bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episodic memory improvements due to noninvasive stimulation targeting the cortical–hippocampal network: A replication and extension experiment
Authors: Hermiller Molly S. , Karp Erica , Nilakantan Aneesha S. , Voss Joel L.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The distributed cortical network of the human hippocampus is important for episodic memory. In a previous experiment, noninvasive stimulation of the hippocampal‐cortical network applied for five consecutive days improved paired‐associate learning measured after the stimulation regimen via cued recall (Wang et al., Science, 2014, 345, 1054). This finding has not yet been directly replicated. Furthermore, evidence for long‐lasting effects of stimulation on paired‐associate learning was obtained by analyzing relatively small subsamples (Wang & Voss, Hippocampus, 2015, 25, 877) and requires further evaluation.

Methods

Sixteen healthy young adults participated in this replication study using the same experimental design as the original study. Participants received 1 week of active stimulation and 1 week of sham stimulation, with memory assessments occurring at the beginning (pre) and end (post) of each week. Assessments included the paired‐associate task used in the original study, as well as a long‐term episodic memory retention task in order to test the hypothesis that increased paired‐associate learning could come at the cost of accelerated long‐term forgetting. Change in memory scores was evaluated within (pre vs. post) and across (active vs. sham) weeks.

Results

Similar to Wang et al., paired‐associate learning was significantly improved after 1 week of active stimulation but not after 1 week of sham stimulation. We found no evidence that stimulation increased long‐term forgetting for either week.

Conclusion

These findings confirm the beneficial effects of stimulation on episodic memory that were reported previously and indicate that stimulation‐related gains in new learning ability do not come at the price of accelerated long‐term forgetting.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio predicts post‐thrombolysis early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Gong Pengyu , Xie Yi , Jiang Teng , Liu Yukai , Wang Meng , Sun Huanhuan , Zhang Shuting , Zhang Yingdong , Zhang Xiaohao , Zhou Junshan
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 hr after symptoms onset. However, a fraction of patients would develop early neurological deterioration (END) after IVT. The aim of our study was to explore the utility of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting END.

Methods

From October 2016 to March 2018, 342 consecutive patients with thrombolytic therapy were prospectively enrolled in this study. Blood cell counts were sampled in stroke emergency room before IVT. END was defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score increase of ≥4 points within 24 hr after IVT. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the potential risk factors of END. We also performed receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and nomogram analysis to assess the overall discriminative ability of the NLR in predicting END.

Results

Of the 342 patients, 86 (25.1%) participants were identified with END. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patients with NLR in the third tertile, compared with the first tertile, were more likely to have END (odds ratio, 9.783; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.847–19.764; p = .001). The association remained significant even after controlled for potential confounders. Also, a cutoff value of 4.43 for NLR was detected in predicting post‐thrombolysis END with a sensitivity of 70.9% and a specificity of 79.3% (area under curve, 0.779; 95% CI, 0.731–0.822). Furthermore, our established nomogram indicated that higher NLR was an indicator of post‐thrombolysis END (c‐index was 0.789, p < .001).

Conclusions

This study showed that elevated level of NLR may predict post‐thrombolysis END in ischemic stroke patients.
Incidence of benign and malignant peri‐implant fluid collections and masses on magnetic resonance imaging in women with silicone implants
Authors: Sutton Elizabeth J. , Dashevsky Brittany Z. , Watson Elizabeth J. , Tyagi Neelam , Bernard‐Davila Blanca , Martinez Danny , Dogan Ahmet , Horwitz Steven M. , Cordeiro Peter G. , Morris Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2019

Background

To assess the incidence of benign and malignant peri‐implant fluid collections and/or masses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women with silicone implants who are being screened for silent implant rupture.

Methods

The institutional review board approved this HIPAA‐compliant retrospective study and waived informed consent. Women who underwent silicone implant oncoplastic and/or cosmetic surgery and postoperative implant‐protocol MRI from 2000 to 2014 were included. Peri‐implant fluid collections and/or masses were measured volumetrically. A benign peri‐implant fluid collection and/or mass was pathologically proven or defined as showing 2 years of imaging and/or clinical stability. A malignant peri‐implant fluid collection was pathologically proven. Incidence of peri‐implant fluid collections and/or masses and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated on a per‐patient level using proportions and exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fisher's exact test was used in the analysis to test statistical significance pre‐defined as P‐value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 1070 women with silicone implants were included (mean age, 50.7 years; range, 40.4‐53.8). Median time between reconstructive surgery and first MRI was 88.9 months (range, 0.8‐1363.3). Eighteen women (1.7%) had a peri‐implant fluid collection and/or mass: 15/18 (83.3%) had adequate follow‐up; and only 1/15 was malignant implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, with a PPV of 6.7% (95% CI: 0.003‐0.0005). The median peri‐implant fluid collection size was 89 mL (range, 18‐450 mL).

Conclusion

Peri‐implant fluid collections and/or masses identified at silicone implant protocol breast MR imaging are rarely seen 24 months after reconstructive surgery. Image‐guided fine‐needle aspiration with flow cytometry may be warranted to evaluate for implant‐associated lymphoma.
Operative and peri‐operative considerations in the management of brain metastasis
Authors: Sankey Eric W. , Tsvankin Vadim , Grabowski Matthew M. , Nayar Gautam , Batich Kristen A. , Risman Aida , Champion Cosette D. , Salama April K. S. , Goodwin C. Rory , Fecci Peter E.
Published: October 2019

The number of patients who develop metastatic brain lesions is increasing as the diagnosis and treatment of systemic cancers continues to improve, resulting in longer patient survival. The role of surgery in the management of brain metastasis (BM), particularly multiple and recurrent metastases, remains controversial and continues to evolve. However, with appropriate patient selection, outcomes after surgery are typically favorable. In addition, surgery is the only means to obtain a tissue diagnosis and is the only effective treatment modality to quickly relieve neurological complications or life‐threatening symptoms related to significant mass effect, CSF obstruction, and peritumoral edema. As such, a thorough understanding of the role of surgery in patients with metastatic brain lesions, as well as the factors associated with surgical outcomes, is essential for the effective management of this unique and growing patient population.
Subjective and objective socieoeconomic status and the impact on overall variance in clinical outcomes
Authors: Hawley Lisa D.
Published: October 2019

Objective

The current investigation examined objective and subjective socioeconomic status (SES) measures on mental health outcomes with a counselling population.

Method

Measures of SES included education level, income, savings, health care, perceived SES, perceived financial security and economic positioning. Two hierarchical regression models assessed objective and subjective SES measures with clinical outcomes using the OQ‐45.2.

Results

The results of the preliminary study indicate that subjective SES is a better predictor of mental health outcomes than objective SES.

Conclusions

More exploration of subjective SES as a predictor in counselling outcome research is needed.
Effects of barley flour on dough rheology, texture, sensory and glycemic index of traditional unleavened flat bread (Roti)
Authors: Mansoor Remal , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Arif Saqib , Moin Abeera , Hasnain Abid
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

The effects of the addition of barley flour on rheological, textural, sensory, and glycemic index of unleavened flat bread (Roti) were evaluated. The objective was to increase barley flour consumption in daily diet through its addition in roti, a staple food of Pakistan.

Findings

Substitution of barley flour resulted in lower water absorption of doughs owing to the lower quality of gluten network. Rheological analysis showed increase in storage moduli of dough on barley flour addition. The rotis supplemented with barley flour were found to be less elastic and stiffer. Sensory panelists were unable to distinguish flat breads made from (5 to 25) % barley flour addition. Addition of 50% barley flour significantly reduced glycemic index of roti whereas that of control roti was found to be 81.9%.

Conclusion

Addition of barley flour resulted in development of healthier breads with reduced glycemic index.

Significance and Novelty

The effect of addition of barley flour on roti has never been studied before. Roti is a staple food for many countries and is eaten three times with meal. Therefore, addition of barley flour to roti would increase consumption of barley flour in daily diet.
A case of modern management of Morgagni‐Adam‐Stokes syndrome
Authors: Negroni Maria Silvia , Furia Francesca , Bursi Francesca , Canevini Maria Paola , Carugo Stefano
Published: October 2019

Transient loss of consciousness initially diagnosed as epileptic seizures and then documented as paroxysmal atrioventricular block. Cardiac resynchronization and defibrillator therapy guided by a multimodality approach.
Invasive mole in a perimenopausal woman with lung and vaginal metastases: A case report
Authors: Martínez Leocadio Cristina , García Villayzán José , García‐Foncillas López Jesús , Idrovo Franklin , Plaza Arranz Javier , Albi González Manuel
Published: October 2019

Gestational trophoblastic disease can result in serious complications and disease progression. Therefore, follow‐up of such patients is essential for early detection of malignant trophoblastic tumors and to reduce mortality rate. Primary treatment is chemotherapy but hysterectomy should be considered in patients who have uncontrollable hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability.
Meropenem pharmacokinetics during relapsing peritonitis due to ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaciae in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Shoji Kensuke , Saito Jumpei , Oho Yusuke , Matsumoto Shotaro , Aoki Satoshi , Fukuda Akinari , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Capparelli Edmund , Miyairi Isao
Published: October 2019

We report on an 8‐year‐old girl with Wilson disease who developed three episodes of peritonitis due to extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli after liver transplantation. Massive ascites were thought to account for low meropenem concentrations with standard dosing. Extending the infusion achieved higher troughs, greater time above minimum inhibitory concentration.
Patients report more severe daily limitations than recognized by their physicians
Authors: Castro Renata R. T. , Joyce Emer , Lakdawala Neal K. , Stewart Garrick , Nohria Anju , Givertz Michael M. , Desai Akshay , Lewis Eldrin F. , Stevenson Lynne W.
Published: October 2019

Background

Patient limitations guide selection of heart failure therapies, for which indications often specify New York Heart Association Class.

Objectives

To determine the extent of patient‐reported limitations during daily activities and compare to New York Heart Association class assigned by providers during the same visit, and to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) group.

Methods and Results

While waiting for their appointment, 948 patients on return visits to an ambulatory HF clinic completed a written questionnaire assessing specific activity limitations, which were compared to physician‐assigned NYHA class during the same visit. Patient‐reported limitation to perform daily activity ranged from 25% for bathing to 61% for yardwork or housework and 71% for jogging or hurrying. Most patients who did not report limitations to perform daily life activities were correctly classified as NYHA I by the physicians (76%), but 12% of the 376 patients classified as NYHA I reported limitations to showering or bathing and 73% reported limitations while doing yardwork or house work. Limitation to walking was reported by 172 patients (50%) classified as class II. Limitations to walking one block were most common in patients with LVEF ≥40% compared to patients with LVEF <40%, and least commonly, in HF with better EF (improved from 31 ± 13 to 52 ± 7).

Conclusions

Activity limitations are commonly reported by ambulatory HF patients, but underestimated by physicians. It is not clear how this should guide therapy validated for NYHA class but focused activity questions may merit wider use to track limitations and improvement in ambulatory HF.
Detection of concealed structural heart disease by imaging in patients with apparently idiopathic premature ventricular complexes: A review of current literature
Authors: Sassone Biagio , Muser Daniele , Casella Michela , Luzi Mario , Virzì Santo , Balla Cristina , Nucifora Gaetano ,   for the Task Force on Imaging and Task Force on Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia of the Italian Association of Arrhythmias and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC)
Published: October 2019

Background

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are the most common form of ventricular arrhythmia in the general population. While in most cases PVCs represent a primitive phenomenon with benign behavior, in a non‐negligible proportion of subjects frequent PVCs may be epiphenomenon of underlying occult heart diseases, requiring special medical attention since they have been resulted linked to increased total and cardiac mortality. Nevertheless, PVCs themselves, when incessantly frequent, may be responsible for left ventricular dysfunction in otherwise normal heart. Aim of this narrative review is to update current knowledge on the general approach to patients with frequent PVCs on the basis of available data, with a special focus on the value of imaging.

Hypothesis

Routine diagnostic work‐up not infrequently miss subtle concealed arrhythmic substrate, leading to erroneously refer to such arrhythmias as to “idiopathic”.

Methods

Literature search of PVCs articles was conducted in PubMed and Scopus electronic database.

Results

Conflicting data arise from literature about the true clinical significance of idiopathic PVCs. There is growing body of data providing evidence that more advanced non‐invasive imaging modalities, such as cardiac magnetic resonance, have an incremental diagnostic and prognostic value. On the other hand, in some cases the prognostic significance of isolated subtle myocardial structural abnormalities in patients with PVCs, still remains area of uncertainty.

Conclusion

In selected subjects with PVCs and high‐risk features for concealed arrhythmic substrate, traditional assessment to rule out the presence of heart disease, including surface ECG and transthoracic echocardiography, should be implemented with more advanced cardiovascular imaging modalities.
Lumbar spinal cord neurons putatively involved in ejaculation are sexually dimorphic in early postnatal mice
Authors: Federighi Giuseppe , Asteriti Sabrina , Cangiano Lorenzo
Published: October 2019

A crucial role in ejaculation is thought to be played by a population of lumbar spino‐thalamic neurons (LSt), which express galanin and other neuropeptides. In rats, these neurons are activated with ejaculation and their lesion selectively abolishes ejaculation but not other mating behaviors. Consistently with their role, in adult rats and humans, LSt neurons are sexually dimorphic, being more numerous in males. Here we examined whether sexual dimorphism arises early in development, using a transgenic mouse line in which the expression of fluorescent protein is driven by the galanin promoter. We focused on postnatal day 4, shortly after a transient perinatal androgen surge in males that could play an organizational role in LSt development. We found a population of brightly fluorescent neurons organized in bilateral columns dorsolateral to the central canal in segments L1–L5, the expected location of the LSt group. Their number was close to that of adult preparations and significantly greater in male than in female siblings (+19%; CI95%: +13% to +27%; p < .01). This was not due to a generalized higher galanin expression in the male since fluorescent L4 DRG neurons, innervating the hindlimbs and lower back, were not significantly dimorphic (−4%; CI95%: −10% to +8%; p = .92). Unexpectedly, we found in cervical segments a population of fluorescent neurons having a location relative to the central canal similar to the LSt. Thus, the LSt group is sexually dimorphic soon after birth. However, it is possible that only a subset of its neurons participate in the control of ejaculation.
Optimization of a spectrally tunable daylight simulator using four quantum dot light‐emitting diodes for visual appraisal of color
Authors: Feng Qi , Zhao Yifei , Ding Ke , Zhong Ping , He Guoxing
Published: October 2019

An optimization model for luminous efficacy of a spectrally tunable light‐emitting diode (LED) daylight simulator under constraint of metamerism index was developed. It was first reported that the optimal spectrally tunable LED daylight simulator of AA grade for D50, D55, D65, and D75 standard illuminants could consist of two quantum dot‐integrated LEDs (QDLEDs) with the ultraviolet chip and two other QDLEDs with the blue chip. The optimized spectral parameters of each QDLED, as well as photometric and colorimetric performances of D50, D55, D65, and D75 daylight simulators, were obtained by maximizing luminous efficacy under the metamerism index for both a visible and ultraviolet range less than 0.25. The limit luminous efficacies of four daylight simulators using four QDLEDs under the ideal case will reach 181 lm/W to 205 lm/luminous efficacies with a radiant efficiency of both the ultraviolet and blue chips of 60%, as well as a quantum efficiency of a quantum dots layer of 90%, will reach 100 lm/W to 112 lm/W.
Color and culture: Innovations and insights since Basic Color Terms—Their Universality and Evolution (1969)
Authors: Jameson Kimberly A. , Webster Michael A.
Published: October 2019

Fifty years ago, in 1969, Berlin & Kay published Basic Color Terms—Their Universality and Evolution and set in‐motion a large‐scale systematic research program for studying color naming and categorization across first‐language speakers from different ethno‐linguistic societies. While it is difficult to gauge the impact a research program can make over 50‐years, many linguists, anthropologists, cognitive scientists, and perceptual psychologists consider the Berlin & Kay book as one of the top‐most influential works in cross‐cultural studies not only of color linguistics, but of cognition and language more generally. Today reverberations from the Berlin & Kay (1969) research program continue to resonate through recently available data sets that are being examined with new quantitative analysis methods and modeling approaches. Here we review the origins of the Basic Color Terms phenomenon, and note a few of the numerous directions from which on‐going related work continues to bring forth interesting results in the color categorization arena.
pH‐Dependent Absorption Spectrum of Oxyluciferin Analogues in the Presence of Adenosine Monophosphate
Authors: Manuel de Almeida Barbosa Nuno , Zemmouche Madjid , Gosset Pauline , García‐Iriepa Cristina , Ledentu Vincent , Navizet Isabelle , Didier Pascal , Ferré Nicolas
Published: October 2019

The photophysical properties of oxyluciferin, the light emitter responsible for firefly bioluminescence, are pH‐dependent. One of the potential proton acceptor/donor is adenosine monophosphate (AMP). We have studied three oxyluciferin synthetic analogues with or without AMP, in water, in the pH=5 to 11 range, using both experimental steady‐state absorption spectroscopy or the recently developed computational protocol that uses constant pH molecular dynamics and then hybrid QM/MM calculations (CpHMD‐then‐QM/MM). The latter features a systematic investigation of all the protonation microstates using molecular dynamics simulations coupled to thousands hybrid QM/MM vertical excitation energies. Our results demonstrate that AMP does not significantly modify the visible light absorption of the analogues, whatever the pH value. We also show that CpHMD‐then‐QM/MM is capable to qualitatively reproduce the pH‐dependent absorption spectrum of the analogues, despite the employed low QM level of theory.
A novel conditional anonymity scheme for vehicular communication networks
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Bai Liang , Mausler Brandon , Singh Pitam
Published: October 2019

Vehicular communication networks are traffic applications of the Internet of Things consisting of vehicle nodes, roadside units, service providers, and other components. To protect the vehicle privacy, some vehicular communication networks adopt anonymous schemes. However, in these anonymous schemes, anonymity abuse is inevitable. In order to protect vehicular privacy and prevent anonymity abuse, some conditional anonymous authentication schemes based on cryptography have been proposed. However, most of these methods have complex computation and large communication overhead, which makes them difficult to meet the actual requirement of high‐speed traffic in vehicular communication networks. In this paper, a novel conditional anonymity scheme called VKPCA (vehicular communication network based on kernel principal component analysis [KPCA]) is proposed, which can protect vehicle privacy while avoid anonymity abuse. The simulation results show that this scheme has lower computational complexity and communication overhead than the conventional anonymous authentication scheme.
Book Review
Authors: Riccardi Richard L.
Published: October 2019

Using Focus Groups to Listen, Learn, and Lead in Higher Education
Frizzled 4 regulates ventral blood vessel remodeling in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Caceres Lucia , Prykhozhij Sergey V. , Cairns Elizabeth , Gjerde Harald , Duff Nicole M. , Collett Keon , Ngo Mike , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , McMaster Christopher R. , Litvak Matthew , Robitaille Johane M. , Berman Jason N.
Published: October 2019

Background

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a lack of blood vessel growth to the periphery of the retina with secondary fibrovascular proliferation at the vascular‐avascular junction. These structurally abnormal vessels cause leakage and hemorrhage, while the fibroproliferative scarring results in retinal dragging, detachment and blindness. Mutations in the FZD4 gene represent one of the most common causes of FEVR.

Methods

A loss of function mutation resulting from a 10‐nucleotide insertion into exon 1 of the zebrafish fzd4 gene was generated using transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs). Structural and functional integrity of the retinal vasculature was examined by fluorescent microscopy and optokinetic responses.

Results

Zebrafish retinal vasculature is asymmetrically distributed along the dorsoventral axis, with active vascular remodeling on the ventral surface of the retina throughout development. fzd4 mutants exhibit disorganized ventral retinal vasculature with discernable tubular fusion by week 8 of development. Furthermore, fzd4 mutants have impaired optokinetic responses requiring increased illumination.

Conclusion

We have generated a visually impaired zebrafish FEVR model exhibiting abnormal retinal vasculature. These fish provide a tractable system for studying vascular biology in retinovascular disorders, and demonstrate the feasibility of using zebrafish for evaluating future FEVR genes identified in humans.
Increased activity of mesenchymal ALK2‐BMP signaling causes posteriorly truncated microglossia and disorganization of lingual tissues
Authors: Ishan Mohamed , Chen Guiqian , Sun Chenming , Chen Shi‐You , Komatsu Yoshihiro , Mishina Yuji , Liu Hong‐Xiang
Published: October 2019

Proper development of taste organs including the tongue and taste papillae requires interactions with the underlying mesenchyme through multiple molecular signaling pathways. The effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and antagonists are profound, however, the tissue‐specific roles of distinct receptors are largely unknown. Here, we report that constitutive activation (ca) of ALK2‐BMP signaling in the tongue mesenchyme (marked by Wnt1‐Cre) caused microglossia—a dramatically smaller and misshapen tongue with a progressively severe reduction in size along the anteroposterior axis and absence of a pharyngeal region. At E10.5, the tongue primordia (branchial arches 1–4) formed in Wnt1‐Cre/caAlk2 mutants while each branchial arch responded to elevated BMP signaling distinctly in gene expression of BMP targets (Id1, Snai1, Snai2, and Runx2), proliferation (Cyclin‐D1) and apoptosis (p53). Moreover, elevated ALK2‐BMP signaling in the mesenchyme resulted in apparent defects of lingual epithelium, muscles, and nerves. In Wnt1‐Cre/caAlk2 mutants, a circumvallate papilla was missing and further development of formed fungiform papillae was arrested in late embryos. Our data collectively demonstrate that ALK2‐BMP signaling in the mesenchyme plays essential roles in orchestrating various tissues for proper development of the tongue and its appendages in a region‐specific manner.
Population genomic structure of the gelatinous zooplankton species Mnemiopsis leidyi in its nonindigenous range in the North Sea
Authors: Verwimp Christophe , Vansteenbrugge Lies , Derycke Sofie , Kerkhove Thomas , Muylle Hilde , Honnay Olivier , Ruttink Tom , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Hostens Kris
Published: October 2019

Nonindigenous species pose a major threat for coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Risk management requires genetic information to establish appropriate management units and infer introduction and dispersal routes. We investigated one of the most successful marine invaders, the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, and used genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to explore the spatial population structure in its nonindigenous range in the North Sea. We analyzed 140 specimens collected in different environments, including coastal and estuarine areas, and ports along the coast. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were called in approximately 40 k GBS loci. Population structure based on the neutral SNP panel was significant (FST .02; p < .01), and a distinct genetic cluster was identified in a port along the Belgian coast (Ostend port; pairwise FST .02–.04; p < .01). Remarkably, no population structure was detected between geographically distant regions in the North Sea (the Southern part of the North Sea vs. the Kattegat/Skagerrak region), which indicates substantial gene flow at this geographical scale and recent population expansion of nonindigenous M. leidyi. Additionally, seven specimens collected at one location in the indigenous range (Chesapeake Bay, USA) were highly differentiated from the North Sea populations (pairwise FST .36–.39; p < .01). This study demonstrates the utility of GBS to investigate fine‐scale population structure of gelatinous zooplankton species and shows high population connectivity among nonindigenous populations of this recently introduced species in the North Sea.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at: The DNA sequences generated for this study are deposited in the NCBI sequence read archive under SRA accession numbers SRR6950721–SRR6950884, and will be made publically available upon publication of this manuscript.
Temporal changes in abundance–occupancy relationships over 40 years
Authors: Manne Lisa L. , Veit Richard R.
Published: October 2019

Abundance–occupancy (A–O) relationships are widely documented for many organismal groups and regions, and have been used to gain an understanding of regional population and community trends. Monitoring changes in abundance and occupancy over time may be what is required to document changes in conservation status and needs for some species, communities, or areas.

We hypothesize that if there is a higher proportion of declining species in one group of species compared with another (e.g., migratory species vs. permanent residents), then a consequence of that difference will be vastly different abundance–occupancy relationships. If this difference persists through time, then the resulting A–O relationships between the groups will continue to diverge.

For neotropical migrants, short‐distance migrants, and permanent resident birds of North America, we assess the numbers of declining species over 1969–2009. We further test for differences in the A–O relationship across these three groups, and in rates of change in abundance and occupancy separately.

We find significant differences in numbers of declining species across the migratory groups, a significant decline in the A–O relationship for permanent residents, a significant increase for Neotropical migrants, and a nonsignificant decline for short‐distance migrants over the 40 years. Further, abundances are not changing at different rates but occupancies are consistently greater over time for neotropical migrants versus permanent residents, likely driving the changes in A–O relationships observed.

In these analyses, we documented changing A–O trends for different groups of species, over a relatively long time period for ecological studies, one of only a few studies to examine A–O relationships over time. Further, we have shown that a temporally unvarying abundance–occupancy relationship is not universal, and we posit that variability in A–O relationships is due to human impacts on habitats, coupled with variation in species' abilities to respond to human impacts.
Quantifying shape and ecology in avian pedal claws: The relationship between the bony core and keratinous sheath
Authors: Hedrick Brandon P. , Cordero Samantha A. , Zanno Lindsay E. , Noto Christopher , Dodson Peter
Published: October 2019

Terrestrial tetrapods use their claws to interact with their environments in a plethora of ways. Birds in particular have developed a diversity of claw shapes since they are often not bound to terrestrial locomotion and have heterogeneous body masses ranging several orders of magnitude. Numerous previous studies have hypothesized a connection between pedal claw shape and ecological mode in birds, yet have generated conflicting results, spanning from clear ecological groupings based on claw shape to a complete overlap of ecological modes. The majority of these studies have relied on traditional morphometric arc measurements of keratinous sheaths and have variably accounted for likely confounding factors such as body mass and phylogenetic relatedness. To better address the hypothesized relationship between ecology and claw shape in birds, we collected 580 radiographs allowing visualization of the bony core and keratinous sheath shape in 21 avian orders. Geometric morphometrics was used to quantify bony core and keratinous sheath shape and was compared to results using traditional arc measurements. Neither approach significantly separates bird claws into coarse ecological categories after integrating body size and phylogenetic relatedness; however, some separation between ecological groups is evident and we find a gradual shift from the claw shape of ground‐dwelling birds to those of predatory birds. Further, the bony claw core and keratinous sheath are significantly correlated, and the degree of functional integration does not differ across ecological groups. Therefore, it is likely possible to compare fossil bony cores with extant keratinous sheaths after applying corrections. Finally, traditional metrics and geometric morphometric shape are significantly, yet loosely correlated. Based on these results, future workers are encouraged to use geometric morphometric approaches to study claw geometry and account for confounding factors such as body size, phylogeny, and individual variation prior to predicting ecology in fossil taxa.
Contribution of rare and common species to subterranean species richness patterns
Authors: Bregović Petra , Fišer Cene , Zagmajster Maja
Published: October 2019

Aim

Common species contribute more to species richness patterns (SRPs) than rare species in most studies. Our aim was to test this hypothesis using a novel model system, species living exclusively in subterranean habitats. They consist of mainly rare species (small ranges), only a few of them being common (large ranges), and challenge whether rare species are less important for the development of SRPs in this environment. We separately analyzed aquatic and terrestrial species.

Location

Western Balkans in southeastern Europe.

Methods

We assembled two datasets comprising 431 beetle and 145 amphipod species, representing the model groups of subterranean terrestrial and aquatic diversity, respectively. We assessed the importance of rare and common species using the stepwise reconstruction of SRPs and subsequent correlation analyses, corrected also for the cumulative information content of the subsets based on species prevalence. We applied generalized linear regression models to evaluate the importance of rare and common species in forming SRPs. Additionally, we analyzed the contribution of rare and common species in species‐rich cells.

Results

Patterns of subterranean aquatic and terrestrial species richness overlapped only weakly, with aquatic species having larger ranges than terrestrial ones. Our analyses supported higher importance of common species for forming overall SRPs in both beetles and amphipods. However, in stepwise analysis corrected for information content, results were ambiguous. Common species presented a higher proportion of species than rare species in species‐rich cells.

Main Conclusion

We have shown that even in habitats with the domination of rare species, it is still common species that drive SRPs. This may be due to an even spatial distribution of rare species or spatial mismatch in hotspots of rare and common species. SRPs of aquatic and terrestrial subterranean organisms overlap very little, so the conservation approaches need to be habitat specific.
Discussion of development processes in insect‐fungus association derived from the shaggy parasol fruiting on the nests of hairy wood ants
Authors: Fraser Douglas
Published: October 2019

Chlorophyllum rhacodes, typically regarded as a rich grassland or open forest “mushroom” species, was found fruiting abundantly on nests of Formica lugubris, occurring in a Pinus silvestris plantation. Fruiting was absent from the rest of the woodland.

Research focussed on the activities in the nests that could explain this. Within nests, there was a spatial relationship between C. rhacodes mycelium, insect cadavers, fruitbody initiation, and roots of adjacent trees.

In vitro experiments found that C. rhacodes was not mycorrhizal with P. silvestris, but that it had qualities which rendered it suitable for colonization of the rhizosphere in the conditions of the nest mound and for further niche development.

Implications of the unusual presence of fruit‐bodies and the distribution of associated hyphae are discussed in relation to the nutritional biology (and recent taxonomical reassignment) of the fungus. This includes reference to the relevant physiology of insects and to the accepted evolution of mutualistic symbioses between fungi and the Attini and Termitidae.

An argument is presented that the situation observed in vivo provides evidence of a degree of facultative association and what could be tangible support for the theory for the developmental origin of mutualistic fungus cultivation by insects. It is presented as a context for continued experimental research.
Landscape genetics reveals unique and shared effects of urbanization for two sympatric pool‐breeding amphibians
Authors: Homola Jared J. , Loftin Cynthia S. , Kinnison Michael T.
Published: October 2019

Metapopulation‐structured species can be negatively affected when landscape fragmentation impairs connectivity. We investigated the effects of urbanization on genetic diversity and gene flow for two sympatric amphibian species, spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), across a large (>35,000 km2) landscape in Maine, USA, containing numerous natural and anthropogenic gradients. Isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) patterns differed between the species. Spotted salamanders showed a linear and relatively high variance relationship between genetic and geographic distances (r = .057, p < .001), whereas wood frogs exhibited a strongly nonlinear and lower variance relationship (r = 0.429, p < .001). Scale dependence analysis of IBD found gene flow has its most predictable influence (strongest IBD correlations) at distances up to 9 km for spotted salamanders and up to 6 km for wood frogs. Estimated effective migration surfaces revealed contrasting patterns of high and low genetic diversity and gene flow between the two species. Population isolation, quantified as the mean IBD residuals for each population, was associated with local urbanization and less genetic diversity in both species. The influence of geographic proximity and urbanization on population connectivity was further supported by distance‐based redundancy analysis and multiple matrix regression with randomization. Resistance surface modeling found interpopulation connectivity to be influenced by developed land cover, light roads, interstates, and topography for both species, plus secondary roads and rivers for wood frogs. Our results highlight the influence of anthropogenic landscape features within the context of natural features and broad spatial genetic patterns, in turn supporting the premise that while urbanization significantly restricts interpopulation connectivity for wood frogs and spotted salamanders, specific landscape elements have unique effects on these two sympatric species.
Fecundity compensation is dependent on the generalized stress response in a nematode host
Authors: Pike Victoria L. , Ford Suzanne A. , King Kayla C. , Rafaluk‐Mohr Charlotte
Published: October 2019

Background

Fecundity compensation, increased offspring output following parasite exposure, is widely reported, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. General stress responses are linked to other indirect defenses against parasites, and therefore may be responsible. We challenged strains of Caenorhabditis elegans (wild type and mutants with compromised or strengthened stress responses) with Staphylococcus aureus.

Results

In all strains except the compromised stress response mutant, we saw elevated offspring production if hosts survived initial parasite exposure.

Conclusion

We infer that general stress responses are linked with fecundity compensation. These results may explain why trade‐offs are not always observed among parasite defense mechanisms.
Analysis of electron and heavy particle velocity distribution under consideration of nonthermal equilibrium arc
Authors: Nemoto Yusuke , Iwata Soshi , Maeda Yoshifumi , Iwao Toru
Published: October 2019

The circuit breaker is required to interrupt the current in order to prevent the spreading fault current. The reignition caused by the remaining high‐temperature gas in the opening of circuit breaker occurs. As this countermeasure, the external magnetic field application and blast gas to arc are used in order to decrease the arc temperature. It has been reported that the nonthermal equilibrium of arc is remarkable near the electrode and post arc. However, few reports have the analysis of separating electron and heavy particle momentums under consideration of the nonthermal equilibrium because the physical phenomena are complicated in the nonthermal equilibrium. In this paper, the electron and heavy particle velocity distribution under consideration of nonthermal equilibrium arc were analyzed. As a result, it is possible to quantify the electron and heavy particle velocity. The electron velocity distribution is dominant to the electric potential distribution. On the other hand, the heavy particle velocity distribution is dominant to the pressure gradient. Therefore, the difference between the electron and heavy particle velocity distribution was elucidated.
Public perception and valuation of long‐term ecological monitoring
Authors: Vander Naald Brian P. , Sergeant Christopher J. , Beaudreau Anne H.
Published: October 2019

Organizations tasked with implementing long‐term ecological monitoring programs often struggle to stay funded. Government agencies are typically the only entities with sufficient capacity and motivation to support long‐term scientific programs that generate data for environmental management and conservation. Taxpayers bear this funding burden, yet we know of no studies assessing public perception of government‐led long‐term monitoring. We present the results of a survey designed to assess willingness to pay (WTP) for the benefits resulting from long‐term ecological monitoring in Southeast Alaska for residents and visitors. We hypothesized that four factors have the potential to influence preferences for long‐term ecological monitoring: (1) type of ecosystem service monitored (intermediate vs. final); (2) place of residence; (3) prior knowledge of monitoring; and (4) sociodemographic characteristics. We defined final ecosystem services as ecosystem attributes that have clear relevance to human well‐being and intermediate ecosystem services as those required to produce final services. We found a greater WTP for programs monitoring intermediate ecosystem services, longer‐running programs, and programs covering a larger spatial extent. Respondents with higher income and conservative political preferences were more likely to choose no monitoring program at all (status quo), whereas respondents with previous knowledge of monitoring were generally more supportive of long‐term monitoring programs.
Hepatorenal dysfunction identifies high‐risk patients with acute heart failure: insights from the RELAX‐AHF trial
Authors: Biegus Jan , Demissei Biniyam , Postmus Douwe , Cotter Gad , Davison Beth A. , Felker G. Michael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Greenberg Barry , Metra Marco , Severin Thomas , Teerlink John R. , Voors Adriaan A. , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: October 2019

Aims

Episodes of acute heart failure (AHF) may lead to end‐organ dysfunction. In this post hoc analysis of the Relaxin in Acute Heart Failure trial, we used the MELD‐XI (Model of End‐Stage Liver Dysfunction) score to examine hepatorenal dysfunction in patients with AHF.

Methods and results

On admission, the MELD‐XI score was elevated (abnormal) in 918 (82%) patients, with 638 (57%) having isolated renal dysfunction (creatinine > 1 mg/dL), 73 (6.5%) isolated liver dysfunction (bilirubin > 1 mg/dL), and 207 (18.5%) coexisting dysfunction of the kidneys and the liver (both creatinine and bilirubin > 1 mg/dL). The percentage of patients with elevated MELD‐XI score remained constant through a 60 day follow‐up, as we observed a gradual decrease of liver dysfunction prevalence, counterbalanced by an increase in renal dysfunction. Serelaxin treatment was associated with a lower MELD‐XI score on Day 2 and Day 5 (both P < 0.05), but this difference vs. placebo disappeared during longer follow‐up. In the multivariable model, an elevated MELD‐XI score on admission was associated with higher 180 day mortality: hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for cardiovascular death were 3.10 (1.22–7.87), and for all‐cause death 2.47 (1.19–5.15); both P < 0.05. The addition of the MELD‐XI score to a prespecified prognostic model increased the discrimination of the model for all‐cause death, but the increment in the C‐index was only modest: 0.013 (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients with AHF, hepatorenal dysfunction is prevalent and related to poor outcome. The MELD‐XI score is a useful prognosticator in AHF.
The role of the spinal cyclooxygenase (COX) for incisional pain in rats at different developmental stages
Authors: Segelcke Daniel , Reichl Sylvia , Neuffer Simon , Zapp Sebastian , Rüther Theresa , Evers Dagmar , Zahn Peter K. , Pogatzki‐Zahn Esther M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX)‐1 and COX‐2 are important targets for pain relief after surgery, but the spinal contribution of both isoforms is still unclear, e.g., from a developmental point of view. Here, we studied changes of spinal COX‐1 and COX‐2 expression and their functional relevance in rats of different ages for pain‐related behaviour after incision.

Methods

Mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds (PWT) were assessed before and after incision and after intrathecal administration (IT) of SC‐560 (COX‐1 inhibitor) or NS‐398 (COX‐2 inhibitor) in rats aged 5, 14 and 28 days (P5, P14, P28). Furthermore, spinal expressions of COX m‐RNA and proteins were investigated.

Results

In P5 rats, only IT‐administered NS‐398 but not SC‐560 significantly reversed the decreased PWT after incision. In P14 rats, none of the substance modified PWT, and in P28 rats, only SC‐560 increased PWT. Spinal COX‐2 mRNA and protein were increased in P5 but not in P14 and P28 rats after incision. Whereas COX‐2 is located in spinal neurons, COX‐1 is mainly found in spinal microglia cells.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a possible developmental transition from COX‐2 to COX‐1 activation. Whereas in adult rats spinal COX‐1 but not COX‐2 is involved in pain‐related behaviour after incision, it seems opposite in P5 rats. Interestingly, in P14, neither COX‐1 nor COX‐2 seems to play a role. This switch may relate to altered neuronal/microglia activation. Our findings indicate specific mechanisms to pain after incision that are age‐dependent and may guide further research improving paediatric pain management.

Significance

Postoperative pain in pediatric patients after surgery is still poorly controlled; this might contribute to long‐lasting alteration in the nociceptive system and prolonged chronic pain. Here we show a possible developmental switch in the COX‐dependent pathway for nociceptive spinal transmission that may explain why pain management in young children needs to be related to age‐dependent mechanisms.
Better in the (near) future: Group‐based differences in forecasting biases
Authors: King Jesse S. , Bee Colleen C.
Published: October 2019

Social identities are an important component of an individual’s self‐concept. In the current research, we examine how identification with a group can lead to biased intergroup judgments similar to those made when evaluating the self, relative to others. We compared evaluations of in‐ and outgroups in order to examine differences in temporal perspective and optimistic evaluations. Our findings suggest that compared to an outgroup, ingroup members more strongly consider the future potential of their group, are more optimistic when considering future ingroup outcomes, and hold a more uniformly positive view of an ingroup’s future. Furthermore, we find that when evaluating ingroups, shifts in temporal perspectives are related to greater optimism. We conclude by discussing theoretical implications and future research related to temporal judgments and social groups.