bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitrinite reflectance and consolidation characteristics of the post‐middle Miocene Forearc Basin in central and eastern Boso Peninsula, central Japan: Implications for basin subsidence
Authors: Kamiya Nana , Yamamoto Yuzuru , Zhang Feng , Lin Weiren 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTo understand the sedimentary development of the Boso Forearc Basin, central Japan, since ~ 3 Ma, we investigated paleothermal structure and consolidation trends in the central and eastern parts of the forearc basin through vitrinite reflectance measurements and consolidation tests. Vitrinite reflectance (Rm) was in the range 0.33 % to 0.61 % for the Miura Group in the central part of the forearc basin and 0.34 % to 0.41 % for the Miura and Kazusa Groups in the eastern. These values suggest a roughly uniform vitrinite reflectance for the Miura Group from the central to eastern parts. No significant vitrinite reflectance difference is observed across the ~ 3 Ma Kurotaki Unconformity in the eastern part of the basin. The consolidation yield stress (pc) was calculated as 27.5 MPa and 32.2 MPa for the Kiyosumi and Amatsu Formations of the Miura Group in the eastern part, respectively. Both the pc values are consistent quantitatively with represent the trend of the maximum overburden pressure estimated from the thickness and density of overlying sediments, and the difference in pc is expected by the maximum burial depths of the strata at the sampling localities. Values of pc in the eastern part of the basin increase with thickness of overlying sediment, showing no break across the Kurotaki Unconformity. Considering the eroded thickness of the Miura Group, the continuous trends in vitrinite reflectance and consolidation between the Miura and Kazusa Groups in the eastern part reflect the greater deposition of the eastern part of the Boso Forearc Basin since ~ 2.3 Ma.
Assessing zinc tolerance in two butterfly species: consequences for conservation in polluted environments
Authors: Shephard Alexander M. , Mitchell Timothy S. , Henry Sara B. , Oberhauser Karen S. , Kobiela Megan E. , Snell‐Rood Emilie C. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Zinc is a widespread pollutant released from industrial combustion, automobile residue, and mining. Zinc accumulates in soils and mobilises into plant tissue where it may be consumed to potentially toxic levels by leaf feeding insects, including developing pollinators.
While zinc tolerance thresholds have been previously assessed in insect pollinators, most observations are limited to model organisms and pest species. We lack understanding of zinc tolerance in insects of conservation concern.
We assess dietary zinc tolerance of developing caterpillars from wild populations of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a species of conservation concern, whose caterpillars are commonly exposed to elevated dietary zinc exposure in milkweed plants along roadsides. We contrast monarch zinc tolerance with that of cabbage white butterfly caterpillars (Pieris rapae), a non‐native pest species. Tolerance was assessed by rearing caterpillars on artificial diets containing varying levels of zinc.
Zinc reduced monarch survival at levels as low as 344 mg kg−1 but positively impacted cabbage white survival at 227 and 738 mg kg−1. Cabbage whites also displayed prolonged development time, smaller adult body size, and slower growth rate, consistent with the possibility that zinc tolerance had fitness costs.
Our results support previous observations that heavy metal tolerance varies between species and highlight the importance of broadening our understanding of tolerance to insect species of conservation concern before drawing general conclusions about insect susceptibility to heavy metal pollution. Nonetheless, our results suggest that zinc pollution alone is unlikely a risk in developing roadside habitat for monarch butterflies.
Interpreting insect declines: seven challenges and a way forward
Authors: Didham Raphael K. , Basset Yves , Collins C. Matilda , Leather Simon R. , Littlewood Nick A. , Menz Myles H. M. , Müller Jörg , Packer Laurence , Saunders Manu E. , Schönrogge Karsten , Stewart Alan J. A. , Yanoviak Stephen P. , Hassall Christopher 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Many insect species are under threat from the anthropogenic drivers of global change. There have been numerous well‐documented examples of insect population declines and extinctions in the scientific literature, but recent weaker studies making extreme claims of a global crisis have drawn widespread media coverage and brought unprecedented public attention. This spotlight might be a double‐edged sword if the veracity of alarmist insect decline statements do not stand up to close scrutiny.
We identify seven key challenges in drawing robust inference about insect population declines: establishment of the historical baseline, representativeness of site selection, robustness of time series trend estimation, mitigation of detection bias effects, and ability to account for potential artefacts of density dependence, phenological shifts and scale‐dependence in extrapolation from sample abundance to population‐level inference.
Insect population fluctuations are complex. Greater care is needed when evaluating evidence for population trends and in identifying drivers of those trends. We present guidelines for best‐practise approaches that avoid methodological errors, mitigate potential biases and produce more robust analyses of time series trends.
Despite many existing challenges and pitfalls, we present a forward‐looking prospectus for the future of insect population monitoring, highlighting opportunities for more creative exploitation of existing baseline data, technological advances in sampling and novel computational approaches. Entomologists cannot tackle these challenges alone, and it is only through collaboration with citizen scientists, other research scientists in many disciplines, and data analysts that the next generation of researchers will bridge the gap between little bugs and big data.
Long‐term monitoring reveals decreasing water beetle diversity, loss of specialists and community shifts over the past 28 years
Authors: Roth Nicolas , Zoder Sebastian , Zaman Assad Ali , Thorn Simon , Schmidl Jürgen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Lentic freshwater organisms are influenced by a multitude of factors, including geomorphology, hydrology, anthropogenic impacts and climate change. Organisms that depend on patchy resources such as water beetles may also be sensitive to anthropogenic habitat degradation, like pollution, eutrophication, water level or management alteration.
To assess composition and ecological trends in the water beetle communities of Central Europe, we sampled water beetles (Dytiscidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae) in 33 water bodies in Southern Germany from 1991 to 2018. We used manual, time‐standardised capture during three periods: between 1991 and 1995, 2007 and 2008, and 2017 and 2018.
During the 28‐year survey period, we captured a total of 81 species. We found annual declines in both species number (ca −1%) and abundance (ca −2%). Also, community composition showed significant changes over time. The significant impact of pH on the community composition suggests that the recorded changes through time partly reflect natural succession processes. However, a pronounced decline of beetle species belonging to the moor‐related beetle associations indicated that Central European water beetles are also threatened by non‐successional factors, including desiccation, increased nitrogen input and/or mineralisation, and the loss of specific habitats. This trend to physiographical homogenisation resulted in corresponding community composition shifts.
To effectively protect endangered species, conservation strategies need to be aimed at regularly creating new water bodies with mineralic bottom substratum, and maintenance of moor water bodies that represent late successional stages.
Processing of 0.55(Ba0.9Ca0.1)TiO3‐0.45Ba(Sn0.2Ti0.8)O3 lead‐free ceramics with high piezoelectricity
Authors: Bijalwan Vijay , Tofel Pavel , Spotz Zdeněk , Částková Klára , Sobola Dinara , Erhart Jiří , Maca Karel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe report a large piezoelectric constant (d33), 720 pC/N and converse piezoelectric constant (d33*), 2215 pm/V for 0.55(Ba0.9Ca0.1)TiO3‐0.45Ba(Sn0.2Ti0.8)O3 ceramics; the biggest value achieved for lead‐free piezoceramics so far. The ceramic powders were calcined between 1050°C‐1350°C and sintered at 1480°C. The best properties were obtained at a calcination temperature (CT) of 1350°C. The fitting combination of processing and microstructural parameters for example, initial powder particle size >2 µm, ceramics density ~95%, and grain size ~40 µm led to a formation of orthorhombic‐tetragonal‐pseudo‐cubic (O‐T‐PC) mixed phase boundary near room temperature, supported by Raman spectra, pointed to the extremely high piezoelectric activity. These conditions significantly increase piezoelectric constants, together with high relative permittivity (εr) >5000 and a low loss tangent (tan δ) of 0.029. In addition, the d33 value stabilizes in the range of 400‐500 pC/N for all samples calcined between 1050°C and 1250°C. The results entail that the (Ba,Ca)(Sn,Ti)O3 ceramics are strong contenders to be a substitute for lead‐based materials for room temperature applications.
The mediating role of pre‐operative patient readiness on surgical outcomes: A structural equation model analysis
Authors: Torres Gian Carlo S. , Relf Michael V. , Tuazon Josefina A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsTo determine the mediating role of surgical readiness on patient characteristics (surgical risk, type of surgery, pre‐operative anxiety, and health literacy) and its influence on surgical outcomes (pain, postoperative complications, and surgical experience).DesignCorrelational, theory testing using structural equation modelling.MethodsA total of 376 consecutively selected surgical patients from four tertiary hospitals were recruited and followed‐up 48–72 hr postoperatively from May–October 2017. Consenting respondents answered questionnaires measuring basic surgical information, health literacy, anxiety, surgical readiness, pain score, and surgical experience. Further, records review was conducted to identify occurrence of any postoperative complications and use of additional analgesics.ResultsA good fit and parsimonious model (χ2/df = 0.75, RMSEA = 0.00, GFI = 0.99, CFI = 1.00, PNFI = 0.50) highlighted the mediating effect of pre‐operative readiness between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes. The type of surgery (curative) influenced patient readiness, surgical complications, and use of additional postoperative analgesics. Higher health literacy negatively influenced patient readiness; can decrease the use of postoperative analgesics; and lessen postoperative pain. Further, pre‐operative anxiety decreased patient readiness and increased postoperative pain and negatively influenced the surgical experience.ConclusionPatient readiness is beyond the physiological aspect of pre‐operative preparation and it is influenced primarily by the mental and emotional state of a patient. Addressing issues such as anxiety and health literacy can improve pre‐operative readiness that can enhance pain management and surgical experience. Hence, the mediating role of readiness in improving surgical outcomes emphasizes the need to deliver a patient‐centred and individualized approach to patient preparation with a key focus on their readiness for surgery.ImpactThis study demonstrates the difference between preparing patients and promoting readiness for surgery. Surgical readiness requires patient‐centred approach in promoting a more engaged and confident patient who is capable to use appropriate health information and how it can lead to better surgical outcomes.
Student satisfaction with courses and instructors in a flipped classroom: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Strelan Peter , Osborn Amanda , Palmer Edward 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe flipped classroom model challenges the way educators structure and implement their courses, and how students learn. Although there is burgeoning evidence for the effectiveness of flipped classrooms for improving student performance, student satisfaction is also an important consideration insofar as student evaluations can affect uptake of new education approaches. Yet we know little about the extent to which students are satisfied with the flipped model. To address this discrepancy, this article reports a world‐first meta‐analysis of student satisfaction with flipped classrooms and teachers relative to traditional teaching approaches across disciplines and education level (overall 53 studies; 8,429 students). Overall, the flipped classroom had a weak–moderate positive effect on student satisfaction with courses (k = 50; g = 0.36) and instructors (k = 26; g = 0.40). We also report moderating effects relating to discipline, education level, pre‐class testing, in‐class activities, group size, and sophistication of flipped designs.Lay DescriptionWhat is already known about this topic
The flipped classroom model is now widely employed around the world
There is increasing evidence that it is associated with improved student performance, relative to traditional teaching approaches
Student satisfaction with teaching has implications for student motivation and performance; teacher‐related outcomes; and institution recruitment and funding
What this paper adds
Reports a world‐first meta‐analysis of effects of the flipped classroom model on student satisfaction, relative to traditional teaching approaches (overall 53 studies; 8,429 students)
The flipped classroom has a weak‐moderate positive effect on student satisfaction with courses (k = 50; g = 0.36) and instructors (k = 26; g = 0.40)
Even a classroom that is only ‘minimally’ flipped is associated with higher levels of student satisfaction, relative to traditional teaching models
Implications for practice and/or policy
Flipped classroom designs should be encouraged on both pedagogical and pragmatic grounds; in the case of the latter, students prefer a flipped classroom approach
Students are likely to respond positively to teachers and institutions who employ a flipped classroom approach
Electromagnetic interference from left ventricular assist devices in patients with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators
Authors: Ishida Yuji , Payne Joshua E. , Field Michael E. , Gold Michael R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionInteractions of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) with transvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator systems (ICDs) have been widely reported. However, less is known regarding the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from LVADs on subcutaneous ICD function.Methods and ResultsA comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane central registry, and Google Scholar using the search terms “subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator and left ventricular assist devices,” “electromagnetic interference, LVAD, and subcutaneous ICD,” “EMI and S‐ICD,” and “inappropriate shocks, LVAD, and ICD.” Demographic and programming data were extracted from the reports and authors as needed. A total of seven cases of EMI in LVAD patients with subcutaneous ICD (S‐ICD) devices were found. In addition three previously unreported cases from our center were included. All cases involved either a heartware ventricular assist device or HeartMate III LVAD with a pre‐existing S‐ICD. In all patients, both the primary and secondary vectors had inappropriate sensing due to EMI. Three patients were reprogramed to the alternate vector with appropriate sensing. The S‐ICD was either inactivated or replaced with a transvenous device in six patients. A single patient was left sensing in the alternate vector. There were no reports of inability to interrogate S‐ICD systems in patients with LVADs.ConclusionThe risk of inappropriate shocks from LVADs should be considered in pre‐existing patients with S‐ICD, particularly when the heartware ventricular assist device or HeartMate III LVAD device is present. Reprogramming of the sensing vector can occasionally avoid this issue but often the S‐ICD needs to be inactivated.
Repeat UCrit and endurance swimming in juvenile shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)
Authors: Kieffer James D. , May Lindsay E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPrevious results show that juvenile shortnose sturgeon are steady swimmers and, compared with salmonids, generally have low critical swimming (UCrit) and endurance swimming capacities. Most studies on swimming capacities of sturgeon, and other fishes, include those where fish have only been swum once and the metrics of swimming performance are assessed (e.g., time swum, speed achieved). Under natural conditions, there are ample instances where fish undergo multiple swimming cycles when traversing fish ways, culverts and other sources of fast water flow. While some evidence exists for salmonids, the effects of repeat swimming are not well known for sturgeon. The current study consisted of two experiments. The first examined the UCrit of juvenile shortnose sturgeon following three consecutive swimming trials with a 30 min recovery period between subsequent tests. The second examined the endurance swimming capacities of juvenile shortnose sturgeon following three consecutive swimming trials with a 60 min recovery period between subsequent tests. Our findings indicate that (i) UCrit was consistent (~2 body lengths/s) among swimming trials; (ii) significant individual variation exists between individuals in the endurance swimming trials; and (iii) consistent results exist for individuals across swimming trials in both the UCrit and the endurance swimming tests. These results suggest that juvenile shortnose sturgeon have a high recovery capacity, and their behaviour and morphology likely reflect aspects of their swimming capacities.
Efficacy of low‐dose versus high‐dose simethicone with polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li De‐feng , Luo Ming‐han , Du Qing‐qing , Zhang Hai‐yang , Tian Yan‐hui , Liu Ting‐ting , Shi Rui‐yue , Xiong Feng , Lai Ming‐guang , Li Ying‐xue , Luo Su , Song Yang , Wu Ben‐hua , Xu Zheng‐lei , Zhang Ding‐guo , Yao Jun , Wang Li‐sheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and AimAdditional simethicone (SIM) can improve adequate bowel preparation and adenoma detection rate (ADR). However, there is no consensus on the optimal dose of SIM. In this study, we compared the adequate bowel preparation rate with supplementation of split‐dose 2 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) with low‐dose SIM (200 mg) versus high‐dose SIM (1200 mg).MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized, observer‐blinded trial involving consecutive subjects undergoing colonoscopy. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation as assessed by Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score.ResultsFour hundred subjects were randomly allocated to low‐dose SIM or high‐dose SIM group. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups (P > 0.05). No significant between‐group differences were observed with respect to total bubble scale (BS) (8.49 ± 1.00 vs 8.39 ± 1.10, P = 0.07), total BBPS score (8.70 ± 0.81 vs 8.29 ± 1.18, P = 0.98), ADR (33.68% vs 31.79%, P = 0.69) or withdrawal time (13 [range, 10–16] min vs 13 [10–15] min, P = 0.96). The intubation time in low‐dose SIM group was significantly shorter than that in high‐dose SIM group (8 (4–16) min vs 10 [6–17] min, P = 0.04). In addition, BS scores as well as diminutive ADR in right colon were superior in the low‐dose SIM group (2.68 ± 0.59 vs 2.52 ± 0.73, P = 0.03 and 54.29% vs 30.30%, P = 0.046, respectively).ConclusionAddition of low‐dose SIM to split‐dose 2 L PEG was as effective as addition of high‐dose SIM with respect to adequate bowel preparation, ADR and patient tolerance. However, low‐dose SIM was superior with respect to intubation time, right colon BS scores, right colon diminutive ADR and cost savings.
A bHLH transcription activator regulates defense signaling by nucleo‐cytosolic trafficking in rice
Authors: Meng Fanwei , Yang Chao , Cao Jidong , Chen Huan , Pang Jinhuan , Zhao Qiqi , Wang Zongyi , Qing Fu Zheng , Liu Jun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCrosstalk between plant hormone signaling pathways is vital for controlling the immune response during pathogen invasion. Salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) often play important but antagonistic roles in the immune responses of higher plants. Here, we identify a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription activator, OsbHLH6, which confers disease resistance in rice by regulating SA and JA signaling via nucleo‐cytosolic trafficking in rice (Oryza sativa). OsbHLH6 expression was upregulated during Magnaporthe oryzae infection. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsbHLH6 display increased JA responsive gene expression and enhanced disease susceptibility to the pathogen. Nucleus‐localized OsbHLH6 activates JA signaling and suppresses SA signaling; however, the SA regulator OsNPR1 (Nonexpressor of PR genes 1) sequesters OsbHLH6 in the cytosol to alleviate its effect. Our data suggest that OsbHLH6 controls disease resistance by dynamically regulating SA and JA signaling.
Maize WI5 encodes an endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase required for secondary cell wall synthesis and water transport in xylem
Authors: Hu Xiaojiao , Cui Yang , Lu Xiaomin , Song Weibin , Lei Lei , Zhu Jinjie , Lai Jinsheng , E Lizhu , Zhao Haiming 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWater transport from roots to leaves through xylem is important for plant growth and development. Defects in water transport can cause drought stress, even when there is adequate water in the soil. Here, we identified the maize (Zea mays) wilty5 (wi5) mutant, which exhibits marked dwarfing and leaf wilting throughout most of its life cycle under normal growth conditions. wilty5 seedlings exhibited lower xylem conductivity and wilted more rapidly under drought, NaCl, and high temperature treatments than wild‐type plants. Map‐based cloning revealed that WI5 encodes an active endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase from glycosyl dehydration family 10, which mainly functions in degrading and reorganizing cell wall xylan. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and β‐glucuronidase assays revealed that WI5 is highly expressed in stems, especially in internodes undergoing secondary wall assembly. RNA sequencing suggested that WI5 plays a unique role in internode growth. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy confirmed that wi5 is defective in xylan deposition and secondary cell wall thickening. Lignin deposition and xylan content were markedly reduced in wi5 compared to the wild‐type plants. Our results suggest that WI5 functions in xylem cell wall thickening through its xylanase activity and thereby regulates xylem water transport, the drought stress response, and plant growth in maize.