bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cercospora leaf spot in Toona ciliata: Epidemiology and infection process of Cercospora cf. alchemillicola
Authors: Silva Humberson Rocha , Pozza Edson Ampélio , de Souza Paulo Estevão , Ferreira Maria Alves , de Freitas Aurivan Soares , Moreira Silvino Intra
Published: June 2018

The biology of Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora cf. alchemillicola) of Toona ciliata was examined in terms of the effects of temperature and duration of foliage wetting on the progress of disease and the mechanism of pathogen infection. To evaluate the effect of temperature on mycelial growth, cercosporin production and conidial germination, experiments were conducted in a 4 × 5 factorial design, with four isolates (HR01, HR02, HR03 and CML3059) at five temperatures (15, 19, 23, 26 and 30°C). The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated in a 3 × 5 factorial design at three temperatures (20, 23 and 29°C) and five leaf wetness durations (0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hr). Penetration of C. cf. alchemillicola into leaves was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Maximum mycelial growth of all isolates occurred at 24.8°C. HR02 and HR01 produced higher quantities of cercosporin compared with CML3059 and HR03. Temperatures between 21.6 and 23.0°C favoured production of the toxin among isolates. Higher conidial germination rates occurred in isolates HR02 and HR01 compared with other isolates, with optimum germination occurring at 24.2–26.3°C. A leaf wetting period of 72 hr at 23.3°C gave the highest AUDPC value. No hyphal penetration was observed through natural openings. However, germ tubes grew inside wounds on the leaf epidermis. In addition, Phyllachora balansae (cause of tar spot) opened fissures on the leaf epidermis, thus creating wounds enabling C. cf. alchemillicola to infect.
Global dung webs: high trophic generalism of dung beetles along the latitudinal diversity gradient
Authors: Frank Kevin , Krell Frank‐Thorsten , Slade Eleanor M. , Raine Elizabeth H. , Chiew Li Yuen , Schmitt Thomas , Vairappan Charles S. , Walter Philippe , Blüthgen Nico
Published: June 2018

At the global scale, species diversity is known to strongly increase towards the equator for most taxa. According to theory, a higher resource specificity of consumers facilitates the coexistence of a larger number of species and has been suggested as an explanation for the latitudinal diversity gradient. However, only few studies support the predicted increase in specialisation or even showed opposite results. Surprisingly, analyses for detritivores are still missing. Therefore, we performed an analysis on the degree of trophic specialisation of dung beetles. We summarised 45 studies, covering the resource preferences of a total of 994503 individuals, to calculate the dung specificity in each study region. Our results highlighted a significant (4.3‐fold) increase in the diversity of beetles attracted to vertebrate dung towards the equator. However, their resource specificity was low, unrelated to diversity and revealed a highly generalistic use of dung resources that remained similar along the latitudinal gradient.
Competition and coexistence in plant communities: intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific competition
Authors: Adler Peter B. , Smull Danielle , Beard Karen H. , Choi Ryan T. , Furniss Tucker , Kulmatiski Andrew , Meiners Joan M. , Tredennick Andrew T. , Veblen Kari E.
Published: June 2018

Theory predicts that intraspecific competition should be stronger than interspecific competition for any pair of stably coexisting species, yet previous literature reviews found little support for this pattern. We screened over 5400 publications and identified 39 studies that quantified phenomenological intraspecific and interspecific interactions in terrestrial plant communities. Of the 67% of species pairs in which both intra‐ and interspecific effects were negative (competitive), intraspecific competition was, on average, four to five‐fold stronger than interspecific competition. Of the remaining pairs, 93% featured intraspecific competition and interspecific facilitation, a situation that stabilises coexistence. The difference between intra‐ and interspecific effects tended to be larger in observational than experimental data sets, in field than greenhouse studies, and in studies that quantified population growth over the full life cycle rather than single fitness components. Our results imply that processes promoting stable coexistence at local scales are common and consequential across terrestrial plant communities.
Alcohol overuse and intracerebral hemorrhage: characteristics and long‐term outcome
Authors: Avellaneda‐Gómez C. , Serra Martínez M. , Rodríguez‐Campello A. , Ois Á. , Cuadrado‐Godia E. , Giralt‐Steinhauer E. , Vivanco‐Hidalgo R. , Jiménez‐Conde J. , Gómez‐González A. , de Ceballos Cerrajería P. , Zabalza de Torres A. , Mola‐Caminal M. , Soriano‐Tárraga C. , Roquer J.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

Alcohol overuse (AOu) is considered an important risk factor for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The clinical and outcome characteristics of these patients (AOu‐ICH) are not well known.

Methods

All patients with ICH admitted to a single university tertiary stroke center were prospectively studied from May 2005 to May 2015. Demographic profiles, radiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute ICH and previous AOu (>40 g/day or >300 g/week) were analyzed.

Results

During the study period, 555 patients with spontaneous primary ICH met the inclusion criteria. A total of 81 patients (14.6%) reported AOu (24.3% of men vs. 3.1% of women; P < 0.0001; mean age, 63 years old for AOu vs. 74 years old for non‐AOu; P < 0.0001). Of the classic cardiovascular risk factors, only smoking was associated with AOu (63% vs. 12.2% of non‐AOu; P < 0.0001). Initial severity and hematoma volume were similar in both groups, with no observed differences in stroke care or in‐hospital medical complications. Patients with AOu had worse outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 3–6 points) than patients without AOu at 3 months [odds ratio (OR), 2.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32–4.75; P = 0.005] and 12 months (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.23–5.00; P = 0.011). A similar trend was observed at 5 years (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 0.96–6.39; P = 0.059).

Conclusions

Alcohol overuse was present in 14.6% of patients with ICH, who were predominantly male, smokers and a mean of 11 years younger than the non‐AOu group. Despite a lack of differences in initial clinical severity, stroke care and early medical complications, patients with AOu had worse short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Experience of care for Parkinson's disease in European countries: a survey by the European Parkinson's Disease Association
Authors: Schrag A. , Khan K. , Hotham S. , Merritt R. , Rascol O. , Graham L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Few studies report on the experience of care for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from their own point of view.

Methods

An analysis was carried out of a survey in 11 European countries on self‐reported access to services and satisfaction with different aspects of care.

Results

In all, 1775 people with PD (PwP) participated with disease duration ranging from <1 to 42 years. When referred to a specialist most were seen within 3 months but medication reviews occurred every 3 months in only 10%, every 6 months in 37%, once a year in 40% and every 2 years or less frequently in 13%. Waiting times to therapists were usually ≥4 months. Satisfaction with care was highest for involvement of PwP in decisions (63% of respondents satisfied) and involvement of family/carer (62%) followed by communication with PwP (57%), information received (54%), frequency of treatment reviews (52%) and suitability of treatment for the individual condition and circumstances (52%), but lowest for availability and accessibility of treatment when needed (48%) and collaborations between healthcare professionals in delivering care (41% satisfied). The main factors associated with overall satisfaction scores with care were the overall satisfaction with initial consultation (r = 0.26, P < 0.0001), the sensitivity with which the diagnosis was communicated, the quantity of information provided (both r = 0.24, P < 0.0001) and the frequency of medication review (r = 0.17, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

More coordinated and responsive care, tailored to the individual, with regular and timely medication reviews and information provision, is likely to improve satisfaction with care in current healthcare pathways.
Occurrence of Harmonia axyridis in Tunisia
Authors: Ben Halima Kamel M. , Mdellel L. , Zouari S. , Adouani R.
Published: June 2018

In a study on the population dynamics of insect pests on Pinus halepensis in Chott Mariem, two specimens of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, were found. This is the first record of this species in Tunisia.
The human IL‐17A/F heterodimer regulates psoriasis‐associated genes through IκBζ
Authors: Bertelsen Trine , Iversen Lars , Johansen Claus
Published: June 2018

Antagonists of IL‐17A and its receptor have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of psoriasis. However, many of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis are still to be determined. IκBζ (encoded by the NFKBIZ gene) plays a key role in the development of psoriasis by mediating IL‐17A‐ and IL‐17F‐driven effects. Both IL‐17A and IL‐17F expression are increased in lesional psoriatic skin. IL‐17A/A and IL‐17F/F homodimers as well as the IL‐17A/F heterodimer signal through the same receptors. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of the IL‐17A/F heterodimer in the regulation of NFKBIZ expression and in the regulation of selected psoriasis‐associated genes. We demonstrated that IL‐17A/F stimulation of human keratinocytes significantly induced NFKBIZ expression. Moreover, silencing IκBζ by siRNA revealed that IκBζ is a key regulator of IL‐17A/F‐inducible psoriasis‐associated genes, including CCL20, DEFB4, IL‐8, CHI3L1 and S100A7. In addition, IL‐17A/F‐induced NFKBIZ expression was mediated by a mechanism involving the p38 MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathways. In conclusion, we present IκBζ as a novel key regulator of IL‐17A/F‐driven effects in psoriasis. Thus, antagonists to IL‐17A/F or IκBζ may present a targeted approach for treating psoriasis.
Maximizing the benefits of oyster reef restoration for finfish and their fisheries
Authors: Gilby Ben L. , Olds Andrew D. , Peterson Charles H. , Connolly Rod M. , Voss Christine M. , Bishop Melanie J. , Elliott Michael , Grabowski Jonathan H. , Ortodossi Nicholas L. , Schlacher Thomas A.
Published: June 2018

Global declines in oyster reefs have resulted in reduced habitat heterogeneity, extent and quality for some coastal finfish, potentially reducing fish populations and catches. It is well established that habitat restoration results in higher finfish biomass and diversity where oyster reefs replace bare substrata. Therefore, restoring oyster reefs with a view to also improving fish stocks is often a key goal of oyster restoration. However, the principles of habitat quality, ecological connectivity and broader ecosystem management are poorly integrated within oyster reef restoration ecology, but such principles may be instructive in enhancing the benefits of projects on fish populations throughout estuarine seascapes. This manuscript presents a framework for projects seeking to restore both oyster reef habitat and finfish communities. Structurally and biologically complex oyster reefs, comprising both oysters and other invertebrates, are required to provide shelter, food and nursery services to fish. By carefully considering site selection at seascape scales (km to 10s of km), restoration can enhance the network of habitat available to fish and potentially increase the overall carrying capacity of the estuary. Managers of estuaries that now include restored oyster reefs should implement fisheries management plans and consider the effects of management actions broadly throughout catchments; failing to do so may jeopardize gains in fish yields. Management decisions must be adaptable, responding to key criteria in thorough monitoring programs. Integrating these ecological and coastal management concepts into oyster reef restoration will enhance outcomes for fishes and increase stakeholder engagement and cost‐effectiveness.
Expansion microscopy: enabling single cell analysis in intact biological systems
Authors: Alon Shahar , Huynh Grace H. , Boyden Edward S.
Published: June 2018

There is a need for single cell analysis methods that enable the identification and localization of different kinds of biomolecules throughout cells and intact tissues, thereby allowing characterization and classification of individual cells and their relationships to each other within intact systems. Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a technology that physically magnifies tissues in an isotropic way, thereby achieving super‐resolution microscopy on diffraction‐limited microscopes, enabling rapid image acquisition and large field of view. As a result, ExM is well‐positioned to integrate molecular content and cellular morphology, with the spatial precision sufficient to resolve individual biological building blocks, and the scale and accessibility required to deploy over extended 3‐D objects like tissues and organs.
The effect of pit size and density on the fatigue behaviour of a pre‐corroded martensitic stainless steel
Authors: McMurtrey M.D. , Mills D.E. , Burns J.T.
Published: June 2018

UNS S17400 steel is used in turbines for the aerospace and utility industries. While it is generally corrosion resistant, it is susceptible to pitting when exposed to aqueous chloride environments. Effects of pitting characteristics, such as depth, width, and local density on fatigue life, have been studied in this work to better inform criteria for component replacement or repair. While pit depth correlates well with cracking, the deepest pit never initiated the crack that ultimately led to failure. The clustering of pits, or local pitting density, also correlated well with crack initiation location; however, the densest region of pitting was not always the location where cracking occurred. There is likely no single metric that directly correlates pitting with fatigue cracking, rather there is a combination of pitting characteristics that ultimately lead to cracking. The results from this work suggest that pit depth and local pitting density are among the more important metrics.
Rapid thermal adaptation in a marine diatom reveals constraints and trade‐offs
Authors: O'Donnell Daniel R. , Hamman Carolyn R. , Johnson Evan C. , Kremer Colin T. , Klausmeier Christopher A. , Litchman Elena
Published: June 2018

Rapid evolution in response to environmental change will likely be a driving force determining the distribution of species across the biosphere in coming decades. This is especially true of microorganisms, many of which may evolve in step with warming, including phytoplankton, the diverse photosynthetic microbes forming the foundation of most aquatic food webs. Here we tested the capacity of a globally important, model marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, for rapid evolution in response to temperature. Selection at 16 and 31°C for 350 generations led to significant divergence in several temperature response traits, demonstrating local adaptation and the existence of trade‐offs associated with adaptation to different temperatures. In contrast, competitive ability for nitrogen (commonly limiting in marine systems), measured after 450 generations of temperature selection, did not diverge in a systematic way between temperatures. This study shows how rapid thermal adaptation affects key temperature and nutrient traits and, thus, a population's long‐term physiological, ecological, and biogeographic response to climate change.
Helicobacter pylori infection reduces the risk of Barrett's esophagus: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Erőss Bálint , Farkas Nelli , Vincze Áron , Tinusz Benedek , Szapáry László , Garami András , Balaskó Márta , Sarlós Patrícia , Czopf László , Alizadeh Hussain , Rakonczay Zoltán , Habon Tamás , Hegyi Péter
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) has been decreasing in developed countries, with an increasing prevalence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) at the same time. The aim of our meta‐analysis was to quantify the risk of BE in the context of HPI.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in 3 databases for studies on BE with data on prevalence of HPI from inception until December 2016. Odds ratios for BE in HPI were calculated by the random effects model with subgroup analyses for geographical location, presence of dysplasia in BE, and length of the BE segment.

Results

Seventy‐two studies were included in the meta‐analysis, including 84 717 BE cases and 390 749 controls. The overall analysis showed that HPI reduces the risk of BE; OR = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.58‐0.79, P < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed risk reduction in Asia OR = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33‐0.84, P = .007), Australia OR = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.39‐0.80, P = .002), Europe OR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.60‐0.98, P = .035), and North‐America OR = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.47‐0.74, P < .001). The risk was significantly reduced for dysplastic BE, OR = 0.37 (95% CI: 0.26‐0.51, P < .001) for non‐dysplastic BE, OR = 0.51 (95% CI: 0.35‐0.75, P = .001), and for long segment BE, OR = 0.25 (95% CI: 0.11‐0.59, P = .001) in case of HPI.

Conclusions

This extensive meta‐analysis provides additional evidence that HPI is associated with reduced risk of BE. Subgroup analyses confirmed that this risk reduction is independent of geographical location. HPI is associated with significantly lower risk of dysplastic, non‐dysplastic, and long segment BE.
Patterns of association at feeder stations for Common Pheasants released into the wild: sexual segregation by space and time
Authors: Whiteside Mark A. , van Horik Jayden O. , Langley Ellis J. G. , Beardsworth Christine E. , Capstick Lucy A. , Madden Joah R.
Published: June 2018

Sexual segregation is common and can occur when sexes occupy different habitats, and/or when sexes aggregate assortatively within the same habitats. However, it is rarely studied in birds, with most previous work concentrating on differential settlement by the sexes in discrete habitats, often separated by large distances. Little attention has been paid to patterns of segregation within the same site. We reared 200 Common Pheasants Phasianus colchicus and released them onto a relatively small site of 250 ha and recorded their patterns of association and differential use of artificial feeders in space and time. Particular feeders were preferred by one sex, although we found no features of the local habitat which explained such preferences. Furthermore, we found sex differences in the use of feeders throughout the day, with females preferentially visiting them in the morning and the proportion of females visiting feeders increasing as the year progressed. Social network analyses found that in the first month after release into the wild, females did not associate strongly with other females, which was surprising as, prior to release, females have been shown to associate with other females in both semi‐natural conditions and when tested in isolation. However, sexual segregation was clearly seen after 1 month of being released and became more pronounced as the year progressed. Females associated with other females from November to February, whereas males avoided other males over this same period. Sexes became less likely to associate with one another in 5 of the 6 months monitored. Such avoidance observed in males suggests that they start to form territories much sooner than previously thought. Pheasants exhibit clear patterns of fine‐scale sexual segregation based on space and time, which was observed in their social preferences at feeding sites. Such detailed fine‐scale segregation is rarely observed in birds.
Evaluating the suitability of teaching EIL for the German classroom
Authors: Syrbe Mona
Published: June 2018

English has developed into a global language, spoken in numerous varieties and used as a lingua franca worldwide. Consequently, scholars have argued for a shift in English language teaching to an EIL‐oriented approach. This paper examines the suitability of this approach for German secondary schools and shows its relevance for English language teaching in Germany. It further investigates to what extent such an approach can be implemented in Germany based on the curriculum of Germany's most populous state. While the approach ties in well with some components of the curriculum, many elements of teaching English will have to be reconsidered, so that the English classrooms in Germany can move away from the native speaker model towards teaching EIL.
The language‐cognition‐affect interface in young college student stroke survivors with aphasia
Authors: Mattuzzi Michelle , Pfenninger Simone E.
Published: June 2018

In this case‐series study, quantitative and qualitative data were collected through an international web survey inviting (former) college aphasic students to describe their feelings of anxiousness, helplessness and self‐efficacy while using language when back at school, their self‐reported use of communication strategies, and the extent to which they view language as a threat to their emotional well‐being. Analysis of responses from 35 participants revealed that the heavy emphasis on language use at school puts young aphasics at a disadvantage. The majority of the respondents reported perceiving any tasks involving oral speech and communication, note‐taking and memorization as extremely difficult and stressful. Examining such struggles helps educators, practitioners, caregivers, friends, family, partners and schools understand the areas in which a survivor's life needs the most support.
Effect of inulin with different degree of polymerisation on textural and rheological properties of wheat starch – Effect of inulin on gel properties of starch
Authors: Kou Xuerui , Luo Denglin , Li Yun , Xu Baocheng , Zhang Kangyi , Li Peiyan , Li Xuan , Han Sihai , Liu Jianxue
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inulin with different degree of polymerisation on textural and rheological properties of wheat starch gel by a texture analyser and rheometers. As expected, the hardness of gel increased with the addition of three kinds of inulin, but the gumminess and adhesiveness decreased. For the rheological properties, we found short‐chain inulin reduced the consistency coefficient and increase the fluidity of gel, natural inulin could increase the consistency coefficient of gel and had no significant effect on the flow characteristic index. Short‐ and long‐chain inulin could maintain the stability of gel during storage at 5 °C, and natural inulin significantly enhanced the fluidity and decreased the stability. In general, three kinds of inulin all had an influence on the texture parameters of wheat starch gel, short‐ and long‐chain inulin improved the dynamic stability.
Effect of osmotic dehydration on desorption isotherms and glass transition temperatures of mango
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Hong , Ding Yang , Yuan Yue‐Jin , Xiao Hong‐Wei , Zhou Chun‐Li , Tan Ming‐Lei , Tang Xuan‐Ming
Published: June 2018

The influence of different osmotic solution pretreatments (sucrose and glucose with concentration of 45%) on desorption isotherms and glass transition temperatures (Tg) of mango was investigated. The Peleg model satisfactorily described the relationship between water activity (aw) and moisture content of all samples (0.992 < r2<0.997). The equilibrium moisture content of mangoes osmotically pretreated in sucrose was higher than that of samples pretreated in glucose. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure the Tg of samples equilibrated with different aw (0.12–0.75). The dependence of Tg on moisture content was adequately fitted by Gordon–Taylor model (0.946 < r2<0.949). The osmo‐dehydrated mangoes showed lower Tg than fresh samples at the same moisture content. Additionally, the samples osmotically pretreated in glucose showed the lowest Tg value.
Methyl jasmonate alleviates drought stress in young sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plants
Authors: Fugate Karen K. , Lafta Abbas M. , Eide John D. , Li Guolong , Lulai Edward C. , Olson Linda L. , Deckard Edward L. , Khan Mohamed F. R. , Finger Fernando L.
Published: June 2018

Drought is the major cause of yield and economic loss for the sugar beet crop. Mechanisms to reduce drought stress, however, are lacking as sugar beets are largely produced without irrigation and drought‐tolerant varieties are not available. As jasmonates are implicated in plant drought‐stress responses, research was conducted to determine whether methyl jasmonate (MeJA) could mitigate drought effects on sugar beet. Fourteen‐day‐old plants were treated with 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 or 10 μM MeJA. Seven days later, half of the plants were drought‐stressed by withholding water, while control plants continued to receive water. Drought caused leaf relative water content (RWC), shoot fresh and dry weights, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (EVAP), stomatal conductance (Gs), water‐use efficiency (WUE) and PSII quantum efficiency to decline and substomatal CO2 concentration (Ci) and proline and betaine concentrations to increase. MeJA, at 1 and 10 μM, reduced moderate and severe drought effects on RWC, Pn, Ci and WUE and altered drought‐induced changes in proline accumulation, but had no effect on Gs, EVAP or betaine accumulation. Results indicate that MeJA delayed plant dehydration and protected the photosynthetic apparatus from drought‐induced impairment. Exogenous application of MeJA, therefore, alleviates drought stress on young sugar beets and may provide a tool to reduce the economic loss caused by dry conditions during early crop production.
Seed treatment with Penicillium sp. or Mn/Zn can alleviate the negative effects of cold stress in maize grown in soils dependent on soil fertility
Authors: Gómez‐Muñoz Beatriz , Lekfeldt Jonas D. S. , Magid Jakob , Jensen Lars Stoumann , de Neergaard Andreas
Published: June 2018

Maize is becoming an increasingly important crop in northern Europe, but low temperatures during spring may hamper its growth. This effect may be caused by direct plant damage through oxidative stress or indirect damage through decreased uptake of nutrients, especially phosphorus (P), from the soil. Previous studies have indicated that treatment with micronutrients such as manganese and zinc (Mn/Zn), microbial inoculants (biostimulants) or exogenous salicylic acid can alleviate abiotic stress. Seed inoculation with microorganisms can also increase P uptake from the soil. In a pot experiment, we investigated whether the negative effects of cold stress could be alleviated by improving soil fertility (P level), inoculating seed with two different plant growth‐promoting fungi of the genus Penicillium sp., adding extra Mn/Zn at sowing or adding exogenous salicylic acid. These treatments were tested on maize plants subjected to cold stress and two different levels of soil fertility and harvested 28 and 51 days after sowing (DAS). We found that the effect of cold stress was not alleviated by improving soil fertility through the use of a more fertile (high P) soil or through fertilisation with plant‐available P in the form of triple superphosphate. Cold stress was also not alleviated by the treatment of seeds with salicylic acid. Addition of Mn/Zn and inoculation with one of the two Penicillium strains tested increased biomass production at 51 DAS (compared with the untreated control) in cold‐stressed plants grown in the high P soil, but not in the low P soil. Thus, addition of Mn/Zn and inoculation with Penicillium sp. can reduce the effects of cold stress in maize plants grown in fertile soil.
An optimal spectral model for phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes used in the mesopic vision
Authors: Zheng Zi‐shan , Wang Le , Zhang Hong , Zhou Tian‐liang , Zheng Peng , Liang Pei
Published: June 2018

White light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) for road lighting are required to have both the high scotopic to photopic ratio (S/P) and color rendering index (CRI). However, there is a trade‐off between S/P and CRI, and WLEDs commonly having the S/P of 1.68‐2.38 usually exhibit a low CRI. In this work, to provide a best solution to the trade‐off problem we proposed an optimal spectral model for the phosphor‐converted WLEDs (pc‐WLEDs) aiming to figure out the optimal phosphor combination. The Monte Carlo Algorithms combined with the Genetic Algorithm were adopted to obtain the optimization of CRI and S/P by varying the spectral power distributions of WLEDs through adjusting the spectral parameters. Considering the spectral requirements of pc‐WLEDs based on the mesopic vision, we chose CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ and Y3(Ga,Al)5O12:Ce3+ as the red‐ and green‐emitting phosphors to prepare WLEDs with both high S/P and CRI, respectively. The simulation based on the optimal spectral model led to an optimal pc‐WLED with a high S/P of 2.0‐2.14, Ra > 80 and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4000‐5000 K, which matches very well with the experimental results of S/P = 2.064, Ra = 93.9, and CCT = 4981 K for the two‐phosphor converted WLEDs. It implies that the optimal spectral model would be used effectively for the spectral design and phosphor selection for WLEDs.
Sky, sea, and forest islands: Diversification in the African leaf‐folding frog Afrixalus paradorsalis (Anura: Hyperoliidae) of the Lower Guineo‐Congolian rain forest
Authors: Charles Kristin L. , Bell Rayna C. , Blackburn David C. , Burger Marius , Fujita Matthew K. , Gvoždík Václav , Jongsma Gregory F.M. , Kouete Marcel Talla , Leaché Adam D. , Portik Daniel M.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To investigate how putative barriers, forest refugia, and ecological gradients across the lower Guineo‐Congolian rain forest shape genetic and phenotypic divergence in the leaf‐folding frog Afrixalus paradorsalis, and examine the role of adjacent land bridge and sky‐islands in diversification.

Location

The Lower Guineo‐Congolian Forest, the Cameroonian Volcanic Line (CVL), and Bioko Island, Central Africa.

Taxon

Afrixalus paradorsalis (Family: Hyperoliidae), an African leaf‐folding frog.

Methods

We used molecular and phenotypic data to investigate diversity and divergence among the A. paradorsalis species complex distributed across lowland rain forests, a land bridge island, and mountains in Central Africa. We examined the coincidence of population boundaries, landscape features, divergence times, and spatial patterns of connectivity and diversity, and subsequently performed demographic modelling using genome‐wide SNP variation to distinguish among divergence mechanisms in mainland (riverine barriers, forest refugia, ecological gradients) and land bridge island populations (vicariance, overwater dispersal).

Results

We detected four genetically distinct allopatric populations corresponding to Bioko Island, the CVL, and two lowland rain forest populations split by the Sanaga River. Although lowland populations are phenotypically indistinguishable, pronounced body size evolution occurs at high elevation, and the timing of the formation of the high elevation population coincides with mountain uplift in the CVL. Spatial analyses and demographic modelling revealed population divergence across mainland Lower Guinea is best explained by forest refugia rather than riverine barriers or ecological gradients, and that the Bioko Island population divergence is best explained by vicariance (marine incursion) rather than overseas dispersal.

Main conclusions

We provide growing support for the important role of forest refugia in driving intraspecific divergences in the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest. In A. paradorsalis, sky‐islands in the CVL have resulted in greater genetic and phenotypic divergences than marine incursions of the land bridge Bioko Island, highlighting important differences in patterns of island‐driven diversification in Lower Guinea.
A global analysis of bats using automated comparative phylogeography uncovers a surprising impact of Pleistocene glaciation
Authors: Carstens Bryan C. , Morales Ariadna E. , Field Kathryn , Pelletier Tara A.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Our work seeks to understand the global demographical response of bat species to the climate change that occurred at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Location

All continents except Antarctica.

Methods

Mitochondrial DNA sequences were sampled from bat species throughout the planet where we could associate a georeferenced sample with a given DNA sequence. Our investigation estimates the historical demographical response using over 12,000 samples from >300 nominal species of bats. Custom Python and R scripts were written to aggregate sequence data from GenBank, locality information from GBIF, and to associate these records to individual samples. We conducted approximate Bayesian computation to calculate the posterior probability of demographical bottleneck and expansion responses to the end of the Pleistocene, and then collected organismal trait data to identify traits that were associated with either demographical response. We also used R to estimate current and end‐Pleistocene species distribution models (SDM) for species where >10 georeferenced samples were available.

Results

Analysis of the genetic data indicate that some temperate insectivores responded to the end of the Pleistocene by undergoing a demographical expansion. However, the neotropical family Phyllostomidae experienced the most dramatic response, with many of its species undergoing demographical bottlenecks. Larger bats, and those with shorter forewings, were more likely to undergo a demographical bottleneck. In contrast with the results of the genetic data analysis, the automated SDMs all predicted range expansion since the LGM.

Main conclusions

Historical populations of Neotropical bats that rely on Angiosperms for resources (i.e., pollen, nectar, fruit) were negatively influenced by the climate change that occurred at the end of the Pleistocene. Our work highlights the utility of incorporating exploratory trait‐based analyses in phylogeography. It serves as an example of automated big data phylogeography, and suggests that repurposed data can lead to new insights about global biodiversity.
Higher potential fire intensity at the dry range margins of European mountain trees
Authors: Fréjaville Thibaut , Curt Thomas , Carcaillet Christopher
Published: June 2018

Aim

Potential fire intensity (PFI) is among the main drivers of fire–vegetation interactions, but how it varies across species ranges is unknown. We test whether PFI and crown fire likelihood (CFL) increase preferentially towards the warm/dry range margins of mountain trees.

Location

The western Alps.

Methods

We analysed PFI and CFL patterns across the environmental niches of major mountain forest tree species, using field observation data of surface fuels with fire simulations. Empirical relationships between PFI and climate and vegetation structure were identified in communities sampled for surface fuels, and then used to predict PFI in national forest inventory plots.

Results

Simulations indicate that autumn drought, spring precipitation, tree cover and tree basal area drove the variation in understorey fuels among communities, leading to different PFI among and within the environmental ranges of mountain tree species. PFI was consistently higher in the open‐canopy, dry margins of dominant tree species. The highest PFI values were found in the sub‐Mediterranean and subalpine forests in conjunction with higher CFL.

Main conclusions

Mountain trees are exposed to higher PFI and CFL at their dry range margins, suggesting higher potential fire impacts at their rear distribution edges. Moist montane species (Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, Picea abies) are exposed to surface fires of lower intensities than sub‐Mediterranean (Quercus pubescens, Pinus nigra, P. sylvestris) and subalpine species (Larix decidua, P. uncinata, P. cembra) which may both experience higher likelihood of crown fires at their dry and flammable margins.
The global latitudinal diversity gradient pattern in spiders
Authors: Piel William H.
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the global latitudinal diversity gradient pattern in spiders is pear‐shaped, with maximum species diversity shifted south of the Equator, rather than egg‐shaped, centred on the equator, this study infers the gradient using two large datasets.

Location

Global terrestrial.

Time Period

Data sources range from 1757–2017; data assembled April 2017.

Taxon

Spiders (Araneae).

Methods

Using metadata on the countries of origin for 98% of all described spider species, this study applies PostGIS queries to calculate the number of species, and the species richness per land area, along ten‐degree latitudinal bands.

Results

More spider species are known in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. Although the global latitudinal diversity gradient pattern in species richness per area is, indeed, pear‐shaped, this pattern only applies to Old World longitudes and only if it is assumed that the species‐area relationship is linear. Without this assumption, the latitudinal gradient matches the classic parabolic shape.

Main conclusions

Using data from the World Spider Catalog, the global latitudinal diversity gradient pattern for spiders, in terms of species per unit area and assuming a power function for the species‐area relationship, is egg‐shaped, or parabolic, rather than pear‐shaped as previously claimed.
Practitioner Review: Therapeutics of unipolar major depressions in adolescents
Authors: Goodyer Ian M. , Wilkinson Paul O.
Published: June 2018

Background

Over the past two decades new and key randomized controlled trials have reported the efficacy, clinical and cost effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological treatments for adolescents with major depression.

Methods

The literature was searched through pubmed, psychinfo, scopus and web of science for randomized controlled trials of current major depression together with meta‐analyses and systematic reviews of trials between 2000 and 2017. Those specific to the adolescent years (11–18 years) were taken as the primary source for this narrative review. Additional selected studies in adults were used to illustrate methodological issues.

Results

Manualized psychological therapies and the SSRI fluoxetine are more effective than active placebo in the treatment of major depressions. Mild to moderate illnesses attending community‐based services are likely to benefit from psychological treatment alone. Moderately to severely ill patients attending clinic and hospital services are likely to benefit from monotherapies or combining psychological and pharmacological treatment. Antidepressants carry a small but significant side‐effect risk including increased suicidality. Side effects from psychotherapies are somewhat lower but specific negative consequences remain less well characterized. There is some evidence that CBT‐based approaches prevent onset of major depression episode in well adolescents at high‐risk. Other psychological interventions have not been adequately studied. There has been only limited identification of treatment moderators and no clear understanding of therapeutic mechanisms.

Conclusions

There is now a range of clinically effective treatments for depressed adolescents. Future research needs to reveal moderators of and mechanisms for individual differences to treatment response, determine psychotherapies of value for milder depressions, enhance our understanding of safety and side‐effects for all treatments, and consider how to reduce and treat treatment‐resistant cases.
“A waste of time without patients”: The views of patient representatives attending a workshop in evidence‐based practice
Authors: Austvoll‐Dahlgren Astrid , Johansen Marit
Published: June 2018

Background

Shared decision‐making is a central element of evidence‐based practice (EBP). Training in EBP has traditionally focused on providers, but there is an increasing interest in developing such educational resources for patients. The aim of this study is to explore the views of patient representatives attending a workshop in EBP.

Methods

We conducted three focus groups with participants attending EBP workshops in 2013, 2014, and 2015. We used the framework method for content analysis. We reviewed the transcribed interviews independently and assigned initial codes and final categories to the transcriptions. We created an analytical framework and a flow diagram to visualize the category hierarchy and the relationship between categories.

Results

We identified two main themes; “How to facilitate training in evidence‐based practice for patients,” and “Outputs of training in evidence based practice for patients.” Training in EBP for patient representatives “should reflect the principles EBP,” and include interaction with both health professionals and other representatives. The educational needs of representatives are much the same as those of health professionals, and the training should therefore be “on a par with professionals.” The relevance of such training may depend on the representatives’ mandate, and costs might be an important barrier. Important outputs of such training include “becoming a knowledge manager,” “enabling participation and informed decisions” and “re‐defining the patient representatives' role.”

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that training in EBP is attractive to patient representatives with outputs perceived important. Organizers should consider the principles of EBP when planning such training.
A New Halophilic Heterolobosean Flagellate, Aurem hypersalina gen. n. et sp. n., Closely Related to the Pleurostomum‐Tulamoeba Clade: Implications for Adaptive Radiation of Halophilic Eukaryotes
Authors: Jhin Soo Hwan , Park Jong Soo
Published: June 2018

Halophilic protozoa are independently scattered across the molecular phylogeny of eukaryotes; most of which are assigned to Heterolobosea. Here, we isolated a biflagellate from a hypersaline water of 342‰ salinity. This isolate shared several morphological features with typical halophilic heterolobosean flagellates. In addition, molecular phylogenetic trees of the 18S rRNA gene sequences clearly indicated flagellate is a heterolobosean species closely related to the halophilic Tulamoebidae. However, the flagellate was not accommodated to any described genus. Cells were ovoid‐shaped, and no amoebae were observed. The two unequal flagella beat heterodynamically. An ear‐like bulge at the margin of a cytostomal groove was observed. Flagellates could grow at 100–200‰ salinity, suggesting an obligately halophilic species. Currently, it appears that the new halophilic Aurem hypersalina forms a strong clade with Tulamoebidae, and is sister to the Tulamoebidae, indicating that this new clade is composed almost entirely of obligate halophilic taxa. Thus, A. hypersalina and the Tulamoebidae clade currently represent a unique adaptive radiation of halophilic eukaryotes.
Effects of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on prevention of the ectoparasitic protozoans Ichthyobodo salmonis and Trichodina truttae in juvenile chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta
Authors: Mizuno Shinya , Urawa Shigehiko , Miyamoto Mahito , Hatakeyama Makoto , Sasaki Yoshitaka , Koide Nobuhisa , Tada Shoichi , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

The present study performed three experiments to establish a practical prevention strategy for the ectoparasitic flagellate Ichthyobodo salmonis and ciliate Trichodina truttae in hatchery‐reared juvenile chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta using dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil. Experiment 1 showed that a diet supplemented for 3 weeks with 0.02% oregano essential oil significantly prevented infection with I. salmonis and T. truttae in juveniles reared in small tanks. Experiment 2, in outdoor hatchery ponds, demonstrated that the oregano treatment completely prevented I. salmonis infection for 52 days and T. truttae infection for 38 days. Oregano‐treated juvenile mortality attributable to infection with these protozoans also decreased to 7.6% of control juvenile mortality, confirming the utility of this treatment in cultured O. keta. Physiological analyses of the oregano‐treated juveniles elucidated the treatment's safety in relation to their metabolism, osmoregulation, natural immunity and olfactory responses and also detected carvacrol (a major component of oregano essential oil which shows antimicrobial activity) on the skin. In experiment 3, exposure of the two protozoans to oregano essential oil revealed a weak antiparasitic action on the body surface of the juvenile O. keta. The overall results demonstrate that dietary oregano supplementation is a practical prevention strategy for I. salmonis and T. truttae in hatchery‐reared juvenile O. keta and suggest the possibility that its anti‐parasitic action is attributable to a component of the oil that emerges onto the skin of the body of the fish.
Repeated sublethal freshwater exposures reduce the amoebic gill disease parasite, Neoparamoeba perurans, on Atlantic salmon
Authors: Wright Daniel William , Nowak Barbara , Oppedal Frode , Crosbie Phil , Stien Lars Helge , Dempster Tim
Published: June 2018

Freshwater bathing is one of the main treatment options available against amoebic gill disease (AGD) affecting multiple fish hosts in mariculture systems. Prevailing freshwater treatments are designed to be long enough to kill Neoparamoeba perurans, the ectoparasite causing AGD, which may select for freshwater tolerance. Here, we tested whether using shorter, sublethal freshwater treatment durations are a viable alternative to lethal ones for N. perurans (2–4 hr). Under in vitro conditions, gill‐isolated N. perurans attached to plastic substrate in sea water lifted off after ≥2 min in freshwater, but survival was not impacted until 60 min. In an in vivo experiment, AGD‐affected Atlantic salmon Salmo salar subjected daily to 30 min (sublethal to N. perurans) and 120 min (lethal to N. perurans) freshwater treatments for 6 days consistently reduced N. perurans cell numbers on gills (based on qPCR analysis) compared to daily 3 min freshwater or seawater treatments for 6 days. Our results suggest that targeting cell detachment rather than cell death with repeated freshwater treatments of shorter duration than typical baths could be used in AGD management. However, the consequences of modifying the intensity of freshwater treatment regimes on freshwater tolerance evolution in N. perurans populations require careful consideration.