bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facultative mutualisms: A double‐edged sword for foundation species in the face of anthropogenic global change
Authors: van der Heide Tjisse , Angelini Christine , de Fouw Jimmy , Eklöf Johan S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEcosystems worldwide depend on habitat‐forming foundation species that often facilitate themselves with increasing density and patch size, while also engaging in facultative mutualisms. Anthropogenic global change (e.g., climate change, eutrophication, overharvest, land‐use change), however, is causing rapid declines of foundation species‐structured ecosystems, often typified by sudden collapse. Although disruption of obligate mutualisms involving foundation species is known to precipitate collapse (e.g., coral bleaching), how facultative mutualisms (i.e., context‐dependent, nonbinding reciprocal interactions) affect ecosystem resilience is uncertain. Here, we synthesize recent advancements and combine these with model analyses supported by real‐world examples, to propose that facultative mutualisms may pose a double‐edged sword for foundation species. We suggest that by amplifying self‐facilitative feedbacks by foundation species, facultative mutualisms can increase foundation species’ resistance to stress from anthropogenic impact. Simultaneously, however, mutualism dependency can generate or exacerbate bistability, implying a potential for sudden collapse when the mutualism's buffering capacity is exceeded, while recovery requires conditions to improve beyond the initial collapse point (hysteresis). Thus, our work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging facultative mutualisms for conservation and restoration of foundation species‐structured ecosystems, but highlights the potential risk of relying on mutualisms in the face of global change. We argue that significant caveats remain regarding the determination of these feedbacks, and suggest empirical manipulation across stress gradients as a way forward to identify related nonlinear responses.
eDNA metabarcoding reveals a core and secondary diets of the greater horseshoe bat with strong spatio‐temporal plasticity
Authors: Tournayre Orianne , Leuchtmann Maxime , Galan Maxime , Trillat Marine , Piry Sylvain , Pinaud David , Filippi‐Codaccioni Ondine , Pontier Dominique , Charbonnel Nathalie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDietary plasticity can be a determining factor allowing species to cope with environmental changes. Consequently, it is an important issue to consider in conservation biology. Despite this, it remains rarely addressed in the literature, potentially due to methodologies which were until recently rather limited. The advent of molecular approaches now makes it possible to get a precise picture of diet and its plasticity, even for endangered and elusive species. Here, we focused on the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in Western France, where this insectivorous species has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the Regional Red List in 2016. We applied an eDNA metabarcoding approach to 1986 fecal samples collected in six maternity colonies on three sampling dates. We described the diet and investigated whether the landscape surrounding colonies and the different phases of the maternity cycle influenced the diversity and the composition of this diet. We showed that R. ferrumequinum feed on a much more diverse prey spectrum than expected from previous studies, highlighting how eDNA metabarcoding can improve our knowledge on the dietary habits of elusive species. Our approach also revealed that the diet of R. ferrumequinum seems to be composed of two distinct features: the core diet consisting of a few preferred taxa shared by all the colonies (25% of the occurrences) and the secondary diet consisting of numerous rare prey taxa that were highly different between colonies and sampling dates (75% of the occurrences). Constraints associated with the greater horseshoe bat life cycle, as well as insect phenology and landscape features, strongly influenced the diversity and composition of both the core diet and the diet as a whole. Further research should now explore the relationships between R. ferrumequinum dietary plasticity and fitness, to better assess the impact of core prey decline on R. ferrumequinum population viability.
Multihazard framework for investigating high‐rise base‐isolated buildings under earthquakes and long‐duration winds
Authors: Roy Tathagata , Saito Taiki , Matsagar Vasant 
Published: December 2020

AbstractJapan experiences a considerable number of low to medium earthquake shocks and long‐duration winds throughout the year, which is relatively more as compared to other different regions of the world. Considering this multihazard scenario, structures designed using the existing guidelines may have significant chances to underestimate the induced distress level in the structure as well as in the energy dissipation devices, which are designed based on traditional peak variables neglecting accumulation of damage. To overcome the shortcoming of the existing assessment technique, a multihazard framework is formulated that deals in estimating probable number of earthquakes and long‐duration winds likely to occur in the design life of a structure. The sequence of design earthquakes and long‐duration winds obtained through the proposed methodology is subsequently implemented in base‐isolated high‐rise buildings of two different heights, which are designed based on Japanese standard. Responses are addressed in terms of displacement and acceleration at isolation and top floor level, force‐deformation and fatigue damage induced in the isolation devices under individual and multihazard scenarios. Results show that a particular range of building exists that is governed by both earthquake and wind events, and it is recommended that design of such building types should include the effects of both hazards. Moreover, the series of events likely to occur in design life of the buildings induce significant damage in the isolators as compared to the individual hazard event, thereby emphasizing a strong need to develop multihazard framework, where the occurrence rate of such extreme events is relatively higher.
Does the domestication of Origanum compactum (Benth) affect its chemical composition and antibacterial activity?
Authors: Yousif Laghmouchi , Belmehdi Omar , Abdelhakim Bouyahya , Skali Senhaji Nadia , Abrini Jamal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the major compounds of wild and cultivated Origanum compactum essential oils and to study their antibacterial activity. The wild O. compactum was harvested at the flowering stage from northern Morocco, and then, two modes of culture were realized: seed germination and cuttings. Essential oils were isolated using steam distillation and the chemical composition was determined by GC‐MS. The antibacterial activity was tested against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria innocua) using the well diffusion assay; then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. The results showed that carvacrol (11.05%‐63.65%), thymol (0.16%‐30.72%), p‐cymene (6.69%‐36.79%), γ‐terpinene (0.86%‐22.37%) and trans‐caryophyllene (0.15%‐5.76%) were the major compounds. The rate of these compounds varied importantly between wild and cultivated O. compactum. The antibacterial assays revealed that all oils tested from wild and cultivated studied O. compactum showed strong activities. The diameter of inhibitory zones varied from 10.33 to 49.00 mm, and the MIC and MBC values ranged from 0.06% to 0.5% (v/v) and from 0.12% to 0.5% (v/v), respectively, with significant differences between wild and cultivated plants. From these results, it was concluded that the domestication of O. compactum using seed germination and cutting significantly affects the amount of the major compounds and consequently its antimicrobial properties.
Progress Towards a Comprehensive Approach for Habitat Restoration in the Columbia Basin: Case Study in the Grande Ronde River
Authors: White Seth M , Brandy Sarah , Justice Casey , Morinaga Kayla A , Naylor Leslie , Ruzycki James , Sedell Edwin R , Steele Jesse , Towne Alexandra , Webster James G , Wilson Ian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Despite immense resources directed towards habitat restoration, recovering fish populations remains a daunting and perplexing issue. In 2015, recommendations for a comprehensive approach to habitat restoration in the Columbia River basin were published in Fisheries, which included elements of landscape ecology and resilience, broad public support, governance for collaboration and integration, and capacity for learning and adaptation. Using the Grande Ronde River basin as a case study, we convened a working group consisting of local restoration practitioners, managers, and researchers involved in habitat restoration research, monitoring, and evaluation to assess progress towards meeting these recommendations. We concluded that partnerships and collaborations in governance have been formed and research using a landscape perspective has been integrated into decision making, but efforts would benefit from gaining broader public support, formalizing an adaptive management strategy, and defining objectives and indicators for biological and ecological diversity. Continued progress will require consistent policy and funding support from the broader region. We envision this self-assessment at the 5-year milestone would be helpful to other groups facing similar challenges.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of extracts from the seed and pulp of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) grown in Iran
Authors: Rajaei Ahmad , Salarbashi Davoud , Asrari Najmeh , Fazly Bazzaz Bibi Sedigheh , Aboutorabzade Seyyed Mohammad , Shaddel Rezvan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the biological activities of the ultrasound‐assisted extracts obtained from pulp and seed of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) fruits. To reach this purpose, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total pro‐anthocyanin, DPPH radical scavenging activity, rancimat test, as well as antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity test of both jujube pulp and seed extracts were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total pro‐anthocyanin in pulp extract were higher than those obtained from seed extract. In addition, DPPH radical scavenging activity of pulp extract (IC50 = 53.97 µg/ml) was higher than that of seed extract (IC50 = 88.68 µg/ml). Furthermore, the highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 20 mg/ml) for both seed and pulp extracts. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation on seven cell lines revealed that pulp and seed extracts of jujube had no cytotoxic activity. The present results suggested the promising antioxidant properties of jujube, which can be used in the fabrication of functional bioactive ingredients for different purposes.
Extraction optimization by using response surface methodology and purification of yellow pigment from Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makikno
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Jiangtao , Yu Xin , Shu Yue , Zhang Siyu , Zhang Yinglao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makikno contains rich gardenia yellow pigment (GYP). In this study, the process of pigment extraction was optimized based on a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The absorbance and antioxidant activity (AA) were considered as responses. The result showed that the optimal extraction conditions were ethanol concentration 65.10%, liquid/solid ratio 10:1 ml/g, extraction time 59.85 min, and extraction temperature 60.04℃ for the maximal response values of absorbance (0.79) and AA (91.30%), respectively. Crude GYP was purified by the 13 different resins. The result showed that BJ‐7514 was suitable for purifying GYP with the absorption ratio of 95.4%. Moreover, the 80% of ethanol eluent is applicable on the BJ‐7514 with the desorption ratio of 91.93%. The major component of GYP (Crocin‐3) was isolated and identified from the purified GYP.
Cognitive training with modern board and card games in healthy older adults: two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Estrada‐Plana Verónica , Montanera Roger , Ibarz‐Estruga Ana , March‐Llanes Jaume , Vita‐Barrull Núria , Guzmán Núria , Ros‐Morente Agnès , Ayesa Arriola Rosa , Moya‐Higueras Jorge 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a cognitive intervention based on modern board and card games.MethodsWe conducted two two‐arm parallel‐group, randomized controlled trials. The first one (pilot study) was nonblind. The second one (main study) was a double‐blind design. Participants (14 in a pilot study and 35 in the main study) were healthy older adults over 65 years old who were assisting to adult care institutions. In the pilot study, participants in the experimental group (n = 6) played modern board and card games which activated cognitive processes; whereas the control group (n = 6) was in the wait‐list condition. In the main study, participants in the experimental group (n = 12) also played modern board and card games; whereas the control group (n = 15) performed standardized paper‐and‐pencil cognitive tasks. Psychologists specialized in older‐people conducted all the interventions. In both studies, intervention sessions were bi‐weekly for 5 weeks. The outcomes of both studies were cognitive status and executive functioning, depressive symptomatology, and quality of life measures. All assessment and intervention sessions took place in their habitual centers.ResultsIn the pilot study, participants in the games intervention showed a significant improvement in semantic verbal fluency. In the main study, both interventions showed significant improvements in phonemic verbal fluency. Whilst board and card games maintained motor impulsivity control, paper‐and‐pencil tasks improved speed in an inhibition task.ConclusionsModern board and card games could be an effective cognitive intervention to maintain some cognitive functions.
Along‐tract statistics of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging diffusion metrics to enhance MR tractography quantitative analysis in healthy controls and in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Pieri Valentina , Sanvito Francesco , Riva Marco , Petrini Alessandro , Rancoita Paola M. V. , Cirillo Sara , Iadanza Antonella , Bello Lorenzo , Castellano Antonella , Falini Andrea 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAlong‐tract statistics analysis enables the extraction of quantitative diffusion metrics along specific white matter fiber tracts. Besides quantitative metrics derived from classical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), such as fractional anisotropy and diffusivities, new parameters reflecting the relative contribution of different diffusion compartments in the tissue can be estimated through advanced diffusion MRI methods as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), leading to a more specific microstructural characterization. In this study, we extracted both DTI‐ and NODDI‐derived quantitative microstructural diffusion metrics along the most eloquent fiber tracts in 15 healthy subjects and in 22 patients with brain tumors. We obtained a robust intraprotocol reference database of normative along‐tract microstructural metrics, and their corresponding plots, from healthy fiber tracts. Each diffusion metric of individual patient's fiber tract was then plotted and statistically compared to the normative profile of the corresponding metric from the healthy fiber tracts. NODDI‐derived metrics appeared to account for the pathological microstructural changes of the peritumoral tissue more accurately than DTI‐derived ones. This approach may be useful for future studies that may compare healthy subjects to patients diagnosed with other pathological conditions.
The effects of hippocampal and area parahippocampalis lesions on the processing and retention of serial‐order behavior, autoshaping, and spatial behavior in pigeons
Authors: Johnston Melissa , Scarf Damian , Wilson Alysha , Millar Jessica , Bartonicek Adam , Colombo Michael 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe examined the role of the avian hippocampus and area parahippocampalis in serial‐order behavior and a variety of other tasks known to be sensitive to hippocampal damage in mammals. Damage to the hippocampus and area parahippocampalis caused impairments in autoshaping and performance on an analogue of a radial‐arm maze task, but had no effect on acquisition of 2‐item, 3‐item, and 4‐item serial‐order lists. Additionally, the lesions had no effect on the retention of 3‐items lists, or on the ability to perform novel derived lists composed of elements from lists they had previously learned. The impairments in autoshaping and spatial behavior are consistent with the findings in mammals. The absence of impairments on the serial‐order task may also be consistent once one considers that damage to the hippocampus in mammals seems to affect more internally‐organized rather than externally‐organized serial‐order tasks. Together, the findings support the view that the avian hippocampal complex serves a function very similar to the mammalian hippocampus, a finding that is interesting given that the architecture of the avian hippocampus differs dramatically from that of the mammalian hippocampus.
Institutional determinants of FDI in Oman: Causality analysis framework
Authors: Ibrahim Omer Ali , Devesh Sonal , Shaukat Mughees 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper explores the institutional determinants of FDI in Oman and the role of FDI in enhancing Oman's economic diversification strategy. Time series data was collected for the selected institutional factors influencing FDI during the period 1996–2018. Unit root and Granger causality framework were used in the analysis. Results indicated that strong and clear property rights protection, corruption freedom, fiscal and trade freedom, cause FDI inflows in Oman, whereas business freedom had no effects. It is crucial for policy makers in Oman to strengthen these institutional factors, craft and implement a policy framework to sustain their efficacy, while improving business freedom towards an open economic model. This also includes strengthening the legal framework, combating corruption and reducing subsidies and other forms of favouritism towards state‐owned enterprises. Such policy measures, aimed at channelling FDI flow towards targeted sectors, would enhance Oman's diversification strategy and foster economic growth and development.
Evaluation of trappin‐2 in cervicovaginal secretions as predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic high‐risk women: Nested case‐control study
Authors: Negi Deepika , Guleria Kiran , Tyagi Vipin , Dev Banerjee Basu , Suneja Amita 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate trappin‐2 levels in cervicovaginal secretions for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and compare it with transvaginal sonography (TVS) cervical length in asymptomatic women at risk of PTB.MethodsTrappin‐2 levels assessed in cervicovaginal secretions collected from 80 asymptomatic pregnant women at high risk for preterm delivery and cervical length measured by TVS, first at 14–20 weeks of pregnancy and repeated 8 weeks later. On the basis of delivery outcomes, participants were divided into cases (delivery <37 weeks) and controls (delivery at 37–41 weeks).ResultsThe mean value of cervicovaginal trappin‐2 was significantly higher in women who delivered preterm (n = 40), compared with the term group (n = 40: P < 0.001) both at 14–20 weeks and at 22–28 weeks. The critical cut‐off value for cervicovaginal trappin‐2 at 14–20 weeks was 4620 pg/mL, above which participants delivered prematurely with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 82.5%, 71.0%, 78.5%, and 81.5% respectively, whereas TVS cervical length in this window period was not significantly associated with preterm birth. At 22–28 weeks a trappin‐2 value of 6900 pg/mL had similar predictive accuracy.ConclusionRaised cervicovaginal trappin‐2 levels can be used as an early tool for prediction of PTB as early as 14–20 weeks (earlier than TVS) in asymptomatic high‐risk women.
LINC00261/microRNA‐550a‐3p/SDPRaxis affects the biological characteristics of breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Li Yi , Wu Chihua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). The study was to explore the effect of long non‐coding RNA LINC00261/microRNA (miR)‐550a‐3p/serum deprivation response (SDPR) axis on the biological characteristics of BC stem cells (BCSCs). BC and adjacent normal tissues of patients were collected. LINC00261, miR‐550a‐3p and SDPR expression in BC tissues and cell lines and CD24 and CD44 expression in BC tissues was detected. CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs were sorted. CD44+/CD24−/lowMDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells were screened and transfected with altered expression of LINC00261 or miR‐550a‐3p to explore their roles in cell viability, microsphere (MS) formation ability, migration and invasion of CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs. The targeting relationships of LINC00261, miR‐550a‐3p and SDPR were detected. Reduced LINC00261, decreased SDPR and elevated miR‐550a‐3p exhibited in BC tissues of patients and cell lines. Elevated CD44+/CD24−were present in BC tissues. LINC00261 up‐regulated SDPR expression as a sponge of miR‐550a‐3p. Elevated LINC00261 suppressed BC cell viability, MS formation ability, migration and invasion of CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs. Moreover, up‐regulated miR‐550a‐3p reversed the inhibitive effect of elevated LINC00261 on BCSCs, and reduced SDPR reversed the promotive effect of decreased miR‐550a‐3p on BCSCs. The study highlights that LINC00261 can adsorb miR‐550a‐3p to modulate SDPR, thus inhibiting the viability and MS formation of BC cells, reducing migration and invasion of CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs, exerting a potential effect on therapy.