligamentum maintenance and transfer in anterior open reduction may provide similar added stability. This is an early follow-up study, and long-term follow-up will be required to confirm the ultimate femoral head and acetabular development.
Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) and their associations with native host plants in a remnant area of the highly endangered Atlantic Rain Forest in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Uramoto K. , Martins D.S. , Zucchi R.A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe results presented in this paper refer to a host survey, lasting approximately three and a half years (February 2003–July 2006), undertaken in the Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve, a remnant area of the highly endangered Atlantic Rain Forest located in Linhares County, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. A total of 330 fruit samples were collected from native plants, representing 248 species and 51 plant families. Myrtaceae was the most diverse family with 54 sampled species. Twenty-eight plant species, from ten families, are hosts of ten Anastrepha species and of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Among 33 associations between host plants and fruit flies, 20 constitute new records, including the records of host plants for A. fumipennis Lima and A. nascimentoi Zucchi. The findings were discussed in the light of their implications for rain forest conservation efforts and the study of evolutionary relationships between fruit flies and their hosts.
Impact of abiotic factors on predator-prey interactions: DNA-based gut content analysis in a microcosm experiment
Authors: Berg K. von , Traugott M. , Symondson W.O.C. , Scheu S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe effects of predators on prey populations can be modified by a number of abiotic factors. Here, we investigated the combined and separate effects of rain and ground-dwelling predators on aphid populations in a microcosm experiment lasting for 21 days, using PCR to analyse the gut content of the predators. Rain significantly dislodged aphids from shoots and ears by 57% and 25%, respectively. The gut content analysis showed that more predators consumed aphids in the rain treatment than without rain, indicating higher availability of aphids to ground-dwelling predators after rain. However, no synergistic effects of rain and ground-dwelling predators on aphid population development could be demonstrated. Rain alone significantly decreased aphid populations by 27%, suggesting that this is a significant mortality factor. Predators alone had no significant effect on aphid numbers, but the gut content analyses showed aphid consumption also in the no-rain treatments, indicating that aphids were available to the predators on the soil surface even without rain. Our results suggest that weather conditions such as rain can modify predator-prey interactions in the field. Employing PCR-based predator gut content analyses proved to be useful as trophic links could be directly verified.
Application of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for analysing the gut microflora ofLumbricus rubellusHoffmeister under different feeding conditions
Authors: Knapp B.A. , Seeber J. , Podmirseg S.M. , Meyer E. , Insam H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe earthworm,Lumbricus rubellus, plays an essential role in soil ecosystems as it affects organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. By ingesting a mixture of organic and mineral material, a variety of bacteria and fungi are carried to the intestinal tract of the earthworm. To get a better understanding of the interactions betweenL. rubellusand the microorganisms ingested, this study tried to reveal if the diet affects the composition of the gut microflora ofL. rubellusor if its intestinal tract hosts an indigenous, species-specific microbiota. A feeding experiment withL. rubelluswas set up; individuals were collected in the field, transferred to a climate chamber and fed with food sources of different quality (dwarf shrub litter, grass litter or horse dung) for six weeks. DNA was extracted from the guts of the earthworms, as well as from the food sources and the surrounding soil, and further analysed by a molecular fingerprinting method, PCR-DGGE (Polymerase Chain Reaction – Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis). We were able to demonstrate that the gut microbiota was strongly influenced by the food source ingested and was considerably different to that of the surrounding soil. Sequencing of dominant bands of the bacterial DGGE fingerprints revealed a strong occurrence of y-Proteobacteria in all gut samples, independent of the food source. A specific microflora in the intestinal tract ofL. rubellus, robust against diet changes, could not be found.
DETERMINANTS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN INDIA
Authors: BHARATI SUSMITA , PAL MANORANJAN , BHARATI PREMANANDA 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to assess the spatial distribution of nutritional status of children of less than three years through Z-scores of weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height using data collected by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2, 1998–99), India. The nutritional status of pre-school children was regressed on different socio-demographic factors after eliminating the effect of age. The data show that there are gender differences and spatial variations in the nutritional status of children in India. Gender difference is not very pronounced and almost disappears when the effects of age and socio-demographic variables are removed. The spatial difference, especially the rural–urban difference, was found to be very large and decreased substantially when the effects of age and socioeconomic variables were removed. However, the differences were not close to zero. All the variables were found to affect significantly the nutritional status of children. However, the literacy of mothers did not affect height-for-age significantly. The weight-for-age and height-for-age scores showed a dismal picture of the health condition of children in almost all states in India. The worst affected states are Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh. Assam and Rajasthans are also lagging behind. Weight-for-height scores do not give a clear picture of state-wise variation. Goa, Kerala and Punjab are the three most developed states in India and also have the lowest percentages of underweight children according to the Z-scores. Along with these three states come the north-eastern states where women are well educated. Thus overall development, enhancement of level of education and low gender inequality are the key factors for improvement in the health status of Indian children.
BODY FATNESS AND ITS SOCIAL AND LIFESTYLE DETERMINANTS IN YOUNG WORKING MALES FROM CRACOW, POLAND
Authors: SUDER AGNIESZKA 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the degree to which general body fatness variation, presented by body mass index (BMI), the sum of the three skinfold thicknesses (TST) (triceps, subscapular, abdominal) and percentage of body fat (%FAT), can be explained by socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle. The cross-sectional, population-based survey was of 259 healthy working males aged 20–30 from the city of Cracow, Poland. Objective anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, the results of motor fitness tests and social and lifestyle data from a questionnaire were analysed. The independent variables were: age, socioeconomic status (birthplace, place of residence until the age of 14, social class, educational level and the type of work done) and lifestyle elements (smoking habits, dietary habits, family obesity resemblance, sport activity in the past, leisure time physical activity and level of motor fitness). Three separate full models were created using stepwise straightforward regression with BMI, TST and %FAT as dependent variables. The highest autonomous influence on BMI and %FAT was ascribed to age and family obesity resemblance, whereas variation in TST was explained by level of motor fitness, age, city as a place of residence until the age of 14 and family obesity resemblance. Although the analysed variables explained only from 8% (BMI) to 13% (TST) of body fatness variation, indicating at the same time that most variations are explained by other variables, the impact of lifestyle family-shared factors on body fatness seems to be significant.
SOME FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CONDOM USE AMONG BAR MAIDS IN TANZANIA
Authors: AKARRO ROCKY R. J. 
Published: April 2008

SummarySome socioeconomic and demographic factors contributing to the use of condoms among bar maids were studied in selected urban areas in Tanzania. Bar maids were classified according to whether or not they use condoms, and logistic regression was used in the analysis. Of the demographic variables studied, age, marital status, education level, use of alcohol and wage rate showed a significant relationship at the 1% level between individual factors and use of condoms. The odds ratios show that girls aged 10–14 are over 18,000 times more likely not to use condoms compared with women aged 30 and above. Those who drink are 6·6 times (1/0·165) less likely to use condoms compared with those who do not drink. In other words, alcohol consumption can be a stimulus for an individual not to use condoms. It is clear that young girls who drink are at the highest risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in comparison with older females. A multiple logistic regression model shows all the aforementioned factors to be significant at the 1% level. A policy recommendation is made that the government should impose restrictions as far as employment of bar maids is concerned.
Treatment of traumatic optic neuropathy: our experience of endoscopic optic nerve decompression
Authors: Li H , Zhou B , Shi J , Cheng L , Wen W , Xu G 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:Traumatic optic neuropathy can be treated by various methods including steroids and surgical decompression. Endoscopic optic nerve decompression has been suggested to be effective in treating this condition. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of treating traumatic optic neuropathy with steroids and endoscopic surgical decompression.Methods:Two hundred and thirty-seven patients with traumatic optic neuropathy were treated with steroids; 176 also consented to endoscopic optic nerve decompression.Results:The total vision improvement rate was 55 per cent in the 176 patients treated with both steroids and endoscopic optic nerve decompression, compared with 51 per cent in the 61 patients treated with steroids alone; this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Treatment with steroids plus endoscopic optic nerve decompression resulted in a significantly greater vision improvement in patients with gradual vision loss, compared with those with immediate blindness (68vs42 per cent, respectively). Early surgery (within one week) was an important prognostic factor for vision recovery, compared with more delayed surgical treatment (associated vision improvement rates were 60 and 31 per cent, respectively).Conclusions:Endoscopic optic nerve decompression is a minimally invasive, safe and efficient treatment for traumatic optic neuropathy. Used in combination with steroids, it provides effective rescue for some patients suffering visual loss. It should be undertaken as soon as possible.
Bulimia and oesophageal foreign bodies
Authors: Sastry A , Karkos P D , Leong S , Hampal S 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives:To demonstrate the importance of a detailed history when assessing patients with a repeated pattern of foreign body ingestion.Case report:A 19-year-old woman presented to our department following accidental ingestion of a teaspoon. On further questioning, she admitted to a habit of binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting, in order to avoid weight gain; she blamed this behaviour on a stressful relationship with her partner. She also had one previous episode of accidental ingestion of a plastic spoon, which had been removed by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. The patient underwent an uneventful rigid oesophagoscopy and foreign body removal. During post-operative recovery, she admitted that she had suffered for years with bulimia and anorexia nervosa. She was discharged home after appropriate psychiatric counselling, and follow up was arranged.Conclusions:Oesophageal foreign bodies are commonly encountered in otolaryngology practice. Such circumstances are often compounded by pre-existing psychiatric problems such as bulimia and/or anorexia nervosa. Patients with bulimia may often present with a very similar pattern of multiple episodes of ingestion of large foreign bodies. Identification of this eating disorder (especially when there is a recurrent history of large, accidentally ingested foreign bodies) and prompt psychiatric referral is essential for efficient long-term management of this condition.
Cystic echinococcosis in a wild population of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata), a threatened macropodid
Authors: BARNES T. S. , GOLDIZEN A. W. , MORTON J. M. , COLEMAN G. T. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYInfection of small macropodids with the larval stage ofEchinococcus granulosuscan cause fatalities as well as significant pulmonary impairment and other adverse sequelae. The brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) is a small macropodid listed as vulnerable on the IUCN'sRed List of Threatened Species. This study used radiographic techniques to determine the prevalence and severity of pulmonary hydatid infection and growth rates of hydatid cysts in a wild population of this macropodid. The overall prevalence was 15·3% (9/59 animals) with 20·0% (8/40 animals) of adults infected. During the study period, the death of at least 1 infected animal was directly attributed to pulmonary hydatidosis. Rapid cyst growth occurred in some animals (up to 43% increase in cyst volume in 3 months). Cyst volume reduced lung capacity by up to 17%. Secondary pulmonary changes were uncommon but, in 1 animal, resulted in reduction in lung capacity by approximately 50%. Infection was associated with a higher blood urea concentration, but no significant differences in other blood variables were detected. These results indicate that hydatid infection may be a significant risk to threatened populations of small macropodids and should be addressed in conservation management plans for these animals.
Adaptive control schemes for autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Sun Yeow Cheng , Cheah Chien Chern 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYIn this paper, two adaptive proportional-derivative (PD) control laws are proposed for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The proposed adaptive controllers require only model of gravity and buoyancy regressor matrix and do not need any knowledge of inertia matrix, Coriolis and centripetal force, hydrodynamic damping, and the parameters of the gravity and buoyancy force. Hence, the proposed controllers have the advantages of simplicity and ease of implementation. We shall also prove that the setpoint controller is a special case of the region reaching controller when a desired region is reduced to a point. Furthermore, the inverse Jacobian matrix is not required in the control laws. Lyapunov-like functions are proposed for the stability analysis. Simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
A shape memory alloy-based tendon-driven actuation system for biomimetic artificial fingers, part I: design and evaluation
Authors: Bundhoo Vishalini , Haslam Edmund , Birch Benjamin , Park Edward J. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYIn this paper, a new biomimetic tendon-driven actuation system for prosthetic and wearable robotic hand applications is presented. It is based on the combination of compliant tendon cables and one-way shape memory alloy (SMA) wires that form a set of agonist–antagonist artificial muscle pairs for the required flexion/extension or abduction/adduction of the finger joints. The performance of the proposed actuation system is demonstrated using a 4 degree-of-freedom (three active and one passive) artificial finger testbed, also developed based on a biomimetic design approach. A microcontroller-based pulse-width-modulated proportional-derivation (PWM-PD) feedback controller and a minimum jerk trajectory feedforward controller are implemented and tested in anad hocfashion to evaluate the performance of the finger system in emulating natural joint motions. Part II describes the dynamic modeling of the above nonlinear system, and the model-based controller design.
Etale homotopy and sums-of-squares formulas
Authors: DUGGER DANIEL , ISAKSEN DANIEL C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper uses a relative ofBP-cohomology to prove a theorem in characteristicpalgebra. Specifically, we obtain some new necessary conditions for the existence of sums-of-squares formulas over fields of characteristicp>2. These conditions were previously known in characteristic zero by results of Davis. Our proof uses a generalized étale cohomology theory called étaleBP2.
Transporter-mediated GABA responses in horizontal and bipolar cells of zebrafish retina
Authors: NELSON RALPH , BENDER ANNA M. , CONNAUGHTON VICTORIA P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGABA-mediated interactions between horizontal cells (HCs) and bipolar cells (BCs) transform signals within the image-processing circuitry of distal retina. To further understand this process, we have studied the GABA-driven membrane responses from isolated retinal neurons. Papain-dissociated retinal cells from adult zebrafish were exposed to GABAergic ligands while transmembrane potentials were monitored with a fluorescent voltage-sensitive dye (oxonol, DiBaC4(5)). In HCs hyperpolarizing, ionotropic GABA responses were almost never seen, nor were responses to baclofen or glycine. A GABA-induced depolarization followed by after hyperpolarization (dep/AHP) occurred in 38% of HCs. The median fluorescence increase (depcomponent) was 0.17 log units, about 22 mV. HC dep/AHP was not blocked by bicuculline or picrotoxin. Muscimol rarely evoked dep/AHP responses. In BCs picrotoxin sensitive, hyperpolarizing, ionotropic GABA and muscimol responses occurred in most cells. A picrotoxin insensitive dep/AHP response was seen in about 5% of BCs. The median fluorescence increase (depcomponent) was 0.18 log units, about 23 mV. Some BCs expressed both muscimol-induced hyperpolarizations and GABA-induced dep/AHP responses. For all cells, the pooled Hill fit to mediandepamplitudes, in response to treatments with a GABA concentration series, gave an apparentkof 0.61 μM and annof 1.1. The dep/AHP responses of all cells required both extracellular Na+and Cl−, as dep/AHP was blocked reversibly by Li+substituted for Na+and irreversibly by isethionate substituted for Cl−. All cells with dep/AHP responses in zebrafish have the membrane physiology of neurons expressing GABA transporters. These cells likely accumulate GABA, a characteristic of GABAergic neurons. We suggest Na+drives GABA into these cells, depolarizing the plasma membrane and triggering Na+, K+-dependent ATPase. The ATPase activity generates AHP. In addition to a GABA clearance function, these large-amplitude transporter responses may provide an outer plexiform layer GABA sensor mechanism.