bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of niches and distributions: range size increases with niche breadth both globally and regionally but regional estimates poorly relate to global estimates
Authors: Kambach Stephan , Lenoir Jonathan , Decocq Guillaume , Welk Erik , Seidler Gunnar , Dullinger Stefan , Gégout Jean‐Claude , Guisan Antoine , Pauli Harald , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Vittoz Pascal , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Bruelheide Helge
Published: August 2018

The relationship between species’ niche breadth (i.e. the range of environmental conditions under which a species can persist) and range size (i.e. the extent of its spatial distribution) has mostly been tested within geographically restricted areas but rarely at the global extent. Here, we not only tested the relationship between range size (derived from species’ distribution data) and niche breadth (derived from species’ distribution and co‐occurrence data) of 1255 plant species at the regional extent of the European Alps, but also at the global extent and across both spatial scales for a subset of 180 species. Using correlation analyses, linear models and variation partitioning, we found that species’ realized niche breadth estimated at the regional level is a weak predictor of species’ global niche breadth and range size. Against our expectations, distribution‐derived niche breadth was a better predictor for species’ range size than the co‐occurrence‐based estimate, which should, theoretically, account for more than the climatically determined niche dimensions. Our findings highlight that studies focusing on the niche breadth vs range size relationship must explicitly consider spatial mismatches that might have confounded and diminished previously reported relationships.
Fine scale waterbody data improve prediction of waterbird occurrence despite coarse species data
Authors: Šímová Petra , Moudrý Vítězslav , Komárek Jan , Hrach Karel , Fortin Marie‐Josée
Published: August 2018

While modelling habitat suitability and species distribution, ecologists must deal with issues related to the spatial resolution of species occurrence and environmental data. Indeed, given that the spatial resolution of species and environmental datasets range from centimeters to hundreds of kilometers, it underlines the importance of choosing the optimal combination of resolutions to achieve the highest possible modelling prediction accuracy. We evaluated how the spatial resolution of land cover/waterbody datasets (meters to 1 km) affect waterbird habitat suitability models based on atlas data (grid cell of 12 × 11 km). We hypothesized that the area, perimeter and number of waterbodies computed from high resolution datasets would explain distributions of waterbirds better because coarse resolution datasets omit small waterbodies affecting species occurrence. Specifically, we investigated which spatial resolution of waterbodies better explain the distribution of seven waterbirds nesting on ponds/lakes with areas ranging from 0.1 ha to hundreds of hectares. Our results show that the area and perimeter of waterbodies derived from high resolution datasets (raster data with 30 m resolution, vector data corresponding with map scale 1:10 000) explain the distribution of the waterbirds better than those calculated using less accurate datasets despite the coarse grain of the species data. Taking into account the spatial extent (global vs regional) of the datasets, we found the Global Inland Waterbody Dataset to be the most suitable for modelling distribution of waterbirds. In general, we recommend using land cover data of a resolution sufficient to capture the smallest patches of the habitat suitable for a given species’ presence for both fine and coarse grain habitat suitability and distribution modelling.
Contrasting patterns of diversification in a bird family (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae) are revealed by analysis of geospatial distribution of species and phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Garcia–R Juan C. , Gonzalez‐Orozco Carlos E. , Trewick Steven A.
Published: August 2018

Geospatial patterns in the distribution of regional biodiversity reflect the composite processes that underpin evolution: speciation, dispersal and extinction. The spatial distribution and phylogeny of a globally widespread and species rich bird family (Rallidae) were used to help assess the role of large‐scale biogeographical processes in diversity and diversification. Here, we examine how different geostatistical diversity metrics enhance our understanding of species distribution by linking occurrence records of rail species to corresponding species level phylogeny. Tropical regions and temperate zones contained a large proportion of rail species richness and phylogenetic diversity whilst small islands in Australian, Oceanian and Oriental regions held the highest weighted and phylogenetic endemism. Our results suggest that habitat connectivity and dispersal were important ecological features in rail evolution and distribution. Spatial isolation was a significant driver of diversification where islands in Oceania were centres of neo‐endemism with recent multiple and independent speciation events and could be considered as nurseries of biodiversity. Palaeo‐endemism was mostly associated with older stable regions, so despite extensive long distance range shifting these areas retain their own ancient and distinct character. Madagascar was the major area of palaeo‐endemism associated with the oldest rail lineages and could be considered a museum of rail diversity. This implies a mixture of processes determine the current distribution and diversity of rail clades with some areas dominated by recent ‘in situ’ speciation while others harbour old diversity with ecological traits that have stood the test of time.
High specialization and limited structural change in plant‐herbivore networks along a successional chronosequence in tropical montane forest
Authors: Redmond Conor M. , Auga John , Gewa Bradley , Segar Simon T. , Miller Scott E. , Molem Kenneth , Weiblen George D. , Butterill Philip T. , Maiyah Gibson , Hood Amelia S. C. , Volf Martin , Jorge Leonardo R. , Basset Yves , Novotný Vojtech
Published: August 2018

Secondary succession is well‐understood, to the point of being predictable for plant communities, but the successional changes in plant‐herbivore interactions remains poorly explored. This is particularly true for tropical forests despite the increasing importance of early successional stages in tropical landscapes. Deriving expectations from successional theory, we examine properties of plant‐herbivore interaction networks while accounting for host phylogenetic structure along a succession chronosequence in montane rainforest in Papua New Guinea. We present one of the most comprehensive successional investigations of interaction networks, equating to > 40 person years of field sampling, and one of the few focused on montane tropical forests. We use a series of nine 0.2 ha forest plots across young secondary, mature secondary and primary montane forest, sampled almost completely for woody plants and larval leaf chewers (Lepidoptera) using forest felling. These networks comprised of 12 357 plant‐herbivore interactions and were analysed using quantitative network metrics, a phylogenetically controlled host‐use index and a qualitative network beta diversity measure. Network structural changes were low and specialisation metrics surprisingly similar throughout succession, despite high network beta diversity. Herbivore abundance was greatest in the earliest stages, and hosts here had more species‐rich herbivore assemblages, presumably reflecting higher palatability due to lower defensive investment. All herbivore communities were highly specialised, using a phylogenetically narrow set of hosts, while host phylogenetic diversity itself decreased throughout the chronosequence. Relatively high phylogenetic diversity, and thus high diversity of plant defenses, in early succession forest may result in herbivores feeding on fewer hosts than expected. Successional theory, derived primarily from temperate systems, is limited in predicting tropical host‐herbivore interactions. All succession stages harbour diverse and unique interaction networks, which together with largely similar network structures and consistent host use patterns, suggests general rules of assembly may apply to these systems.
Geographic variation of body size in New World anurans: energy and water in a balance
Authors: Amado Talita Ferreira , Bidau Claudio Juan , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2018

The validity of Bergmann's rule, perhaps the best known ecogeographical rule, has been questioned for ectothermic species. Here, we explore the interspecific version of the rule documenting body size gradients for anurans across the whole New World and evaluating which environmental variables best explain the observed patterns. We assembled a dataset of body sizes for 2761 anuran species of the Western Hemisphere and conducted assemblage‐based and cross‐species analyses that consider the spatial and phylogenetic structure in the data. In accordance with heat and water‐related explanations for body size clines, we found a consistent association of median body size and potential evapotranspiration across the New World. A relevant role of water availability also emerges, suggesting the joint importance of body size for thermoregulation and hydroregulation in anurans. Anurans do not follow a simple Bergmannian pattern of increasing size towards high latitudes. Consistent with previous regional findings, our Hemisphere‐wide analyses detect that the geographic variation in anuran body sizes is highly dependent on a trade‐off between heat and water balance. The observed size‐climate relationships possibly emerge from the interplay between thermoregulatory abilities and the benefits inherent to reduced surface‐to‐volume ratios in larger species, which decrease the rates of evaporative water loss and favour heat retention. Our results also show how temperature becomes important for species that are directly in contact with the substrate and water, like burrowing and terrestrial anurans, while arboreal species exhibit a body size cline linked with potential evapotranspiration.
An evaluation of transferability of ecological niche models
Authors: Qiao Huijie , Feng Xiao , Escobar Luis E. , Peterson A. Townsend , Soberón Jorge , Zhu Gengping , Papeş Monica
Published: August 2018

Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is used widely to study species’ geographic distributions. ENM applications frequently involve transferring models calibrated with environmental data from one region to other regions or times that may include novel environmental conditions. When novel conditions are present, transferability implies extrapolation, whereas, in absence of such conditions, transferability is an interpolation step only. We evaluated transferability of models produced using 11 ENM algorithms from the perspective of interpolation and extrapolation in a virtual species framework. We defined fundamental niches and potential distributions of 16 virtual species distributed across Eurasia. To simulate real situations of incomplete understanding of species’ distribution or existing fundamental niche (environmental conditions suitable for the species contained in the study area; N*
F
), we divided Eurasia into six regions and used 1–5 regions for model calibration and the rest for model evaluation. The models produced with the 11 ENM algorithms were evaluated in environmental space, to complement the traditional geographic evaluation of models. None of the algorithms accurately estimated the existing fundamental niche (N*
F
) given one region in calibration, and model evaluation scores decreased as the novelty of the environments in the evaluation regions increased. Thus, we recommend quantifying environmental similarity between calibration and transfer regions prior to model transfer, providing an avenue for assessing uncertainty of model transferability. Different algorithms had different sensitivity to completeness of knowledge of N*
F
, with implications for algorithm selection. If the goal is to reconstruct fundamental niches, users should choose algorithms with limited extrapolation when N*
F
is well known, or choose algorithms with increased extrapolation when N*
F
is poorly known. Our assessment can inform applications of ecological niche modeling transference to anticipate species invasions into novel areas, disease emergence in new regions, and forecasts of species distributions under future climate conditions.
The future of CIS and CEE countries
Authors: Becker Torbjörn , Schweiger Helena , Livshits Igor , Bakker Bas B. , Mylovanov Tymofiy
Published: August 2018

This article is based on a panel discussion on the future of transition countries 25 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. All the contributors have long professional and personal experience of various aspects of the transition process so far and provide different perspectives on what to expect for the region in the future. However, the need for continued reform in many areas of the respective economies are highlighted to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the future. A continued focus on enhancing productivity is the key to future economic success. Investments in human and physical capital need to be complemented with strengthening the fundamental institutions that make such investments possible and desirable for all relevant stakeholders. It will not be an easy reform process, but the alternatives are much less desirable for the vast majority of people in these countries.
The parasitic fly Nemorilla maculosa exploits host‐plant volatiles to locate the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata
Authors: Agbessenou Ayaovi , Tounou Agbéko Kodjo , Dannon Elie Ayitondji , Datinon Benjamin , Agboton Cyriaque , Ramasamy Srinivasan , Pittendrigh Barry Robert , Tamò Manuele
Published: August 2018

Nemorilla maculosa Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a solitary endoparasitoid of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a key pest of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae) in Africa. A colony of N. maculosa, introduced for experimental purposes from Taiwan to the laboratories of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Benin, was used for our studies. Olfactory reponses of N. maculosa to leaves of infested or uninfested cowpea and yellow peabush, Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers. (Fabaceae), and to M. vitrata larvae were evaluated in a four‐arm olfactometer. For all combinations of odor sources, responses between naïve and oviposition‐experienced female flies did not differ. Nemorilla maculosa females were attracted by odors from uninfested leaves of yellow peabush and flowers of cowpea when compared with clean air, and they were attracted to plants damaged by M. vitrata with larvae removed. However, the female fly did not discriminate between odors from infested and uninfested plants. The parasitic fly N. maculosa proved well able to use volatile compounds from various host plants (peabush and cowpea) to locate its host, with a more pronounced attraction by the combination of host larvae and infested host plant parts. These findings are discussed in light of the prospective use of N. maculosa as a biological control agent against the legume pod borer.
Mitral cells and the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor: The sweet smell of success?
Authors: Bagnoli Enrico , FitzGerald Una
Published: August 2018

The olfactory bulb (OB) is often affected at very early stages of neurodegenerative disorders, in the so‐called “prodromal” phase. In Parkinson's disease (PD), olfactory disturbances appear years before motor symptoms arise. Additionally, pathological alpha‐synuclein aggregates are found in olfactory regions before spreading to other areas of the brain. Being positioned at the frontier between the brain and a potentially hostile environment, could explain the particular vulnerability of the OB. Mitral cells (MCs), the principal projecting neurons of the olfactory system, are involved in the pathogenesis and in the prion‐like progression of PD. They are affected by Lewy pathology and are thought to contribute to the axonal transport of misfolded alpha‐synuclein to other regions of the brain. Here, we first describe the main markers reported to distinguish MCs from other olfactory neurons. We focus on the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R), a membrane protein specifically expressed in MCs. After summarizing OB pathology, we explore the idea of targeting specifically MCs with GLP‐1 or its analogues. Exenatide has shown great promise as a neuroprotective and neurorestorative agent and has been used in a clinical trial for clinical PD. Since GLP‐1R activation has the ability to mitigate many facets of prodromal PD pathology, we postulate that once a robust biomarker is in place that is capable of identifying individuals in the prodromal phase of PD, homing in on GLP‐1R could assist in deferring, or eradicating to a significant degree, the clinical manifestation of this debilitating human disorder.
Pore detection in 3‐D CT soil samples through an improved sub‐segmentation method
Authors: Ojeda‐Magaña B. , Quintanilla Domínguez J. , Ruelas R. , Martín‐Sotoca J. J. , Tarquis A. M.
Published: August 2018

X‐ray computer tomography (CT) is a non‐invasive technique for image acquisition. Recent technological advances have enabled reliable and high‐resolution images to be obtained. In soil samples, for example, this subserves the identification of pores and their structure and the analysis of their geometric characteristics. However, the lack of contrast between pores and solids in soil samples makes it difficult to identify the pores, and it poses problems for their connectivity when a three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstruction is made from a group of consecutive 2‐D images obtained with a scanner. To solve this problem, an improved sub‐segmentation method, which had been developed and tested previously, was applied in this research to achieve a better identification of the pore space and consequently the solid space in the 2‐D slices of the image, followed by a 3‐D reconstruction of the soil sample. In this study, two soil samples were used, one real soil sample with 255 2‐D CT consecutive images and a synthetic image with 215 2‐D images. The latter sample was used only to evaluate the robustness of the improved sub‐segmentation method and the results from analysis of the pore connectivity in a known structure. The results obtained with the improved sub‐segmentation were compared with those of traditional clustering algorithms for image segmentation by k‐means, fuzzy c‐means and Otsu's methods. The results were promising, and the 3‐D reconstruction presents a realistic structure for the continuity and coincidence of the shapes of the pores in the consecutive images. In addition, the pore regions detected have a small non‐uniformity (NU) value, which indicates both good pore detection and homogeneity, which facilitates pore connectivity between the different 2‐D images.

Highlights

Pore structure is not disturbed by the acquisition of images with computer tomography.

Pore spaces were identified properly with the improved sub‐segmentation.

Pore continuity by position, size and shape was observed through the 2‐D consecutive images.

Realistic 3‐D reconstruction was feasible for the pore spaces in soil samples.
Role of IL‐17A receptor blocking in melanocyte survival: A strategic intervention against vitiligo
Authors: Bhardwaj Supriya , Bhatia Alka , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil , Parsad Davinder
Published: August 2018

Cytokines regulate immune response and inflammation and play an important role in depigmentation process of an autoimmune disease, vitiligo. We sought to determine how inflammatory cytokines influence the progression of vitiligo, and based on that, we develop a logical therapeutic intervention using primary melanocyte culture. Melanocytes were cultured and exposed to IL‐17A, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ and TGF‐β for 4 days. Melanocytes proliferation, tyrosinase assay and melanin content were measured. Real‐Time PCR was used to analyse mRNA expression of genes specific for melanocytes growth and pigmentation. Anti‐IL‐17A receptor antibody was used to block IL‐17A receptors expressed on melanocytes. Protein expression of MITF and TYR was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. A gradual decline in the melanocyte population, melanin content and tyrosinase activity was observed after different cytokine treatment. The expression of MITF and its downstream genes after blocking with anti‐IL‐17RA, an increased melanin content, increased expression of TYR, MITF along with its downstream genes, and cell proliferation was observed.
Rv0474 is a copper‐responsive transcriptional regulator that negatively regulates expression of RNA polymerase β subunit in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Raghunandanan Sajith , Ramachandran Ranjit , Gomez Roshna Lawrence , Devanarayanan Sivasankar , Bommakanti Akhila , Kondapi Anand Kumar , Varadarajan Raghavan , Kumar Ramakrishnan Ajay
Published: August 2018

We characterize Rv0474, a putative transcriptional regulatory protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is found to function as a copper‐responsive transcriptional regulator at toxic levels of copper. It is an autorepressor, but at elevated levels (10–250 μm) of copper ions the repression is relieved resulting in an increase in Rv0474 expression. Copper‐bound Rv0474 is recruited to the rpoB promoter leading to its repression resulting in the growth arrest of the bacterium. Mutational analysis showed that the helix‐turn‐helix and leucine zipper domains of Rv0474 are essential for its binding to Rv0474 and rpoB promoters, respectively. The mechanism of Rv0474‐mediated rpoB regulation seems to be operational only in pathogenic mycobacteria that can persist inside the host.
Impaired social contacts with familiar anesthetized conspecific in CA3‐restricted brain‐derived neurotrophic factor knockout mice
Authors: Ito Wataru , Huang Howard , Brayman Vanessa , Morozov Alexei
Published: August 2018

Familiarity is conveyed by social cues and determines behaviors toward conspecifics. Here, we characterize a novel assay for social behaviors in mice—contacts with anesthetized conspecific—which eliminates reciprocal interactions, including intermale aggression and shows behaviors that are independent of the demonstrator's activity. During the initial 10 minutes (phase‐1), the wild‐type (WT) subjects contacted the anesthetized conspecifics vigorously regardless of familiarity. During the subsequent 80 minutes (phase‐2), however, they contacted more with familiar than unfamiliar conspecifics. We then applied this test to highly aggressive mice with a hippocampal CA3‐restricted knockout (KO) of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in which aggression may mask other social behaviors. The KO mice showed less preference for contacting familiar conspecifics than did WT mice during phase‐2 but no differences during phase‐1. Among nonsocial behaviors, WT mice also spent less time eating in the presence of familiar than with unfamiliar conspecifics, which was not seen in KO mice. In addition, KO mice exhibited reduced pain sensitization. Altogether, these findings suggest that CA3‐specific deletion of BDNF results in deficits in circuits that process social cues from familiar conspecifics as well as pain and may underlie empathy‐like behaviors.
Warming enhances sedimentation and decomposition of organic carbon in shallow macrophyte‐dominated systems with zero net effect on carbon burial
Authors: Velthuis Mandy , Kosten Sarian , Aben Ralf , Kazanjian Garabet , Hilt Sabine , Peeters Edwin T. H. M. , van Donk Ellen , Bakker Elisabeth S.
Published: August 2018

Temperatures have been rising throughout recent decades and are predicted to rise further in the coming century. Global warming affects carbon cycling in freshwater ecosystems, which both emit and bury substantial amounts of carbon on a global scale. Currently, most studies focus on the effect of warming on overall carbon emissions from freshwater ecosystems, while net effects on carbon budgets may strongly depend on burial in sediments. Here, we tested whether year‐round warming increases the production, sedimentation, or decomposition of particulate organic carbon and eventually alters the carbon burial in a typical shallow freshwater system. We performed an indoor experiment in eight mesocosms dominated by the common submerged aquatic plant Myriophyllum spicatum testing two temperature treatments: a temperate seasonal temperature control and a warmed (+4°C) treatment (n = 4). During a full experimental year, the carbon stock in plant biomass, dissolved organic carbon in the water column, sedimented organic matter, and decomposition of plant detritus were measured. Our results showed that year‐round warming nearly doubled the final carbon stock in plant biomass from 6.9 ± 1.1 g C in the control treatment to 12.8 ± 0.6 g C (mean ± SE), mainly due to a prolonged growing season in autumn. DOC concentrations did not differ between the treatments, but organic carbon sedimentation increased by 60% from 96 ± 9.6 to 152 ± 16 g C m−2 yaer−1 (mean ± SE) from control to warm treatments. Enhanced decomposition of plant detritus in the warm treatment, however, compensated for the increased sedimentation. As a result, net carbon burial was 40 ± 5.7 g C m−2 year−1 in both temperature treatments when fluxes were combined into a carbon budget model. These results indicate that warming can increase the turnover of organic carbon in shallow macrophyte‐dominated systems, while not necessarily affecting net carbon burial on a system scale.
The response of the marine nitrogen cycle to ocean acidification
Authors: Wannicke Nicola , Frey Claudia , Law Cliff S. , Voss Maren
Published: August 2018

Ocean acidification (OA), arising from the influx of anthropogenically generated carbon, poses a massive threat to the ocean ecosystems. Our knowledge of the effects of elevated anthropogenic CO2 in marine waters and its effect on the performance of single species, trophic interactions, and ecosystems is increasing rapidly. However, our understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients such as nitrogen is less advanced and lacks a comprehensive overview of how these processes may change under OA. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of eight major nitrogen transformation processes incorporating 49 publications to synthesize current scientific understanding of the effect of OA on nitrogen cycling in the future ocean by 2100. The following points were identified by our meta‐analysis: (a) Diazotrophic nitrogen fixation is likely enhanced by 29% ± 4% under OA; (b) species‐ and strain‐specific responses of nitrogen fixers to OA were detectable, which may result in alterations in microbial community composition in the future ocean; (c) nitrification processes were reduced by a factor of 29% ± 10%; (d) declines in nitrification rates were not reflected by nitrifier abundance; and (e) contrasting results in unispecific culture experiments versus natural communities were apparent for nitrogen fixation and denitrification. The net effect of the nitrogen cycle process responses also suggests there may be a shift in the relative nitrogen pools, with excess ammonium originating from CO2‐fertilized diazotrophs. This regenerated inorganic nitrogen may recycle in the upper water column increasing the relative importance of the ammonium‐fueled regenerated production. However, several feedback mechanisms with other chemical cycles, such as oxygen, and interaction with other climate change stressors may counteract these findings. Finally, our review highlights the shortcomings and gaps in current understanding of the potential changes in nitrogen cycling under future climate and emphasizes the need for further ecosystem studies.
A cross‐sectional survey of mental health service users’, carers’ and professionals’ priorities for patient safety in the United Kingdom
Authors: Berzins Kathryn , Baker John , Brown Mark , Lawton Rebecca
Published: August 2018

Background

Establishing patient safety priorities in psychiatry has received less international attention than in other areas of health care. This study aimed to identify safety issues as described by people in the United Kingdom identifying as mental health service users, carers and professionals.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was distributed via social media. Identified safety issues were mapped onto the Yorkshire Contributory Factors Framework (YCFF) which categorizes factors that contribute to patient safety incidents in general hospital settings. Service user and carer responses were described separately from professional responses using descriptive statistics.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐five responses from 95 service users and carers and 90 professionals were analysed. Seventy different safety issues were identified. These were mapped onto the 17 existing categories of the YCFF and two additional categories created to form the YCFF‐MH. Most frequently identified issues were as follows: “Individual characteristics” (of staff) which included competence and listening skills; “Service process” that contained concerns about waiting times; “Management of staff and staffing levels” dominated by staffing levels; and “External policy context” which included the overall resourcing of services. Professionals identified staffing levels and inadequate community provision more frequently than service users and carers, who in turn identified crisis care more frequently.

Conclusions

This study updates knowledge on stakeholder perceived safety issues across mental health care. It shows a far broader range of issues relating to safety than has previously been described. The YCFF was successfully modified to describe these issues and areas for further coproduced research are suggested.
Effects of particle size and briquetting of soda‐lime‐silicate glass batch on viscosity during batch‐to‐melt conversion
Authors: Doi Yoji , Yano Tetsuji , McCarthy Benjamin P. , Schweiger Michael J. , Hrma Pavel
Published: August 2018

To assess the effects of grain size and briquetting on glass‐batch melting, we measured the viscosity (ηb) of an industrial glass batch during its conversion to molten simulated architectural glass within the temperature interval of 1050‐1300°C and at a shear rate of 0.02 s−1. On the basis of the mass fraction of undissolved sand (xs), which was determined using X‐ray diffraction analysis on quenched batch samples, and the gas‐phase fraction (ϕp), which was obtained from volumetric measurements, we established the relationship ln(ηb/ηm) = a0 + bsxs + apϕp, where ηm is the transition melt viscosity, a0 is the melt homogeneity coefficient, bs is the coefficient for undissolved sand, and ap is the coefficient for bubbles. The obtained values, bs = 8.756 and ap = 0.658, indicate that undissolved silica sand strongly influences batch viscosity. Consequently, compared with coarse‐grained batches, fine raw materials and briquetting resulted in lower batch viscosity during conversion. Owing to their lower viscosities and higher heat conductivities, batches from finer raw materials or batches shaped into briquettes are expected to enhance the melting rate of batch blankets in industrial glass‐melting furnaces.
Effect of consumer self‐confidence on information search and dissemination: Mediating role of subjective knowledge
Authors: Utkarsh  , Sangwan Sunanda , Agarwal Pallavi
Published: August 2018

Consumers search for information about products to make a satisfactory purchase decision and gain knowledge about new features and updates. Consumers also use this knowledge to be vocal about their product experience because several consumers seek interpersonal recommendations. This phenomenon has contributed to the emergence of information search (IS) and information dissemination (ID) as a key research area in the field of consumer behaviour. However, the role of personal factors such as consumer self‐confidence and subjective knowledge has received little attention in the extant IS and ID literature. The major argument of this study is that information acquisition confidence and social outcome confidence enhance subjective knowledge and consequently increase the will of consumers to search and disseminate information in the context of smartphone buyers in India. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses using a convenience sample of 259 consumers obtained through a cross‐sectional survey. The study shows that subjective knowledge is crucial in strengthening the association between consumer self‐confidence and consumer intention for IS and ID. Additionally, enhancing consumer’s social outcome confidence contributes towards high subjective knowledge and consequently accelerates information dissemination. Results suggest that firms could focus on enhancing the social outcome confidence and subjective knowledge of consumers to motivate them to disseminate information. The results also show that consumers with high confidence in information acquisition ability have the high subjective knowledge and are more likely to search for information. Overall, this study contributes to the emerging literature regarding the role of personal factors in IS and dissemination behaviour.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated disruption of the immediate early‐0 and 2 as a therapeutic approach to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus in transgenic silkworm
Authors: Dong Z. , Hu Z. , Qin Q. , Dong F. , Huang L. , Long J. , Chen P. , Lu C. , Pan M.
Published: August 2018

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful tool for the treatment of infectious diseases. In our previous study, we knocked out the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) key genes and BmNPV‐dependent host factor to generate transgenic antiviral strains. To further expand the range of target genes for BmNPV and more effectively prevent and control pathogenic infections, we performed gene editing and antiviral analysis by constructing a target‐directed baculovirus early transcriptional activator immediate early‐0 (ie‐0) and 2 (ie‐2) transgenic silkworm line. We hybridized it with Cas9 transgenic line to produce a double‐positive transgenic Cas9(+)/sgIE0‐sgIE2(+) line that could activate the CRISPR gene editing system. We first demonstrated that the system is capable of efficiently editing target genes and resulting in fragment deletions in the BmNPV genome. Survival rate of the transgenic Cas9(+)/sgIE0‐sgIE2(+) line reached 65% after inoculation with 1 × 106 occlusion bodies/larva. Molecular analysis showed that BmNPV DNA replication and viral gene expression level in the transgenic Cas9(+)/sgIE0‐sgIE2(+) line were significantly inhibited compared with the control Cas9(−)/sgIE0‐sgIE2(−) line. These results indicated that IE‐0 and IE‐2, as baculovirus early transcriptional activators, can be used as target sites for gene therapy and that multigene editing could expand the range of target sites for research to create silkworm resistance breeds.
Variation in seclusion rates across New Zealand's specialist mental health services: Are sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing this?
Authors: Lai Jennifer , Jury Angela , Long Jenny , Fergusson David , Smith Mark , Baxendine Sandra , Gruar Angela
Published: August 2018

Rates of seclusion vary across New Zealand's publicly funded district health board (DHB) adult mental health inpatient services as indicated by national data. Anecdotally, this variation has been attributed to a range of factors directly relating to the people admitted to acute inpatient services. This study examined the extent to which variation in seclusion rates could be explained by the sociodemographic and clinical differences between populations admitted into adult mental health inpatient services. Retrospective data were obtained from the Programme for the Integration of Mental Health Data (PRIMHD). A logistic regression model was fitted to these data, with seclusion (yes/no) as the dependent variable and DHB groups as the independent variable. The DHBs were classified into four groups based on their seclusion rates. The model adjusted for ethnicity, age, number of bed nights, total Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) scores, and compulsory treatment status. Odds ratios remained virtually unchanged after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors. People admitted to DHB Group 4 (highest secluding DHBs) were 11 times more likely to be secluded than people in Group 1 (lowest secluding DHBs), adjusted OR = 11.1, 95% CI [7.5,16.4], P < 0.001. Results indicate DHB variation in seclusion rates cannot be attributed to the sociodemographic and clinical factors of people admitted into DHB adult mental health inpatient services. Instead, this variation may be explained by differences in service delivery models and practice approaches. A model of system improvements aimed at reducing seclusion is discussed.
The national and provincial burden of medically attended influenza‐associated influenza‐like illness and severe acute respiratory illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2013‐2015
Authors: Babakazo Pélagie , Lubula Léopold , Disasuani Wally , Manya Léonie Kitoko , Nkwembe Edith , Mitongo Naomi , Kavunga‐Membo Hugo , Changachanga Jean‐Claude , Muhemedi Saleh , Ilunga Benoit Kebela , Wemakoy Emile Okitolonda , Tamfum Jean‐Jacques Muyembe , Kabamba‐Tshilobo Joelle , Tempia Stefano
Published: August 2018

Background

Estimates of influenza‐associated outpatient consultations and hospitalizations are severely limited in low‐ and middle‐income countries, especially in Africa.

Methods

We conducted active prospective surveillance for influenza‐like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) at 5 healthcare facilities situated in Kinshasa Province during 2013‐2015. We tested upper respiratory tract samples for influenza viruses using a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assay. We estimated age‐specific numbers and rates of influenza‐associated ILI outpatient consultations and SARI hospitalizations for Kinshasa Province using a combination of administrative and influenza surveillance data. These estimates were extrapolated to each of the remaining 10 provinces accounting for provincial differences in prevalence of risk factors for pneumonia and healthcare‐seeking behavior. Rates were reported per 100 000 population.

Results

During 2013‐2015, the mean annual national number of influenza‐associated ILI outpatient consultations was 1 003 212 (95% Confidence Incidence [CI]: 719 335‐1 338 050 ‐ Rate: 1205.3; 95% CI: 864.2‐1607.5); 199 839 (95% CI: 153 563‐254 759 ‐ Rate: 1464.0; 95% CI: 1125.0‐1866.3) among children aged <5 years and 803 374 (95% CI: 567 772‐1 083 291 ‐ Rate: 1154.5; 95% CI: 813.1‐1556.8) among individuals aged ≥5 years. The mean annual national number of influenza‐associated SARI hospitalizations was 40 361 (95% CI: 24 014‐60 514 ‐ Rate: 48.5; 95% CI: 28.9‐72.7); 25 452 (95% CI: 19 146‐32 944 ‐ Rate: 186.5; 95% CI: 140.3‐241.3) among children aged <5 years and 14 909 (95% CI: 4868‐27 570 ‐ Rate: 21.4; 95% CI: 28.9‐72.7) among individuals aged ≥5 years.

Conclusions

The burden of influenza‐associated ILI outpatient consultations and SARI hospitalizations was substantial and was highest among hospitalized children aged <5 years.
Construction of a recombinant rhinovirus accommodating fluorescent marker expression
Authors: Han Mingyuan , Rajput Charu , Hinde Joanna L. , Wu Qian , Lei Jing , Ishikawa Tomoko , Bentley J. Kelley , Hershenson Marc B.
Published: August 2018

Background

Rhinovirus (RV) causes the common cold and asthma exacerbations. The RV genome is a 7.3 kb single‐strand positive‐sense RNA.

Objective

Using minor group RV1A as a backbone, we sought to design and generate a recombinant RV1A accommodating fluorescent marker expression, thereby allowing tracking of viral infection.

Method

Recombinant RV1A infectious cDNA clones harboring the coding sequence of green fluorescent protein (GFP), Renilla luciferase, or iLOV (for light, oxygen, or voltage sensing) were engineered and constructed. RV‐infected cells were determined by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

RV1A‐GFP showed a cytopathic effect in HeLa cells but failed to express GFP or Renilla luciferase due to deletion. The smaller fluorescent protein construct, RV1A‐iLOV, was stably expressed in infected cells. RV1A‐iLOV expression was used to examine the antiviral effect of bafilomycin in HeLa cells. Compared to parental virus, RV1A‐iLOV infection of BALB/c mice yielded a similar viral load and level of cytokine mRNA expression. However, imaging of fixed lung tissue failed to reveal a fluorescent signal, likely due to the oxidation and bleaching of iLOV‐bound flavin mononucleotide. We therefore employed an anti‐iLOV antibody for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence imaging. The iLOV signal was identified in airway epithelial cells and CD45+ CD11b+ lung macrophages.

Conclusions

These results suggest that RV1A‐iLOV is a useful molecular tool for studying RV pathogenesis. The construction strategy for RV1A‐iLOV could be applied to other RV serotypes. However, the detection of iLOV‐expressing RV in fixed tissue required the use of an anti‐iLOV antibody, limiting the value of this construct.
Sexual dimorphism and reproductive behavior in the Brazilian scorpionTityus pusillus(Scorpiones, Buthidae)
Authors: Lira André F.A. , Pordeus Laís M. , Rego Felipe N.A.A. , Iannuzzi Kaoana , Albuquerque Cleide M.R.
Published: August 2018

We studied sexual dimorphism (SD) and reproductive behavior in the litter‐dwelling scorpion,Tityus pusillus. SD was determined by measuring seven body structure attributes (prosoma, mesosoma, and metasoma lengths, and pedipalp chelae and metasomal segment V lengths and widths) in 634 individuals (211 males and 423 females) from the Arachnological Collection of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Reproductive behavior was observed in 55 couples during nocturnal activity observations conducted in the laboratory. In addition, we evaluated gestation time, hemispermatophore replacement, and sequential courtship. Individuals ofT. pusillusexhibited typical reproductive behavior, with a short courtship time (averaging 10±5 min). Males only accepted new partners at least 48 h after first mating, suggesting that this period may be necessary for hemispermatophore production. Females did not accept new partners for 24–48 h after their first mating. The average gestation period was 85±12 d, ranging 60–100 d. Our results showed a more complex picture of SD than previously described for this species, including features characteristic of both sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and sexual body component dimorphism in scorpions. In general, considering the relatively large size of the prosoma and mesosoma inT. pusillus, it seems reasonable to conclude that female‐biased SSD exists in the species, and that male‐biased sexual body component dimorphism is evident in the metasoma and chelae.
Preparation of (110)‐oriented SrTiO3 film on quartz glass by laser chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhang Qiong , Wu Wei , Goto Takashi , Yu Junxia
Published: August 2018

SrTiO3 (STO) film was prepared on quartz glass by laser chemical vapor deposition at a deposition temperature (Tdep) ranged from 760 to 1104 K. Effect of the Tdep on the orientation, crystallinity, texture, and microstructure of the STO film was investigated. As the Tdep was increased, the preferred orientation of the STO film tended to be (110)‐orientated with corresponding texture coefficient (TC) on the (110) reflection enhanced from 2.3 to 6; meanwhile, the full width at half maximum of the ω‐scan on the (110) reflection decreased from 0.85° to 0.59°. The (110)‐oriented grains were in wedge shape about 60 × 150 nm in size, which tended to be flat at an elevated Tdep of 1104 K.
Effect of heat treatment on AgI‐rich chalcogenide glasses with enhanced ionic conductivity
Authors: Huang Xinyu , Jiao Qing , Lin Changgui , Zhang Yeting , Yang Zhen , Xu Tiefeng , Zhang Xianghua , Ma Hongli , Liu Xueyun , Dai Shixun
Published: August 2018

The glass‐ceramics of AgI‐based electroconductive chalcogenide system was realized using an appropriate heat treatment at a fairly high temperature (Tg + 40°C) and different times ranging from 4 to 20 hours. The crystallization behavior and electroconductive properties of the heat‐treated samples were studied in detail. Transmission study was performed, and the results show that the cut‐off edge of the short wavelength is red‐shifted at prolonged annealing time but remains an excellent transmittance in the mid‐infrared (IR) region. XRD and scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the precipitated crystalline phases are mainly β‐/γ‐AgI. Moreover, a small amount of α‐AgI, which rarely existed at room temperature, is precipitated in the AgI‐rich chalcogenide glass‐ceramics. The ionic conductivity of all glass‐ceramics was enhanced by heat treatment in contrast to that of base glass. Raman analysis exhibited the structure variation in the glass sample after heat treatments. This study provided an observation of crystallization in chalcogenide glass containing large amounts of AgI and be of good guidance to fabricate novel AgI‐based chalcogenide glass‐ceramics that can be candidates in infrared optics and solid electrolyte applications.
Thirsty in an Ocean of Data? Pitfalls and Practical Strategies When Partnering With Industry on Big Data Supply Chain Research
Authors: Smyth Kevin B. , Croxton Keely L. , Franklin Rod , Knemeyer A. Michael
Published: August 2018

Increased volume, velocity, and variety of data provides new opportunities for businesses to take advantage of data science techniques, predictive analytics, and big data. However, firms are struggling to make use of their disjointed and unintegrated data streams. Despite this, academics with the analytic tools and training to pursue such research often face difficulty gaining access to corporate data. We explore the divergent goals of practitioners and academics and how the gap that exists between the communities can be overcome to derive mutual value from big data. We describe a practical roadmap for collaboration between academics and practitioners pursuing big data research. Then we detail a case example of how, by following this roadmap, researchers can provide insight to a firm on a specific supply chain problem while developing a replicable template for effective analysis of big data. In our case study, we demonstrate the value of effectively pairing management theory with big data exploration, describe unique challenges involved in big data research, and develop a novel and replicable hierarchical regression‐based process for analyzing big data.
Sterols of the Toxic Marine Dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense
Authors: Houle Hannah M. , Lopez Cary B. , Leblond Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2018

Pyrodinium bahamense is a dinoflagellate of concern in subtropical and tropical coastal environments. To date, there is only a single published study on its fatty acids, but no published data on its sterol composition. Sterols, which are membrane‐reinforcing lipids in eukaryotes, display a great diversity of structures in dinoflagellates, with some serving as chemotaxonomic markers. We have examined the sterol compositions of two isolates of P. bahamense from Indian River Lagoon and Tampa Bay, Florida, and have found both to produce three sterols: cholesterol, dinosterol, and 4α‐methylgorgostanol. All three sterols are found in closely related, armored taxa.