bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The solubility of apricot kernel oil in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Özkal Sami Gökhan , Yener Meryem Esra , Bayındırlı Levent 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe solubility of kernel oil from apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) in supercritical carbon dioxide at 313.15, 323.15 and 333.15 K and at 15, 30, 45, 52.5 and 60 MPa was determined. Appropriate models were fitted to the data and the crossover pressure of apricot kernel oil was found to be between 20 and 30 MPa. Crossover pressure is a pressure value at which the effect of temperature on the solubility changes. Solubility increased as the temperature increased above the crossover pressure but decreased when temperature increased below the crossover pressure. It increased with an increase in pressure over all of the temperature range. The solubility data were well represented by models based on density but the best was found to be the Adachi & Lu equation. An empirical model that did not require density data for CO2 was proposed to relate solubility to temperature and pressure and it was found equally successful to the Adachi & Lu equation.
Re‐analysis of meta‐analysis: support for the stress‐gradient hypothesis
Authors: LORTIE CHRISTOPHER J. , CALLAWAY RAGAN M. 
Published: November 2005

Summary

Using meta‐analysis, Maestre et al. (2005, Journal of Ecology, 93, 748–757) recently rejected the predictions of the stress‐gradient hypothesis for arid and semi‐arid environments in entirety. It was concluded that neither positive nor negative effects of neighbours increased with abiotic stress and that different theoretical models are now needed.
In light of this sweeping conclusion, we re‐examined the analytical approach and explored the general synthetic power of meta‐analysis.
Detailed statistical re‐analyses demonstrated that some of the meta‐analyses of Maestre et al. were robust. However, more rigorous data selection criteria, changing gradient lengths between studies and covariance in response effects did not support their original conclusions. Additionally, application of more rigorous data selection criteria did allow us to detect a significant and consistent positive effect of neighbours, which suggests that facilitation is important at many points along stress gradients.
Careful evaluation of the studies used by Maestre et al. also revealed serious limitations. Many studies included in the meta‐analyses were not conducted along stress gradients, did not identify a stress gradient within the study, focused on invasive species or were not peer reviewed. Most importantly, however, gradient lengths were not quantified and appeared to differ dramatically among studies. This crucial source of variation was not accounted for statistically nor in the interpretations.
Meta‐analyses are useful tools for synthesis and description but are inherently limited by the appropriateness of the data selected. Unfortunately, in this particular instance, the data available to and selected by Maestre et al. did not adequately test the stress‐gradient hypothesis and cannot thus reject its value for understanding the organization of plant communities in arid systems.
The ecological implication of our synthesis is that meta‐analytical summary statistics may not always tell the whole story. Alternative interpretations of differences in effect sizes (or lack thereof) are possible because studies will vary in their ability to test specific predictions of a hypothesis, and furthermore, a certain level of judgement is required to infer the relative importance of certain ideas to synthetic progress within a discipline.
Effects of mesoscale environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation on floristic variation in rain forest ferns
Authors: JONES MIRKKA M. , TUOMISTO HANNA , CLARK DAVID B. , OLIVAS PAULO 
Published: November 2005

Summary

Field studies to evaluate the roles of environmental variation and random dispersal in explaining variation in the floristic composition of rain forest plants at landscape to regional scales have yet to reach a consensus. Moreover, only one study has focused on scales below 10 km2, where the effects of dispersal limitation are expected to be easiest to observe.
In the present study, we estimate the importance of differences in some key environmental variables (describing canopy openness, soils and topography) relative to the geographical distances between sample plots as determinants of differences in pteridophyte (ferns and fern allies) species composition between plots within a c. 5.7 km2 lowland rain forest site in Costa Rica.
To assess the relative importance of environmental vs. geographical distances in relation to the length of environmental gradient covered, we compared the results obtained over the full range of soil types, including swamps, with those for upland soils alone.
Environmental variability was found to be a far stronger predictor of changes in floristic differences than the geographical distance between sample plots. In particular, differences in soil nutrient content, drainage and canopy openness correlated with floristic differences.
The decline in mean floristic similarity with increasing geographical distance was stronger than proposed by the random dispersal model over short distances (up to c. 100 m), which is probably attributable to both dispersal limitation and environmental changes. The scatter around the mean was large at all distances.
Our initial expectation was that the effects of dispersal limitation (represented by geographical distance) on observed patterns of floristic similarity would be stronger, and those of environmental differences weaker, than at broader spatial scales. Instead, these results suggest that the niche assembly view is a more accurate representation of pteridophyte communities at local to mesoscales than the dispersal assembly view.
Is the reducing effect of the Staff Observation Aggression Scale owing to a learning effect? An explorative study
Authors: DE NIET G. J. , HUTSCHEMAEKERS G. J. M. , LENDEMEIJER B. H. H. G. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis study explores the decline in the amount of reported aggression incidents when using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale (SOAS). Because this decline could hold significant implications for practice or research, the objective of this study was to explore the plausible explanations for this phenomenon. The influence of systematic feedback of the gained data was also studied. The SOAS was introduced on a closed ward in a psychiatric institution in the Netherlands as a measuring instrument to assess the amount of aggression incidents during a 16‐week period. The standard procedure for reporting general incidents was continued. After 10 weeks of registration, systematic feedback of the gathered data took place. Statistic analysis was used to determine significant changes in the total amount as well as on the various forms of aggression. During this observation period, qualitative data were collected to support the analysis of the quantitative data. A significant decrease in the total amount of reported aggression incidents as well as in the categories of ‘verbal aggression’ and ‘remaining aggression’ was found. However, the category ‘physical aggression’ was stable during the entire observation period. The number of standard procedure reports did not decrease when compared with the pre‐test period. Nursing staff did not recognize a reduction in the amount of aggression incidents. The role of a learning effect in the reduction of reports on aggression incidents is not excluded but there are indications that the reduction is also the result of ‘reporting fatigue’ and ‘shifting attention’.
An Upper Aptian saline pan/lake system from the Brazilian equatorial margin: integration of facies and isotopes
Authors: PAZ JACKSON D. S. , ROSSETTI DILCE F. , MACAMBIRA MOACIR J. B. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractFacies and isotope (Sr and S) data were combined in order to discuss the genesis and palaeohydrology of an Upper Aptian evaporite succession formed during the initial development of an intra‐continental rift from northern Brazil. Comparison of facies distribution between two investigated areas shows: (i) stable, well‐stratified and hypersaline lakes with periods of anoxia and closure in the eastern margin of the basin, where there was evaporite precipitation only in central lake environments; and (ii) more ephemeral conditions in the eastern margin of the basin, where a saline pan complex developed and evaporite precipitation took place mainly in marginal salinas and surrounding mudflats. In both areas, expansion/contraction cycles developed as sedimentation took place, accompanied by a decrease and then an increase in 87Sr/86Sr‐ and δ34S‐isotope values. This, combined with the wide distribution of Sr‐ and S‐isotope data within individual depositional cycles, as well as petrographic and scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) images, led to the conclusion that diagenesis was not enough to obscure the primary geochemical signature. A non‐marine brine source is suggested by 87Sr/86Sr ratios between 0·707824 and 0·709280, which are higher than those from Upper Aptian sea water (i.e. between 0·70720 and 0·70735). The δ34S value varies from 16·12 to 17·89‰ in the eastern margin of the basin, which is in disagreement with Upper Aptian marine values (13 to 16‰). Both geochemical tracers were influenced by facies characteristics, and thus a model is provided, where 87Sr/86Sr values respond to changes in expansion and contraction episodes of saline pan/lake systems.
Temporal and Geographic Variation in the Advertisement Call of the Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis: Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Smith Michael J. , Hunter David 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe mechanisms that underlie sexual selection rely upon within‐ and among‐individual variability in the targeted traits. In this study, we examined variation in the advertisement call of the booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) at several different levels: between populations, between breeding seasons in the same population, among males within a population, within males between nights and within males in a single calling bout. The call of L. booroolongensis has multiple notes with a pulsed structure. We detected considerable variation in advertisement call structure between breeding seasons and between populations. The measured call properties ranged from static to dynamic; however, most properties were intermediate between the criteria that have been traditionally used to define call traits as static or dynamic (≤5 and ≥12% respectively). We compared actual and relative repeatabilities and found that the temporal call properties associated with the structure of the note had the highest values, suggesting that these characters in particular may respond to selection. We argue that relative repeatabilities are a particularly useful measure of the potential for evolutionary response to selection as they account for an individual's relative performance during the period of assessment in an ever‐changing breeding arena.
Trophic Egg Production in a Subsocial Shield Bug,Parastrachia japonensisScott (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae), and its Functional Value
Authors: Hironaka Mantaro , Nomakuchi Shintaro , Iwakuma Shiho , Filippi Lisa 
Published: November 2005

AbstractFemales of the gregarious shield bug,Parastrachia japonensisScott (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae) engage in extensive parental care behaviors that include egg and nymph guarding and progressive provisioning of drupes of the solitary host tree,Schoepfia jasminodora(Olacaceae: Rosidae: Santales). We noted that some eggs in every egg mass failed to turn pink and develop eye‐spots indicative of developing embryos, suggesting that they are infertile, and therefore non‐viable. We also observed newly hatched nymphs probing, and presumably feeding, on the egg mass remains. In the present report, through field observations and experiments involving removal of these non‐viable eggs in the laboratory, we demonstrate that their presence is correlated with significant increases in nymphal weight, developmental rate and survival in the absence of other food. Thus, we conclude that an additional manifestation of the parental care behaviors thatP. japonensisfemales use to increase their reproductive success is the production of trophic eggs. Some physical traits of the trophic eggs and their functional role in this system are discussed in the context of our current theoretical understanding of extended parental care.
Facultative Second Oviposition as an Adaptation to Egg Loss in a Semelparous Crab Spider
Authors: Futami Kyoko , Akimoto Shin‐ichi 
Published: November 2005

AbstractSemelparity is prevalent in arthropod species that exhibit maternal care. Previous hypotheses postulated that long‐term maternal care constrains future reproduction in females, leading to the evolution of semelparity. Nevertheless, females may occasionally lose all or part of their offspring because of predation or other causes. Where females lose the first egg mass for any reason, the potential for females to produce an additional egg mass could be adaptive. This potential may be found widely among semelparous arthropods as a conditional strategy. We tested this hypothesis using the crab spider Lysiteles coronatus whose females guard their egg mass against predators. L. coronatus females did not consume food during the 40‐d guarding period; this resulted in a 30.2% loss in their weight. When the females were separated from their eggs immediately after oviposition and were provided with food, they resumed feeding and their ovaries redeveloped. Dissection of guarding females indicated that their ovaries developed temporarily during egg guarding and that the developed ovaries were subsequently reabsorbed. These results suggest that the females maintain the potential to produce a second egg mass in case of egg loss, but that this potential declines towards the end of the guarding period. Field observations showed that a small fraction of the females oviposited in late July, when most females had completed egg guarding. The size of the late broods was similar to the oocyte numbers that we found in the females fed in the laboratory. This result suggests that a few females produced a second egg mass after they had lost the first one. Thus, we suggest that facultative second oviposition in L. coronatus females has evolved as an adaptation to egg loss, and that the development of ovaries during the guarding period is intrinsically programmed for compensatory oviposition.
Prevalence of Fasciolosis in Zambian Cattle Observed at Selected Abattoirs with Emphasis on Age, Sex and Origin
Authors: Phiri A. M. , Phiri I. K. , Sikasunge C. S. , Monrad J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some factors influencing occurrence of fasciolosis in cattle, carried out at selected major abattoirs in Zambia. Of 841 cattle livers inspected and 677 faecal samples analysed, prevalence rates of 53.9% and 48.9%, respectively, were found. Cumulative prevalence of 60.9% (n = 677) was recorded. According to age, no significant difference of infection was found. Female cattle on liver inspection (59.3%) and coprological examination (65.2%) had significantly higher (P < 0.001) rates than males (44.5% and 36.3% respectively). Origin of cattle had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the prevalence rate. According to fluke egg count classification, 68.5% of cattle had light infection, 20.9% moderate, 4.4% heavy and 6.2% severe. These results indicate that Fasciola gigantica infection is an important condition that leads to high liver condemnations and/or trimmings in cattle tendered for slaughter.
Adherence of Streptococcus suis to Porcine Endothelial Cells
Authors: Benga L. , Friedl P. , Valentin‐Weigand P. 
Published: November 2005

Summary Streptococcus suis can cause invasive diseases in pigs and humans, such as meningitis or arthritis. Adherence to and invasion of endothelial cells might represent important steps in survival and spread of S. suis within the host. We tested in vitro adherence and invasion of S. suis strains using a porcine brain microvascular and aortal endothelial cell line. Four S. suis strains were tested with and without prior treatment with porcine serum containing anti‐S. suis antibodies. Strains included a capsular serotype 2 strain and its non‐encapsulated isogenic mutant strain, as well as two non‐typeable (NT) strains, which expressed no capsule under our experimental conditions. Strains adhered to both cell lines to different extents depending on encapsulation and pre‐treatment with porcine immune serum. The serotype 2 strain showed almost no adherence, whereas the non‐encapsulated mutant strain adhered strongly. Similarly, both NT strains adhered substantially better than the serotype 2 strain. Pre‐treatment of bacteria with porcine serum increased adherence of the encapsulated serotype 2 strain and decreased adherence of the non‐encapsulated strains. None of the strains was able to efficiently invade either of the two cell lines, except for one NT strain, which showed a very low extend of invasion. Our results suggest that S. suis can adhere to but not invade porcine endothelial cells, and that this interaction may involve different bacterial surface structures, such as capsular polysaccharides and/or binding sites for serum components.
VP2‐segment Sequence Analysis of Some Isolates of Bluetongue Virus Recovered in the Mediterranean Basin During the 1998–2003 Outbreak
Authors: Potgieter A. C. , Monaco F. , Mangana O. , Nomikou K. , Yadin H. , Savini G. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe complete nucleotide sequences of the VP2 segments of bluetongue virus (BTV) isolates recovered from Italy, Greece and Israel, from 1998 to 2003, were determined. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences, those from related viruses and the South African vaccine strains, were used to determine the probable geographic origin of BTV incursions into Italy. Results indicated that viruses from each of the four serotypes isolated in Italy (2, 4, 9 and 16) possibly had a different origin. Analysis of the bluetongue virus serotype 2 (BTV‐2) isolates gave evidence that this serotype probably moved from Tunisia. BTV‐4 results showed probable incursion from the southwest and not from Greece or Israel. BTV‐9 isolates clearly have an eastern origin (most probably Greece), whereas BTV‐16 isolates are indistinguishable from the BTV‐16 live attenuated vaccine strain. The phylogenetic findings were supported by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis of the complete amplified genome of each isolate except for BTV‐16 Italian field isolate, which showed a slightly different PAGE profile. A combination of the complete VP2 sequencing and PAGE analysis of complete genomes, allowed not only phylogenetic analysis, but also vaccine detection and assessment of reassortment events.
Evaluation of the epidemiological importance of classical swine fever infected, E2 sub‐unit marker vaccinated animals with RT‐nPCR positive blood samples
Authors: Dewulf J. , Koenen F. , Ribbens S. , Haegeman A. , Laevens H. , De Kruif A. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryIt has been demonstrated that pigs that have been double vaccinated with an E2 sub‐unit marker vaccine and that are infected with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) through a natural contact infection may react positive in a CSFV detecting RT‐nPCR test, whereas no virus could be isolated by using the conventional virus isolation (VI) technique. To evaluate whether these vaccinated and infected pigs may spread the virus, three experiments were set up. In the first, susceptible pigs were inoculated with serum originating from vaccinated RT‐nPCR positive pigs. In the second, vaccinated RT‐nPCR positive pigs were brought into contact with sentinel animals. In the third, vertical transmission was evaluated in RT‐nPCR positive vaccinated pregnant gilts. In the first two experiments, no proof of virus transmission was found, whereas in the third vertical transmission was observed. The conclusion is that in vaccinated pigs that are positive in RT‐nPCR but negative in VI, the level of circulating virus is probably not high enough for horizontal transmission, whereas vertical transmission of the virus is possible.
Detection of Canine Distemper Virus in Blood Samples by Reverse Transcription Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Cho H. S. , Park N. Y. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryReverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) was used to detect canine distemper virus (CDV) genomic RNA. A set of four primers, two outer and two inner, were designed from CDV genomic RNA targeting the nucleocapsid protein gene. The optimal reaction time and temperature for LAMP were determined to be 60 min at 65°C. The relative sensitivity and specificity of RT‐LAMP was found to be 100% and 93.3%, respectively, based on 50 canine blood samples and using RT‐PCR as the gold standard. The detection limit of the RT‐LAMP method was 100 times lower than with RT‐PCR (10‐1TCID50 ml−1 versus 10TCID50 ml−1). In addition to the advantage resulting from the visual detection of the end‐product, the LAMP method is fast, requiring only 1 h to complete the assay. The LAMP method is a viable alternative to RT‐PCR for diagnosing CDV infection in dogs. The LAMP method might be useful as an on site diagnostic assay for detecting CDV.
Agricultural change and paddock tree loss: Implications for an endangered subspecies of Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
Authors: Maron Martine 
Published: November 2005

Summary  Natural senescence and the intensification of agricultural practices are contributing to the continuing loss of paddock trees from agricultural regions in Australia. This is of particular concern in the southern Wimmera of western Victoria, where much of the endangered Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) Woodland vegetation community is represented only by relict Buloke trees in paddocks, which also constitute critical feeding habitat for the endangered south‐eastern subspecies of the Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne). I investigated the rate and correlates of loss of scattered Buloke trees in paddocks by examining aerial photographs taken over a period of 15 years in a region undergoing agricultural intensification. Tree loss over the period was measured using aerial photographs of five localities, covering a total of 7850 ha of agricultural land in the southern Wimmera. The average rate of loss (± 1 SE) was 25.8% ± 6.4% over the 15 years, or 1.7% per annum. The rate of tree loss was higher in areas under cultivation (32.5%) than areas under pasture (20.6%). A disproportionate number of trees was lost from locations where centre pivot irrigation systems were installed. Because of the slow growth rate of Buloke trees, revegetation efforts and offset planting are unlikely to compensate for losses of Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo habitat for approximately 100 years.