bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predation and parasitism on herbivorous insects change in opposite directions in a latitudinal gradient crossing a boreal forest zone
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Zverev Vitali , Kozlov Mikhail V. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

The latitudinal biotic interaction hypothesis (LBIH) predicts that the strength of various biotic interactions decreases from low to high latitudes. Inconsistency between studies testing this hypothesis may result from variations among different types of interactions and among study systems. Therefore, exploration of multiple interactions within one system would help to disentangle latitudinal patterns across individual interactions and to evaluate latitudinal changes in the overall impact of enemies on prey.

We tested the prediction based on the LBIH that the pressure of natural enemies on herbivorous insects decreases with increase in latitude across the boreal forest zone. We also asked whether the impacts of major groups of these enemies exhibit similar latitudinal patterns and whether these patterns are consistent across study years.

In 10 forest sites located from 60°N to 69°N in Northern Europe, each summer, from 2016 to 2019, we measured (a) mortality of three groups of leafmining insects caused by birds, ants, parasitoids and unknown factors, (b) bird attacks on caterpillar‐shaped plasticine models and (c) birch foliar damage caused by defoliators and leafminers.

Latitudinal patterns in both insect herbivory on birch and top‐down pressure on herbivorous insects varied considerably and inconsistently among the four study years, so that only some of the year‐specific correlations with latitude were statistically significant. Nevertheless, meta‐analysis combining correlations across years, preys and enemies revealed general decreases in predation by birds (on both natural and model prey) and ants, but an increase in parasitism rates, from low to high latitudes.

We found that the direction of latitudinal changes in the strength of biotic interactions was interaction‐specific: predation and herbivory supported LBIH, whereas parasitism exhibited an opposite trend. Consequently, the overall impact of natural enemies on herbivorous insects did not change with latitude and was therefore an unlikely reason for the poleward decrease in herbivory observed in our gradient. Considerable among‐year variation in the strength of the latitudinal patterns in all the studied interactions suggests that this variation is a widespread phenomenon.
Parallel responses of species diversity and functional diversity to changes in patch size are driven by distinct processes
Authors: Forsyth Leila Z. , Gilbert Benjamin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Do species and functional trait diversity respond similarly to deterministic and random processes? Theory predicts that the contributions of random and deterministic processes to species diversity depend on patch size. Smaller patches are more strongly influenced by random sampling effects, by having fewer individuals, as well as ecological drift, which propagates the effects of small samples through stochastic birth and death processes. These random processes decrease species richness and increase compositional differences among small patches. Larger patches are predicted to be more deterministically assembled, with greater species richness and greater predictability of composition for a particular environment. The consequences of patch size for the diversity of functional traits, however, are poorly understood. Species diversity may be a poor proxy for functional diversity due to trait redundancies among species, making it unclear how random and deterministic processes alter functional diversity within patches of differing size, and how these differences scale up to determine among‐patch functional diversity.

We report a novel experimental study of species and functional diversity across spatial scales. We manipulated patch area in an experimental plant metacommunity and used a nested sampling design to distinguish the effects of deterministic processes, ecological drift and sampling effects on species and functional trait diversity.

Our study revealed a pervasive influence of ecological drift and sampling effects on diversity, with distinct influences on functional traits and species composition within and among patches. Overall, drift and sampling effects caused a two‐ to threefold decrease in the importance of deterministic processes in small fragments. Species and functional diversity showed similar patterns with patch size; larger patches had greater within‐patch (alpha) diversity and lower among‐patch (beta) diversity, consistent with theory. However, our nested sampling design revealed that sampling effects (i.e. the size of the sample area) largely determined alpha species diversity and beta functional diversity, while ecological drift had a stronger influence on alpha functional diversity and beta species diversity.

Synthesis. The compositions of species and functional diversity in a community are influenced by distinct processes, resulting in divergent spatial scaling of species and their traits within patches and across landscapes.
Beyond seedlings: Ectomycorrhizal fungal networks and growth of mature Pseudotsuga menziesii
Authors: Birch Joseph D. , Simard Suzanne W. , Beiler Kevin J. , Karst Justine 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Mycorrhizal networks are conduits for the transfer of resources between hosts. While ectomycorrhizal networks (EMN) are known to influence seedlings, their effect on adult tree growth remains unknown and may have important implications for forest responses to future climates.

We used annual basal area increment of trees and previously described Rhizopogon vesiculosus and Rhizopogon vinicolor EMNs to examine an association between the number of connections between trees through an EMN and the growth of adult interior Douglas‐fir. We compared this relationship for the year the networks were mapped, in 2008, with 8 years previous and 8 years afterward. We also compared the variation in standardized growth (2000–2016) to examine the association between growth variability and EMN variables.

Greater growth was positively associated with (a) the number of connections to other trees via a R. vinicolor EMN and (b) the number of genets of Rhizopogon vesiculosis by which a tree was colonized. Variation of growth (2000–2016) was negatively associated with increasing number of connections to other trees via R. vinicolor.

Synthesis. These findings, for the first time, indicate that EMNs may positively influence the growth of adult trees. The difference in tree growth response between the sister fungal species highlights a novel avenue to identify interspecific and intraspecific differences between fungi occurring at different depths in the soil. Our study has important implications when considering the role of EMNs in influencing forest health and mitigating stress from environmental conditions.
Modeling dispersal using capture–recapture data: A comparison of dispersal models
Authors: Terui Akira 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCapture–recapture methods have been a cornerstone of field‐based dispersal ecology. However, obtaining unbiased estimates of dispersal parameters from capture–recapture data is challenging because it is impossible to survey all possible range of dispersal in the field. There are several approaches to address this critical issue of capture–recapture methods. Still, a lack of formal comparisons among these modeling approaches has confused about which is the best practice given the available dataset. Here, I compared the performance of three dispersal models using test datasets simulated under various sampling designs. In the first approach, a probability distribution (a dispersal kernel) was simply fitted to the capture–recapture data (the “simple dispersal model”). In the second approach, a truncated probability distribution was used to account for the finite range of observations (the “truncated dispersal model”). Finally, the dispersal and observation processes were coupled to consider the spatial organization of sampling designs (the “dispersal–observation model”). The simulation study provided three important insights. First, the dispersal–observation model provided reliable estimates of dispersal parameters, even under sampling designs with a few recaptures. Second, the truncated dispersal model was also effective, but only when the number of recaptures was large. Finally, the use of the simple dispersal model caused a substantial underestimation of dispersal parameters regardless of sampling designs; this modeling approach should be avoided where possible. The results of this simulation study should help choose a suitable modeling approach.
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment: a sociological perspective on tackling a contemporary healthcare issue
Authors: Armstrong Natalie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOverdiagnosis and overtreatment are increasingly discussed as a significant problem in contemporary healthcare but are yet to receive any significant sociological attention, over and above that which is arguably transferable from the medicalisation literature. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are often constructed as problems best addressed by educating patients and clinicians, and improving the relationships between them. The emergence of tools seeking to support decision‐making and to facilitate patients' asking questions about whether interventions are really necessary supports this conceptualisation. This article questions whether significant traction on overdiagnosis and overtreatment is possible through these means alone, arguing that even when professionals and patients may wish to do less rather than more, the system within which care is delivered and received can make this challenging to achieve. Drawing on Scott's (Sociology, 2018, 52, 3) ‘sociology of nothing’, the article demonstrates that a sociological perspective on overdiagnosis and overtreatment recasts them as issues that must be understood as a consequence of the organisational, financial and cultural attributes of the system, not just individual interactions, and advances a research agenda for the area.
Measuring the frequency occurrence of handwritten numeral characteristics—An expanded list
Authors: Vastrick Thomas W. , Schuetzner Ellen , Osborn Kelsey 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the third of a series of studies and reports, the authors expand on the frequency occurrence proportions of various handwritten features. The first study culminated in the publication of “Measuring the Frequency Occurrence of Handwriting and Handprinting Characteristics.” That study was followed by “Measuring the Frequency Occurrence of Handwritten Numeral Characteristics.” The premise of this current and future follow‐up studies is to expand on the initial lists of information incrementally by expanding the number of features and the number of writers. This study expands on the list of numeral features. A total of 34 numeral features was selected by the authors as candidates for this study and tested through an attribute agreement analysis. Based on the results of the testing, 17 new features have been added to the list of proportions. The original 1410 handwritten numeral specimen forms were utilized and pared to 1024 to obtain a proper population sampling for the United States. Interdependency testing was conducted on 783 pairs of inter‐character numerals. A coefficient of correlation between −0.2 and +0.2 was found in 534 (68.20%) of these pairs. As of this report, there are now a total of 42 numerals with measured frequencies of occurrence. This material has already borne fruit as the combined frequency of occurrence studies were explained during an unsuccessful exclusion hearing in court with an explanation as to how these studies support the reliability of forensic document examination.
Apple pomace as food fortification ingredient: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Antonic Bojan , Jancikova Simona , Dordevic Dani , Tremlova Bohuslava 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe present review aimed to investigate and analyze the use of byproduct apple pomace as a fortification ingredient in different types of foods. The data obtained from English published articles found on Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar in the period from 2007 to 2019 were used for making the table overview and meta‐analysis of results described in those studies. The systematic review confirmed the importance of apple pomace use in the food industry due to the beneficial nutritional profile and ecological issue (waste management). The main attributes of apple pomace are high content of antioxidant compounds and dietary fibers. Dietary fibers from apple pomace significantly increased total fiber content in enriched products—meaning that the transfer of the fortification can be declared health beneficial. The conducted meta‐analysis showed unambiguously the different influence of apple pomace addition according to fortified food commodity. The fortification drawbacks were noticeable in plant food products because darker and brownish color was not evaluated positively by panelists. Oppositely, color, as one of the main sensory characteristics, was beneficially affected in animal origin food. The sensory properties, including color, play an important role in product acceptance by consumers. Besides color, animal origin products fortified by apple pomace showed the most acceptable textural properties and oxidative stability.
Latent Profile Analysis of Heavy Episodic Drinking in Emerging Adults: A Reinforcer Pathology Approach
Authors: Minhas Meenu , Oshri Assaf , Amlung Michael , Dennhardt Ashley , Ferro Mark , Halladay Jillian , Munn Catharine , Tucker Jalie , Murphy James , MacKillop James 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHeavy episodic drinking (HED) is a major public health problem among emerging adults (individuals 18 to 25), but with considerable heterogeneity in concurrent substance use and psychopathology. The current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to detect discrete subgroups of HED based on alcohol, other drug severity, and concurrent psychopathology. A reinforcer pathology approach was used to understand motivational differences among the latent subgroups.MethodsParticipants were 2 samples of emerging adults reporting regular HED, 1 Canadian (n = 730) and 1 American (n = 602). Indicators for the LPA were validated dimensional self‐report assessments of alcohol severity, cannabis severity, other drug severity, nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Reinforcer pathology indicators were measures of alcohol demand, proportionate substance‐related reinforcement, and discounting of future rewards.ResultsThe LPA yielded parallel 3‐class solutions in both samples. The largest subgroup was characterized by comparatively low substance severity and psychopathology (Low overall severity). The second largest subgroup was characterized by comparatively high alcohol and other drug severity (excluding tobacco) and high levels of psychopathology (Heavy alcohol & high psychiatric severity). The third subgroup exhibited high alcohol, smoking and intermediate levels of other substance use and psychopathology (Heavy alcohol, smoking, & intermediate psychiatric severity). The Heavy alcohol & high psychiatric severity and Heavy alcohol, smoking, & intermediate psychiatric severity subgroups exhibited significantly higher alcohol demand, greater proportionate substance‐related reinforcement, and steeper delay discounting.ConclusionsParallel latent subgroups of emerging adults engaging in HED were present in both samples, and the high‐risk subgroups were significantly differentiated by the reinforcer pathology indicators. These latent profiles may ultimately inform heterogeneity in the longitudinal course of HED in emerging adults.
Ethanol Alters Variability, But Not Rate, of Firing in Medial Prefrontal Cortex Neurons of Awake‐Behaving Rats
Authors: Morningstar Mitchell D. , Linsenbardt David N. , Lapish Christopher C. 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a brain region involved in the evaluation and selection of motivationally relevant outcomes. Neural activity in mPFC is altered following acute ethanol (EtOH) use and, in rodent models, doses as low as 0.75 g/kg yield cognitive deficits. Deficits in decision making following acute EtOH are thought to be mediated, at least in part, by decreases in mPFC firing rates (FRs). However, the data leading to this conclusion have been generated exclusively in anesthetized rodents. The present study characterizes the effects of acute EtOH injections on mPFC neural activity in awake‐behaving rodents.MethodsAwake‐behaving and anesthetized in vivo electrophysiological recordings were performed. We utilized 3 groups: the first received 2 saline injections, the second received a saline injection followed by 1.0 g/kg EtOH, and the last received saline followed by 2 g/kg EtOH. One week later, an anesthetized recording occurred where a saline injection was followed by an injection of 1.0 g/kg EtOH.ResultsThe anesthetized condition showed robust decreases in neural activity and differences in up‐down states (UDS) dynamics. In the awake‐behaving condition, FRs were grouped according to behavioral state: moving, not‐moving, and sleep. The differences in median FRs were found for each treatment and behavioral state combination. A FR decrease was only found in the 2.0 g/kg EtOH treatment during not‐moving states. However, robust decreases in FR variability were found across behavioral state in both the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg EtOH treatment. Sleep was separately analyzed. EtOH modulated the UDS during sleep producing decreases in FRs.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the changes in neural activity following EtOH administration in anesthetized animals are not conserved in awake‐behaving animals. The most prominent difference following EtOH was a decrease in FR variability suggesting that acute EtOH may be affecting decision making via this mechanism.
Deciphering the effect of climate warming on an emerging poplar pest using spatial extrapolation of population parameters
Authors: Pointeau Sophie , Sallé Aurélien , Lieutier François , Bankhead‐Dronnet Stéphanie , Robinet Christelle 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The woolly poplar aphid Phloeomyzus passerinii Signoret (Aphididae: Phloeomyzinae) is a major pest of poplar plantations. We hypothesized that recent temperature increases may have contributed to the emergence and subsequent northward expansion of outbreaks in France.
We reared P. passerinii at four temperatures to estimate its thermal requirements. We used experimental data to parametrize a mechanistic and temperature‐driven physiologically‐based demographic model. The model was used to simulate the effect of temperature on aphid dynamics and to assess the role of climate warming on the spatiotemporal dynamics of outbreaks.
The lower developmental threshold was estimated at 6.4 °C and the development degree‐days at 171.
Our model supports the hypothesis that recent warming may have promoted outbreaks in northern France. During recent exceptionally warm years, more than 70% of the northern poplar area was favourable for outbreaks.
Our model suggests that climate warming is not the sole factor involved. The dominance of resistant poplar genotypes such as ‘Robusta’ or ‘Beaupré’ may have preserved plantations from outbreaks before 1996 in southern France and until 2000 in the central part. Other factors, including biological characteristics, biotic interactions, or precipitation should be investigated.
Cost comparison of different models of palliative care delivery
Authors: Comans Tracy , Nguyen Kim‐Huong , Stafford‐Bell Fiona , Agar Meera 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this project was to assess the value for money of a modified unit within a residential aged care facility (RACF) for people requiring palliative care at the end of life.MethodsA three‐way comparison using a mixed‐method costing was used to estimate the per day cost of the unit compared to care in a palliative care unit within a hospital and a standard RACF bed.ResultsThe cost of the unit was estimated at $242 per day (2015 Australian dollars). The palliative care hospital bed cost $1,664 per day. The cost of a standard RACF bed was $123 per day, indicating that an additional $120 per day is required to provide the higher level of care required by people with complex palliative care needs.ConclusionA modified RACF unit could provide substantial cost savings to the health budget for selected complex palliative care patients.
Efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis on prevalence of radiation‐induced dermatitis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Siddiquee Shihab , McGee Margaret A , Vincent Andrew D , Giles Eileen , Clothier Robyn , Carruthers Scott , Penniment Michael 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesA randomised controlled trial was undertaken to compare the efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis (Calendula) versus standard of care (Sorbolene: 10% glycerine in cetomacragol cream) in reducing the prevalence of radiation‐induced dermatitis in women undergoing breast cancer radiotherapy.MethodsA total of 271 women were screened and 82 were randomised. The primary outcome was prevalence of acute radiation‐induced dermatitis (RTOG grade 2+) assessed at multiple skin sites. A chi‐squared test was conducted for the primary outcome with a worst‐case scenario imputation.ResultsThe recruitment target (n = 178) was not achieved. A total of n = 81 participants were analysed (n = 40 Calendula; n = 41 Sorbolene). There was no detectable difference in prevalence of radiation‐induced dermatitis grade 2+ between the Calendula (53%) and Sorbolene (62%) groups (primary analysis OR = 0.87, 95% CI: [0.36, 2.09], P = 0.92; covariate adjusted complete case analysis OR 0.40, 95% CI: [0.13, 1.20], P = 0.10).ConclusionThis randomised controlled trial showed no difference between Calendula and standard of care (Sorbolene) for the prevention of radiation‐induced dermatitis. However, the study was underpowered (limited recruitment) for the primary comparison.
Reliable measurements of extracellular vesicles by clinical flow cytometry
Authors: Kuiper Martine , van de Nes Arthur , Nieuwland Rienk , Varga Zoltan , van der Pol Edwin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell‐derived particles with a phospholipid membrane present in all body fluids. Because EV properties change in health and disease, EVs have excellent potential to become biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, or monitoring of disease. The only technique capable of detecting, sizing, and phenotyping a million of EVs within minutes is (clinical) flow cytometry. A flow cytometer measures light scattering and fluorescence signals of single EVs. Although these signals contain valuable information about the presence and composition of EVs, the signals are expressed in arbitrary units, which make the comparison of measurement results impossible between instruments and laboratories. Additionally, unintended and undocumented variations in the source, preparation, and analysis of the sample lead to orders of magnitude variations in the measured EV concentrations. Here, we will explain the basics, challenges, and common misconceptions of EV flow cytometry. In addition, we provide an overview of recent standardization initiatives, which are a prerequisite for comparison of clinical data and thus for clinical biomarker exploration of EVs.