bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring patterns of beta‐diversity to test the consistency of biogeographical boundaries: A case study across forest plant communities of Italy
Authors: Chiarucci Alessandro , Nascimbene Juri , Campetella Giandiego , Chelli Stefano , Dainese Matteo , Giorgini Daniele , Landi Sara , Lelli Chiara , Canullo Roberto 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo date, despite their great potential biogeographical regionalization models have been mostly developed on descriptive and empirical bases. This paper aims at applying the beta‐diversity framework on a statistically representative data set to analytically test the consistency of the biogeographical regionalization of Italian forests.LocationItaly.TaxonVascular plants.MethodsForest plant communities were surveyed in 804 plots made in a statistically representative sample of forest communities made by 201 sites of Italian forests across the three biogeographical regions of the country: Alpine, Continental, and Mediterranean. We conducted an ordination analysis and an analysis of beta‐diversity, decomposing it into its turnover and nestedness components.ResultsOur results provide only partial support to the consistency of the biogeographical regionalization of Italy. While the differences in forest plant communities support the distinction between the Alpine and the other two regions, differences between Continental and Mediterranean regions had lower statistical support. Pairwise beta‐diversity and its turnover component are higher between‐ than within‐biogeographical regions. This suggests that different regional species pools contribute to assembly of local communities and that spatial distance between‐regions has a stronger effect than that within‐regions.Main conclusionsOur findings confirm a biogeographical structure of the species pools that is captured by the biogeographical regionalization. However, nonsignificant differences between the Mediterranean and Continental biogeographical regions suggest that this biogeographical regionalization is not consistent for forest plant communities. Our results demonstrate that an analytical evaluation of species composition differences among regions using beta‐diversity analysis is a promising approach for testing the consistency of biogeographical regionalization models. This approach is recommended to provide support to the biogeographical regionalization used in some environmental conservation polices adopted by EU.
Species‐specific habitat preferences do not shape the structure of a crested newt hybrid zone (Triturus cristatus x T. carnifex)
Authors: Mačát Zdeněk , Rulík Martin , Jablonski Daniel , Reiter Antonín , Jeřábková Lenka , Rada Stanislav , Mikulíček Peter 
Published: October 2019

AbstractReproductive isolation barriers maintain the integrity of species by preventing interspecific gene flow. They involve temporal, habitat or behavioral isolation acting before fertilization, and postzygotic isolation manifested as hybrid mortality or sterility. One of the approaches of how to study reproductive isolation barriers is through the analysis of hybrid zones. In this paper, we describe the structure of a hybrid zone between two crested newt species (Triturus cristatusandT. carnifex) in the southern part of the Czech Republic using morphological, microsatellite, and mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that the structure of the hybrid zone is maintained by species‐specific habitat preferences. Comparing the genetic structure of populations with geographical and ecological parameters, we found that the hybrid zone was structured primarily geographically, withT. cristatus‐like populations occurring in the northeast andT. carnifex‐like populations in the southwest. DespiteT. cristatustending to occur in deeper ponds andT. carnifexon localities with more shading, the effect of both ecological parameters on the structure of the zone was minimal. Next, we corroborated thatT. carnifexindividuals and some hybrids possess mtDNA ofT. dobrogicus, whose nuclear background was not detected in the studied hybrid zone. Hybridization betweenT. carnifexandT. dobrogicus(resulting in unidirectional mtDNA introgression) had to predate subsequent formation of the hybrid zone betweenT. cristatusandT. carnifex. Populations of crested newts in the southern part of the Czech Republic thus represent a genetic mosaic of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of three species.
Joint estimation of survival and breeding probability in female dolphins and calves with uncertainty in state assignment
Authors: Couet Pauline , Gally François , Canonne Coline , Besnard Aurélien 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWhile the population growth rate in long‐lived species is highly sensitive to adult survival, reproduction can also significantly drive population dynamics. Reproductive parameters can be challenging to estimate as breeders and nonbreeders may vary in resighting probability and reproductive status may be difficult to assess. We extended capture–recapture (CR) models previously fitted for data on other long‐lived marine mammals to estimate demographic parameters while accounting for detection heterogeneity between individuals and state uncertainty regarding reproductive status. We applied this model to data on 106 adult female bottlenose dolphins observed over 13 years. The detection probability differed depending on breeding status. Concerning state uncertainty, offspring were not always sighted with their mother, and older calves were easier to detect than young‐of‐the‐year (YOY), respectively, 0.79 (95% CI 0.59–0.90) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.46–0.68). This possibly led to inaccurate reproductive status assignment of females. Adult female survival probability was high (0.97 CI 95% 0.96–0.98) and did not differ according to breeding status. Young‐of‐the‐year and 1‐year‐old calves had a significantly higher survival rate than 2‐year‐old (respectively, 0.66 CI 95% 0.50–0.78 and 0.45 CI 95% 0.29–0.61). This reduced survival is probably related to weaning, a period during which young are exposed to more risks since they lose protection and feeding from the mother. The probability of having a new YOY was high for breeding females that had raised a calf to the age of 3 or lost a 2‐year‐old calf (0.71, CI 95% 0.45–0.88). Yet, this probability was much lower for nonbreeding females and breeding females that had lost a YOY or a 1‐year‐old calf (0.33, 95% CI 0.26–0.42). The multievent CR framework we used is highly flexible and could be easily modified for other study questions or taxa (marine or terrestrial) aimed at modeling reproductive parameters.
Adaptive landscape genetics and malaria across divergent island bird populations
Authors: Armstrong Claire , Davies Richard G. , González‐Quevedo Catalina , Dunne Molly , Spurgin Lewis G. , Richardson David S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractEnvironmental conditions play a major role in shaping the spatial distributions of pathogens, which in turn can drive local adaptation and divergence in host genetic diversity. Haemosporidians, such as Plasmodium (malaria), are a strong selective force, impacting survival and fitness of hosts, with geographic distributions largely determined by habitat suitability for their insect vectors. Here, we have tested whether patterns of fine‐scale local adaptation to malaria are replicated across discrete, ecologically differing island populations of Berthelot's pipits Anthus berthelotii. We sequenced TLR4, an innate immunity gene that is potentially under positive selection in Berthelot's pipits, and two SNPs previously identified as being associated with malaria infection in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in Berthelot's pipits in the Canary Islands. We determined the environmental predictors of malaria infection, using these to estimate variation in malaria risk on Porto Santo, and found some congruence with previously identified environmental risk factors on Tenerife. We also found a negative association between malaria infection and a TLR4 variant in Tenerife. In contrast, one of the GWAS SNPs showed an association with malaria risk in Porto Santo, but in the opposite direction to that found in the Canary Islands GWAS. Together, these findings suggest that disease‐driven local adaptation may be an important factor in shaping variation among island populations.
Experimental migration upward in elevation is associated with strong selection on life history traits
Authors: DeMarche Megan L. , Angert Amy L. , Kay Kathleen M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOne of the strongest biological impacts of climate change has been the movement of species poleward and upward in elevation. Yet, what is not clear is the extent to which the spatial distribution of locally adapted lineages and ecologically important traits may also shift with continued climate change. Here, we take advantage of a transplant experiment mimicking up‐slope seed dispersal for a suite of ecologically diverse populations of yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus sensu lato) into a high‐elevation common garden during an extreme drought period in the Sierra Nevada mountains, California, USA. We use a demographic approach to quantify fitness and test for selection on life history traits in local versus lower‐elevation populations and in normal versus drought years to test the potential for up‐slope migration and phenotypic selection to alter the distribution of key life history traits in montane environments. We find that lower‐elevation populations tend to outperform local populations, confirming the potential for up‐slope migration. Although selection generally favored some local montane traits, including larger flowers and larger stem size at flowering, drought conditions tended to select for earlier flowering typical of lower‐elevation genotypes. Taken together, this suggests that monkeyflower lineages moving upward in elevation could experience selection for novel trait combinations, particularly under warmer and drier conditions that are predicted to occur with continued climate change.
Feeding increases the number of offspring but decreases parental investment of Red Sea coral Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Bellworthy Jessica , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Fine Maoz 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Successful reproductive output and recruitment is crucial to coral persistence and recovery following anthropogenic stress. Feeding is known to alter coral physiology and increase resilience to bleaching.

The goal of the study was to address the knowledge gap of the influence of feeding on reproductive output and offspring phenotype.

Colonies of Stylophora pistillata from the Northern Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) were fed an Artemia diet or unfed for 5 months during gametogenesis, fertilization, and brooding. In addition, time to settlement and mortality of planulae were assessed at water temperatures ranging from winter temperature (22°C) to three degrees above average peak summer temperature (31°C). A range of physiological parameters was measured in parents and offspring.

In brooding parents, feeding significantly increased protein concentration and more than tripled the number of released planulae. Planulae from unfed colonies had higher chlorophyll per symbiont concentration and concomitantly higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to planulae from fed parents. In settlement assays, planulae showed a similar thermal resistance as known for this Red Sea adult population. Mortality was greater in planulae from unfed parents at ambient and 3°C above ambient temperature despite higher per offspring investment in terms of total fatty acid content. Fatty acid profiles and relative abundances were generally conserved between different fed and unfed colonies but planulae were enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids relative to adults, that is, 16:1, 18:1, 20:1, 22:1, and 24:1 isomers.

Ultimately the availability of zooplankton could influence population physiology and recruitment in corals.
C‐type lectin receptors of the Dectin‐1 cluster: Physiological roles and involvement in disease
Authors: Tone Kazuya , Stappers Mark H.T. , Willment Janet A. , Brown Gordon D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractC‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) are essential for multicellular existence, having diverse functions ranging from embryonic development to immune function. One subgroup of CLRs is the Dectin‐1 cluster, comprising of seven receptors including MICL, CLEC‐2, CLEC‐12B, CLEC‐9A, MelLec, Dectin‐1, and LOX‐1. Reflecting the larger CLR family, the Dectin‐1 cluster of receptors has a broad range of ligands and functions, but importantly, is involved in numerous pathophysiological processes that regulate health and disease. Indeed, these receptors have been implicated in development, infection, regulation of inflammation, allergy, transplantation tolerance, cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. In this mini‐review, we discuss the latest advancements in elucidating the function(s) of each of the Dectin‐1 cluster CLRs, focussing on their physiological roles and involvement in disease.
Opposing peripheral fates of tissue‐restricted self antigen‐specific conventional and regulatory CD4+ T cells
Authors: Zhang Zimeng , Legoux Francois P. , Vaughan Spencer W. , Moon James J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe development of self antigen‐specific T cells is influenced by how the self antigen is expressed. Here, we created a mouse in which a model self antigen is conditionally expressed in different tissue environments. Using peptide:MHCII tetramer‐based cell enrichment methods, we examined the development of corresponding endogenous self antigen‐specific CD4+ T cell populations. While ubiquitous self antigen expression resulted in efficient deletion of self antigen‐specific T cells in the thymus, some tissue‐restricted expression patterns resulted in partial deletion of the population in peripheral lymphoid organs. Deletion specifically affected Foxp3− conventional T cells (Tconv) with a bias towards high avidity TCR expressing cells in the case of thymic, but not peripheral deletion. In contrast, Foxp3+ Treg exhibited elevated frequencies with increased TCR avidity. T cells surviving deletion were functionally impaired, with Tconv cells exhibiting more impairment than Tregs. Collectively, our results illustrate how postthymic recognition of tissue‐restricted self antigens results in opposing developmental fates for Tconv and Treg cell subsets.
Formulation and Characterization of Taxifolin‐Loaded Lipid Nanovesicles (Liposomes, Niosomes, and Transfersomes) for Beverage Fortification
Authors: Hasibi Forough , Nasirpour Ali , Varshosaz Jaleh , García‐Manrique Pablo , Blanco‐López Maria Carmen , Gutiérrez Gemma , Matos María 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this study, nanovesicles such as transfersomes, niosomes, and liposomes prepared by an ethanol injection method (EIM) (EIM) and formulated with soybean lecithin, Tween 80, Span 60, and cholesterol, are used to improve the bioavailability of taxifolin, a natural antioxidant with beneficial properties for health and food preservation. Morphology, stability, and the in‐vitro release of the optimal formulations are fully examined. The obtained results indicate that taxifolin‐loaded nanovesicles present sizes ranging between 98 and 215 nm along with a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index less than 0.250). The zeta potential of nanovesicles is negative and in the range of −20.40 to −32.20 mV. The optimal formulations with the maximum encapsulation efficiency (72–75%) are the transfersomes formulated with lecithin and Tween 80 in the presence and absence of cholesterol. Additionally, in vitro release behavior of nanovesicles shows low taxifolin released (3.68–10.13%) at intestinal conditions, whereas more than 90% of taxifolin is released in gastrointestinal conditions. The compatibility between taxifolin and nanovesicles components is confirmed by FTIR. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrates spherical shaped particles around 200 nm. Backscattering profiles variations show the potential application of taxifolin nanovesicles for producing fortified apple juice with excellent physical stability.Practical Applications: Taxifolin is a flavanonol, which fulfills a particular task in preserving stable functions of the circulatory system owing to its special antioxidant ability and biological activity. Nevertheless, its low bioavailability is a salient drawback for biomedical and food applications. Thus, the current study is conducted to encapsulate taxifolin in nanovesicles (such as liposome, niosome, transfersome) by EIM to improve its bioavailability. Nanocarriers with relatively decent physical stability and high encapsulation efficiency can be brought about through Tween 80, soybean lecithin, and in the presence and absence of cholesterol as stabilizer which ensures the successful delivery of taxifolin to food formats such as beverages.
A 2D explicit numerical scheme–based pore pressure cohesive zone model for simulating hydraulic fracture propagation in naturally fractured formation
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Wei , Deng Jingen , Yang Yingxin , Zhu Haiyan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this work, a 2D pore pressure cohesive zone model is presented to simulate the hydraulic fracture propagation in naturally fractured formation, in which the fracturing process is governed by a bilinear cohesive zone model equipped with Coulomb's friction law and the fluid flow within the hydraulic fracture is described by the lubrication equation. In this model, fluid leak‐off into rock matrix is ignored and a fully explicit temporal integration scheme is adopted to overcome the convergence issue of conventional implicit scheme (eg, Newton‐Raphson method). The advantage of the proposed model is that it does not require any special crossing criterion to determine the interaction behavior when the hydraulic fracture hits the natural fracture. Implementation of the model was described in detail, and then, the model was verified with well‐known analytical solution of KGD problem and criteria of hydraulic fracture crossing natural fracture. The capability of the proposed model to capture the interaction behavior between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture was demonstrated by the good agreement of the modeling result and analytical solution. Several numerical cases were performed to investigate the impact of key factors on fracture network evolution during hydraulic fracturing treatment. Results show that fracture network is not only governed by the spatial distribution of natural fracture, but also greatly affected by the initial hydraulic aperture of natural fracture and in situ stress contrast.
A study of the dynamic movement rule of overlying strata combinations using a short‐wall continuous mining and full‐caving method
Authors: Wen Jinhao , Cheng Weimin , Chen Lianjun , Shi Shaoshuai , Wen Zhijie 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAt present in China, short‐wall working face coal‐mining methods are among the main methods used for the high‐efficiency recoveries of boundary coal pillars and residual pillars. In traditional short‐wall mining methods, overlying roofs are supported by coal pillars. However, issues such as the excessive number of coal pillars, low coal recovery efficiency, large areas of hanging roof arches, etc, have been encountered. In view of the aforementioned issues of the current short‐wall mining technology, this study took the short‐wall mining of the Yujialiang Mine in the Shendong mining area as the project background. The study then proposed a judgment method for the key stratum on the working face of the mine using a short‐wall continuous mining and full‐caving method. The proposed method was based on the theory of elastic plates and was verified using the theoretical analysis results of similar material simulation experiments. FLAC 3D software was adopted to analyze the stress and displacement evolution processes of the overlying rock strata during the advancement of the working face using a short‐wall continuous mining and full‐caving method. The results showed that the short‐wall continuous mining and full‐caving method not only had the ability to improve the recovery rate, but was also able to realize the effective control of the roof areas, thereby avoiding any large areas of hanging arches. The short‐wall continuous mining and full‐caving method is potentially of important significance for the improvement of coal recovery rates, as well as for the safe and highly efficient mining of boundary coal pillars and residual pillars in mines under special conditions.
Effects of swirling flow on ultralight particle dispersion characteristics in coaxial jet combustor
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Li , Zhou Lixing 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe dispersion characteristics of ultralight particle (expanded graphite) in swirling mixture particle‐laden coaxial jet combustor was modeled and numerically predicted using developed second‐order moment gas‐particle multifluid turbulent model. An improved gas‐particle and particle‐particle Reynolds stress transport to describe its anisotropic behaviors was proposed. Experimental validation for single‐phase particle flow has been conducted with satisfied agreement. The multifluid hydrodynamic parameters, that is, number density, particle velocity, fluctuation velocity, Reynolds stress correlation of gas‐particle and particle‐particles, and effects of swirling number are investigated. The results found that the ultralight particles exhibited the distinctive anisotropic behaviors, and their unique flow structures were quite different from those of heavier particles. Under the strong swirling flow condition, the anisotropic dispersions were enhanced and concentration at recirculation regions increased. The axial velocities and fluctuations, and the axial‐axial and tangential‐tangential stress correlations of gas‐particles were weakened. The effect of swirling strength on ultralight particle dispersions is more sensitive in comparison with heavier particle.
Diet, feeding behavior, and jaw architecture of Taï monkeys: Congruence and chaos in the realm of functional morphology
Authors: McGraw W. Scott , Daegling David J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe review feeding and mandibular anatomy in a community of West African monkeys. We use field observations, food material property data, and skeletal specimens from the Ivory Coast's Taï Forest to explore the factors that shape mandibular architecture in colobines and cercopithecines. Despite excellent geographic control across our sample, the fit between bone form (as conventionally described) and functional activity (as we perceive it) is not spectacular. We present a thought experiment to assess how well we could reconstruct diet in the Taï monkeys if we only had skeletons and teeth to study. This exercise indicated that we would be correct about half the time. Our analyses reinforce the notion that diet is anything but a monolithic variable and that better success at relating mandibular form to food must incorporate information on ingestive and processing behavior, geometric and material properties of foods, and both material and structural data on jaws themselves.
Systemic risk in market microstructure of crude oil and gasoline futures prices: A Hawkes flocking model approach
Authors: Jang Hyun Jin , Lee Kiseop , Lee Kyungsub 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe propose the Hawkes flocking model that assesses systemic risk in high‐frequency processes at the two perspectives—endogeneity and interactivity. We examine the futures markets of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil and gasoline for the past decade, and perform a comparative analysis with conditional value‐at‐risk as a benchmark measure. In terms of high‐frequency structure, we derive the empirical findings. The endogenous systemic risk in WTI was significantly higher than that in gasoline, and the level at which gasoline affects WTI was constantly higher than that in the opposite case. Moreover, although the relative influence's degree was asymmetric, its difference has gradually reduced.