bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Background substrate and nest semiochemicals mediate ant aggression towards a parasitic beetle
Authors: Parmentier Thomas 
Published: July 2021

1. Background cues may affect the perception and processing of sensory stimuli used by species to detect other organisms. These additional environmental cues change the effectiveness of behavioural responses and eventually influence species interactions. Ants make use of an advanced sensing system to detect intruders, but little is known how cues of the heterogeneous soil substrate influence their behavioural response.2. Here, the aggressive response of red wood ants towards the beetle Notothecta flavipes, a parasitic nest associate, was tested against a background of two types of nest material present in the heterogeneous nests of wood ants, organic thatch (upper part of the nest) and sand (lower part of the nest). I used plaster as control. In addition, the three types of substrate were conditioned with or without chemical nest recognition cues of the host ant.3. Ant aggression was strongly affected by the type of background substrate. Compared to a control background of plaster, the likelihood of ant aggression was 2.8 times and 1.7 times lower against a background of organic thatch and sand, respectively. As visual cues were eliminated in the aggression tests, the reduced aggression levels may be caused by the interference of olfactory scents emitted by the substrate. By contrast, an increase of biting attempts was recorded when the background substrate was conditioned with chemical cues of the ants, suggesting that ants defend familiar smelling terrain more fiercely.4. Overall, these results suggest that the soil background may have complex and spatially variable effects on species interactions in heterogeneous patches.
Pre‐transplant minimal residual disease assessment and transplant‐related factors predict the outcome of acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Guolo Fabio , Di Grazia Carmen , Minetto Paola , Raiola Anna Maria , Clavio Marino , Miglino Maurizio , Tedone Elisabetta , Contini Paola , Mangerini Rosa , Kunkl Annalisa , Colombo Nicoletta , Pugliese Girolamo , Carminati Enrico , Marcolin Riccardo , Passannante Monica , Bagnasco Samuele , Galaverna Federica , Lamparelli Teresa , Ballerini Filippo , Cagnetta Antonia , Cea Michele , Gobbi Marco , Bacigalupo Andrea , Lemoli Roberto Massimo , Angelucci Emanuele 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe studied pretransplant minimal residual disease (MRD) in 224 patients (median age 44 years; range 17‐65) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in complete remission. MRD was evaluated on marrow samples using multicolor flow cytometry and assessment of WT1 gene expression. Both methods showed a strong prognostic value and their combination allowed the identification of three groups of patients with different risk of relapse. In multivariate analysis, combined MRD was the only predictor of cumulative incidence of relapse, regardless of donor type, conditioning regimen, first or second CR at HSCT, HSCT year, and ELN risk group. Multivariate regression model showed that only negative combined MRD status (P < .001) and myeloablative conditioning (P = .004) were independently associated with better OS. Among MRD‐positive patients, a reduced incidence of relapse was observed in patients receiving haplo transplant (P < .05) and in patients who showed grade II‐IV aGVHD (P < .03). In patients with negative combined MRD, the intensity of conditioning regimen did not affect the overall favorable outcome. We suggest that pretransplant MRD evaluation combined with transplant‐related factors can identify AML patients at higher risk for relapse and might help in defining the overall transplant strategy.
Application of calcium nitrate with phosphorus promotes rhizosphere alkalization in acid subsoil
Authors: Weng Zhe (Han) , Li Guangdi , Sale Peter , Tang Caixian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCombatting subsoil acidity is a challenge as the incorporation of lime in subsurface layers may not be economically feasible. The use of nitrate to facilitate plant excess anion uptake has shown the potential to increase soil pH. A column experiment was carried out to demonstrate this root‐induced alkalization in various depths in an acid soil with pH 4.28 (0.01 M CaCl2). It consisted of two types of nitrogen (N) fertilizers (urea and Ca(NO3)2, both at 5 atom% 15N enrichment) banded at a depth of 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm or 20–30 cm, with phosphorus (P) fertilizer (NaH2PO4) at 150 mg P per column either applied to the N layers (N+P) or evenly mixed into the remaining layers without N addition (N‐P). Aluminium‐tolerant wheat (ET8) was used as test plants, receiving an initial N dose of 60 mg kg−1 soil at sowing and an additional dose of 30 mg kg−1 every 10 days from 40 days after sowing. Plants had a total N supply of 90 mg N kg−1 at 50 days and 180 mg N kg−1 at 80 days after sowing. The N+P treatments increased plant N uptake and increased rhizosphere and bulk soil pH. Nitrate placement increased pH of treated layers by up to 0.4 and 0.2 units in the rhizosphere and bulk soils, respectively, compared with the control at Day 80. Rhizosphere alkalization was greater with deeper N+P treatments as these encouraged the proliferation of deeper roots in the treated layer. The form of N and the application method of P fertilizer had no effect on shoot biomass over 80 days of growth. The N+P treatments had 7% higher 15N recovery of fertilizer in plants than the N‐P treatments. The current study also showed that P fertilizer enhanced rhizosphere alkalization induced by calcium nitrate. The results suggest that the use of nitrate fertilizer with P treatments can facilitate alkalization of acid subsoils.Highlights
Phosphorus facilitates amelioration of subsurface soil acidity with nitrate fertilizer
Placement of nitrate induces alkalization of acid soil at various depths
Combined addition of nitrate and P at depth enhances nitrate uptake by wheat
Balanced nutrient supply enhances excess anion uptake and rhizosphere alkalization
Phylogenetic reconstruction of ancestral ecological networks through time for pierid butterflies and their host plants
Authors: Braga Mariana P. , Janz Niklas , Nylin Sören , Ronquist Fredrik , Landis Michael J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe study of herbivorous insects underpins much of the theory that concerns the evolution of species interactions. In particular, Pieridae butterflies and their host plants have served as a model system for studying evolutionary arms races. To learn more about the coevolution of these two clades, we reconstructed ancestral ecological networks using stochastic mappings that were generated by a phylogenetic model of host‐repertoire evolution. We then measured if, when, and how two ecologically important structural features of the ancestral networks (modularity and nestedness) evolved over time. Our study shows that as pierids gained new hosts and formed new modules, a subset of them retained or recolonised the ancestral host(s), preserving connectivity to the original modules. Together, host‐range expansions and recolonisations promoted a phase transition in network structure. Our results demonstrate the power of combining network analysis with Bayesian inference of host‐repertoire evolution to understand changes in complex species interactions over time.
Importance of vision in tandem running during colony relocation in an Indian ant
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Snigdha , Annagiri Sumana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractVisual inputs are important for navigation, and several studies have investigated its importance in ants in the context of foraging. Little is known about the importance of visual cues when the whole colony engages in the goal‐oriented task of colony relocation. In this study, we investigated the role of vision for a tandem‐running tropical ant Diacamma indicum during colony relocation by impairing the vision in both eyes of all colony members and comparing our findings with ants having unimpaired vision. Colonies relocated successfully under zero‐lux conditions and when all colony mates were visually impaired, without compromising their colony cohesion. On examining 265 tandem runs performed by visually impaired ants, we found that they had lower efficiency as compared to ants with normal vision. They traveled along longer routes at lower speeds and often lost their followers, leading to significant increase in transportation time. The absence of visual inputs did not influence the number of tandem leaders that participated nor did it negatively impact their ability to recruit their visually impaired followers from becoming tandem leaders. Visually impaired tandem leaders were not able to minimize their relocation path in an open arena but were capable of doing so in defined paths. Our results suggest that these ants use thigmotactic or proprioceptive cues in order to navigate to their new nest in the absence of visual inputs. Our understanding of tandem‐running recruitment would be incomplete until we delineate the role of multiple sensory inputs involved in conducting this mode of recruitment successfully.
Multi‐swarm and chaotic whale‐particle swarm optimization algorithm with a selection method based on roulette wheel
Authors: Asghari Kayvan , Masdari Mohammad , Gharehchopogh Farhad Soleimanian , Saneifard Rahim 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) are two admired optimization methods that have drawn various researchers' attention. The PSO implements some particles' intelligent movements in a search space, and the WOA is originated based on the hunting mechanism of humpback whales. The PSO and WOA have different strategies for moving towards the optimum solution. Nevertheless, both algorithms' performances encounter several problems, such as premature convergence and falling in local optimums. Several approaches have been proposed to enhance meta‐heuristic algorithms' performance, such as applying the chaotic maps, adding mathematical or stochastic operators or local searches, and hybridizing the algorithms. In this article, a new hybrid algorithm denoted as chaotic‐based hybrid whale and PSO has been presented by improving the WOA, combining it with PSO, and using the chaotic maps. The hybrid algorithm has significantly more diverse movements than both of the mentioned algorithms. Therefore, it explores different regions of a problem's search space more precisely and avoids local optima. The roulette wheel selection operator has also been applied based on their fitness value to select the proposed algorithm's search agents and exploit promising regions of the search space. In the hybrid algorithm, the chaotic maps have been applied to initialize the whales' population, particles of the particle swarm, and adjust motion parameters to increase population diversity. The multi‐swarm version of the proposed algorithm with higher performance than the single‐swarm version and other methods has been introduced in this article too. The proposed algorithms have been evaluated using 23 mathematical benchmark functions, including unimodal, multimodal, and composite functions and four engineering optimization problems. The obtained results and statistical tests prove that the proposed algorithms provide competitive solutions for most of the experiments, compared to the state‐of‐the‐art and well‐known optimization meta‐heuristic methods in terms of convergence towards the global optimum, local optima avoidance, exploration, and exploitation.
On the relationship between mechanical energy rate and heat dissipated rate during fatigue for a C45 steel depending on stress ratio
Authors: De Finis Rosa , Palumbo Davide , Galietti Umberto 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis work deals with the analysis in the frequency domain of the temperature signal and mechanical energy rate of C45 steel under two different fatigue stepwise loading series at stress ratios of 0.1 and −1. It was first investigated the energy distribution among the harmonic components of the signals to understand possible variations caused by a different stress ratio. In addition, the second amplitude harmonic (SAH) of heat dissipated and mechanical energy rates have been considered in the analysis, and their relationship was investigated. It has been shown as it depends only on the material, and hence, it is valid whatever the kind of the test is without any assumption on the energy supplied to the material or material hysteresis loop stabilization. The adopted approach allows the analysis of intrinsic dissipations by means of rapid, full‐field, and contactless techniques without any specific requirement on loading condition or temperature signal stabilization.
Aquatic biota responses to temperature in a high Andean geothermal stream
Authors: Quenta‐Herrera Estefania , Daza Antonio , Lazzaro Xavier , Jacobsen Dean , Dangles Olivier , Cauvy‐Fraunié Sophie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

The impact of global warming on mountain ecosystems is predicted to be high, and particularly in the tropical region. Geothermal streams have provided comprehensive evidence about how aquatic biodiversity changes across natural thermal gradients, but current knowledge is restricted to arctic and temperate zones. Thermal tolerances are different in tropical biological communities, resulting in high thermal sensitivity and low capacity to endure change in their thermal environments. This feature can change the response of aquatic organisms to warming, yet there is little empirical evidence to support this assumption.

In this study, we address this issue by evaluating how water temperature affects biodiversity, and the structure of primary and secondary producers of a high‐elevation geothermal stream system (4,500 m above sea level) in the Bolivian Andes. We analysed multi‐taxa responses to increased water temperature using benthic macroinvertebrate families, benthic algae and cyanobacteria, fishes, and macrophytes as study organisms. Different models were run to assess the response of aquatic biota to temperature. In addition, threshold indicator taxa analysis (TITAN) was used to identify changes in macroinvertebrate taxa distributions along the thermal gradient.

We found that macroinvertebrate richness decreased at 24–25°C due to the different taxon‐specific responses to temperature. Threshold indicator taxa analysis identified 17 temperature thresholds for each family of macroinvertebrates. Changes in macroinvertebrate community composition were significantly associated with changes in water temperature. Similarly, changes in macrophytes were associated with temperature differences, and high macrophyte richness was found at 19–20°C. Chlorophyll‐a concentration of green algae and diatoms was higher at intermediate temperatures 20–22°C, macroinvertebrates density peaked at 27°C, and fish body size reduced linearly with temperature.

Temperature increase in the geothermal stream resulted in a reduction of aquatic diversity and primary and secondary producers by simplifying the community structure to a few warm‐adapted taxa and reduced body size. These patterns differed from those obtained in temperate/arctic geothermal streams, but are similar to other studies at high‐elevation. In a context of increasing warming, the ecological structure of high‐elevation streams might lose cold‐adapted taxa, and change to smaller populations. Additional studies based on ecosystem functioning of geothermal streams could lead to a better understanding on how warming affects high‐elevation streams.
Messinian bottom‐grown selenitic gypsum: An archive of microbial life
Authors: Natalicchio Marcello , Birgel Daniel , Dela Pierre Francesco , Ziegenbalg Simone , Hoffmann‐Sell Lars , Gier Susanne , Peckmann Jörn 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPrimary gypsum deposits, which accumulated in the Mediterranean Basin during the so‐called Messinian salinity crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma), represent an excellent archive of microbial life. We investigated the molecular fossil inventory and the corresponding compound‐specific δ13C values of bottom‐grown gypsum formed during the first stage of the crisis in four marginal basins across the Mediterranean (Nijar, Spain; Vena del Gesso, Italy; Heraklion, Crete; and Psematismenos, Cyprus). All studied gypsum samples contain intricate networks of filamentous microfossils, whose phylogenetic affiliation has been debated for a long time. Petrographic analysis, molecular fossil inventories (hydrocarbons, alcohols, and carboxylic acids), and carbon stable isotope patterns suggest that the mazes of filamentous fossils represent benthic microbial assemblages dominated by chemotrophic sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria; in some of the samples, the body fossils are accompanied by lipids produced by sulfate‐reducing bacteria. Abundant isoprenoid alcohols including diphytanyl glycerol diethers (DGDs) and glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs), typified by highly variable carbon stable isotope composition with δ13C values spanning from −40 to −14‰, reveal the presence of planktic and benthic archaeal communities dwelling in Messinian paleoenvironments. The compound inventory of archaeal lipids indicates the existence of a stratified water column, with a normal marine to diluted upper water column and more saline deeper waters. This study documents the lipid biomarker inventory of microbial life preserved in ancient gypsum deposits, helping to reconstruct the widely debated conditions under which Messinian gypsum formed.
Comparison of the distribution and phenology of Arctic Mountain plants between the early 20th and 21st centuries
Authors: MacDougall Andrew S. , Caplat Paul , Olofsson Johan , Siewert Matthias B. , Bonner Colin , Esch Ellen , Lessard‐Therrien Malie , Rosenzweig Hannah , Schäfer Anne‐Kathrin , Raker Pia , Ridha Hassan , Bolmgren Kjell , Fries Thore C. E. , Larson Keith 
Published: July 2021

AbstractArctic plants are adapted to climatic variability, but their long‐term responses to warming remain unclear. Responses may occur by range shifts, phenological adjustments in growth and reproduction, or both. Here, we compare distribution and phenology of 83 arctic and boreal mountain species, sampled identically in the early 20th (1917–1919) and 21st centuries (2017–2018) from a region of northern Sweden that has warmed significantly. We test two compensatory hypotheses to high‐latitude warming—upward shifts in distribution, and earlier or extended growth and reproduction. For distribution, we show dramatic upward migration by 69% of species, averaging 6.1 m per decade, especially boreal woodland taxa whose upward expansion has reduced arctic montane habitat by 30%. Twenty percent of summit species showed distributional shifts but downward, especially moisture‐associated snowbed flora. For phenology, we detected wide inter‐annual variability in the onset of leafing and flowering in both eras. However, there was no detectable change in growing‐season length, relating to two mechanisms. First, plot‐level snow melt data starting in 1917 demonstrated that melt date, rather than vernal temperatures, better predicts plant emergence, with snow melt influenced by warmer years having greater snowfall—warmer springs did not always result in earlier emergence because snowbeds can persist longer. Second, the onset of reproductive senescence between eras was similar, even when plant emergence was earlier by a month, possibly due to intensified summer heat stress or hard‐wired ‘canalization’ where senescence occurs regardless of summer temperature. Migrations in this system have possibly buffered arctic species against displacement by boreal expansion and warming, but ongoing temperature increases, woody plant invasion, and a potential lack of flexibility in timing of senescence may foreshadow challenges.
‘All‐natural’ anti‐wrinkle emulsion serum with Acmella oleracea extract: A design of experiments (DoE) formulation approach, rheology and in vivo skin performance/efficacy evaluation
Authors: Savic Sanela M. , Cekic Nebojsa D. , Savic Sasa R. , Ilic Tanja M. , Savic Snezana D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe growing consumers’ preferences and concerns regarding healthy ageing, youthful skin appearance, environmental protection and sustainability have triggered an ever‐increasing trend towards natural, eco‐friendly and ethically sourced anti‐ageing products. Accordingly, this paper describes design and evaluation of novel, safe, effective and high‐quality emulsion serums, completely based on ingredients of natural origin, intended for improving facial fine lines and wrinkles.MethodsModel formulations, stabilized by an innovative glycolipid mixed emulsifier (lauryl glucoside/myristyl glucoside/polyglyceryl‐6 laurate) and containing Acmella oleracea extract as a model anti‐ageing active, were prepared by cold process and fully assessed regarding their rheological behaviour (continuous rotational and oscillatory tests) and physical stability (dynamic‐mechanical thermoanalysis – DMTA test). To study and optimize the simultaneous influence of varied formulation factors (emollients and emulsifier concentrations) on critical rheological attributes of the developed serums, a central composite design within ‘design of experiments’ approach was employed. The general skin performance – preliminary safety and anti‐wrinkle efficacy of selected model serum, was evaluated in human volunteers, by employing several objective, non‐invasive bioengineering techniques.ResultsRheological characterization revealed favourable shear‐thinning flow behaviour with yield point, and dominating elastic character (storage modulus G’ > loss modulus G") in both amplitude and frequency sweeps, which together with relatively small structural change obtained in DMTA test indicated overall satisfying rheological and stability properties of formulated serums. From the established design space, and taking into account formulation cost and carbon footprint, promising model serum (desired/optimal apparent viscosity, yield point and loss factor, rather small and constant structural change), containing 15% of emollients and 1% of emulsifier, was chosen for in vivo evaluations. Screening of skin irritation effects revealed the absence of potential irritancy of investigated serum, suggesting overall satisfying skin tolerability/preliminary safety. Silicone skin replica image analysis demonstrated noticeable reduction/improvement in all measured skin wrinkle parameters after only 2 weeks of test serum application in periorbital and perioral areas, indicating its rapid and beneficial effects on the facial expression lines and wrinkles.ConclusionAltogether, the results corroborate the promising potential of the developed Acmella oleracea extract‐loaded emulsion serum as safe, effective and non‐invasive natural anti‐wrinkle product.