bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Synergisms of Ji Xue Teng, Spatholobus suberectus, Extract and Selected Antibiotics against Streptococcus agalactiae from Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Guo Wei‐Liang , Wang Wen‐Hui , Hu Wen‐Ting , Xie Zhen‐Yu , Wang Shi‐Feng , Sun Yun , Zhou Yong‐Can 
Published: March 2018

AbstractStreptococcus agalactiae infection causes severe economic losses in tilapia production. To find out efficacious strategies for curing S. agalactiae infections, this study screened the antibacterial synergisms between Ji Xue Teng, Spatholobus suberectus, extract and selected antibiotics via a modified agar well diffusion method. We optimized a combined ratio of S. suberectus extract and the selected antibiotic, observed their effects on the infections with S. agalactiae on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and determined their antibacterial spectra. The results showed that S. suberectus extract and streptomycin sulfate exhibited antibacterial synergism against S. agalactiae, with an optimal ratio of 42.5:1 (m : m). The minimal inhibitory concentration of S. suberectus extract was reduced from 27.84 to 5.95 mg/mL, and a reduction of streptomycin sulfate from 0.66 to 0.13 mg/mL was noted. After providing infected tilapia, O. niloticus (L.), with feedstuffs containing 0.520% S. suberectus extract only, 0.013% streptomycin sulfate only, or in combination, the relative percent of survival was 52.6, 13.9, and 80.5%, respectively. These results indicate an antibacterial synergism between S. suberectus extract and streptomycin sulfate in vitro and in vivo.
Nonconsumptive predator effects on prey demography: dogwhelk cues decrease benthic mussel recruitment
Authors: Ehlers S. M. , Scrosati R. A. , Ellrich J. A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPredators often have nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) on prey behaviour, but the demographic consequences for prey remain poorly known. This is important to understand because demography influences the functional role of a species in its community. We used an intertidal predator–prey system to investigate predator NCEs on prey recruitment, a key demographic process for population persistence. Pelagic mussel larvae are known to avoid waterborne cues from dogwhelks, which prey on intertidal mussels. Through a field experiment done in Atlantic Canada, we manipulated the presence of dogwhelks in intertidal habitats during the mussel (Mytilus spp.) recruitment season. We measured mussel recruitment in collectors that could be reached by waterborne dogwhelk cues but not by dogwhelks themselves. We found that the nearby presence of dogwhelks significantly decreased mussel recruit density. A previous study done in the same habitats under the same experimental conditions showed that dogwhelk cues also limit the recruitment of barnacles, another prey item for dogwhelks. However, such NCEs were stronger than those observed for mussel recruitment, possibly because mussels have more opportunities to escape predation during their benthic existence. Thus, basic features of natural history might be useful to predict the intensity of predator NCEs on prey recruitment.
Nutrition‐sensitive agricultural interventions and gender dynamics: A qualitative study in Nepal
Authors: Kjeldsberg Cecilie , Shrestha Niva , Patel Miti , Davis Dale , Mundy Gary , Cunningham Kenda 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUndernutrition and low women's status persist as major development obstacles in South Asia and specifically, Nepal. Multi‐sectoral approaches, including nutrition‐sensitive agriculture, are potential avenues for further reductions in undernutrition. Although evidence is growing, many questions remain regarding how gender mediates the translation of agricultural production activities into nutritional benefit. In this study, we examined how gender influences the pathway from agricultural production to improved income and control of income, with a focus on five domains of empowerment: decision‐making power, freedom of mobility, social support, workload and time, and self‐efficacy. For this, we conducted a qualitative retrospective assessment (N = 10 FGDs) among 73 beneficiary women of a nutrition‐sensitive agriculture programme implemented from 2008 to 2012 in two districts of Nepal—Baitadi and Kailali. We found that women reported increased decision‐making power, new knowledge and skills, increased recognition by their family members of their new knowledge and contributions, and self‐efficacy as farmers and sellers, whereas workload and time were the most consistent constraints noted. We also found that each empowerment domain operated differently at different stages of the pathway, sometimes representing barriers and at other times, opportunities and that the interconnectedness of the domains made them difficult to disentangle in practice. Finally, there were major contextual differences for some domains (e.g., freedom of mobility) between the two districts. Future policies and programmes need to include in‐depth formative research to ensure that interventions address context‐specific gender and social norms to maximise programmatic opportunities to achieve desired results.
Standing genetic diversity and selection at functional gene loci are associated with differential invasion success in two non‐native fish species
Authors: Wellband Kyle W. , Pettitt‐Wade Harri , Fisk Aaron T. , Heath Daniel D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInvasive species are expected to experience a unique combination of high genetic drift due to demographic factors while also experiencing strong selective pressures. The paradigm that reduced genetic diversity should limit the evolutionary potential of invasive species, and thus, their potential for range expansion has received little empirical support, possibly due to the choice of genetic markers. Our goal was to test for effects of genetic drift and selection at functional genetic markers as they relate to the invasion success of two paired invasive goby species, one widespread (successful) and one with limited range expansion (less successful). We genotyped fish using two marker types: single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in known‐function, protein‐coding genes and microsatellites to contrast the effects of neutral genetic processes. We identified reduced allelic variation in the invaded range for the less successful tubenose goby.SNPs putatively under selection were responsible for the observed differences in population structure between marker types for round goby (successful) but not tubenose goby (less successful). A higher proportion of functional loci experienced divergent selection for round goby, suggesting increased evolutionary potential in invaded ranges may be associated with round goby's greater invasion success. Genes involved in thermal tolerance were divergent for round goby populations but not tubenose goby, consistent with the hypothesis that invasion success for fish in temperate regions is influenced by capacity for thermal tolerance. Our results highlight the need to incorporate functional genetic markers in studies to better assess evolutionary potential for the improved conservation and management of species.
Between a principled and a consequentialist logic: theory and practice of secession in Catalonia and Scotland
Authors: Dalle Mulle Emmanuel , Serrano Ivan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper inquires into whether the three types of arguments usually formulated in the normative literature on the legitimacy of secession – i.e. communitarian, choice, and remedial arguments – are articulated (or not) by separatist parties in Catalonia and Scotland. It concludes that these actors do use such arguments, but they tend to merge them in different combinations making a pluralist case for independence rather than developing monist reasoning as most political philosophers do. Furthermore, it finds a fourth type of argument which is under‐theorised in the relevant literature. This is an instrumental argument whereby independence is depicted not as an end in itself, but as a means to achieve better welfare and governance for the national population. It further proposes a fourfold theoretical scheme that links communitarian and choice arguments to a principled logic based on the belief in the existence of an absolute right to self‐determination and remedial and instrumental arguments to a consequentialist logic that legitimates secession on the condition that it serves the achievement of specific ends.
Relational ethics of delirium care: Findings from a hospice ethnography
Authors: Wright David Kenneth , Brajtman Susan , Macdonald Mary Ellen 
Published: March 2018

Delirium, a common syndrome in terminally ill people, presents specific challenges to a good death in end‐of‐life care. This paper examines the relational engagement between hospice nurses and their patients in a context of end‐of‐life delirium. Ethnographic fieldwork spanning 15 months was conducted at a freestanding residential hospice in eastern Canada. A shared value system was apparent within the nursing community of hospice; patients’ comfort and dignity were deemed most at stake and therefore commanded nurses’ primary attention. This overarching commitment to comfort and dignity shaped all of nursing practice in this hospice, including practices related to end‐of‐life delirium. The findings of this study elaborate the ways in which hospice nurses interpreted and responded to the discomfort of their patients in delirium, as well as the efforts they made to understand their patients’ subjective experiences and to connect with them in supportive ways. In addition to what is already known about clinical assessment and treatment of delirium in palliative care settings, the findings of this study offer points of reflection for nurses anywhere who are contending with the relational challenges that delirium presents in end‐of‐life care.
Prevalence, risk factors and complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia in stroke patients: A cohort study
Authors: Rofes L. , Muriana D. , Palomeras E. , Vilardell N. , Palomera E. , Alvarez‐Berdugo D. , Casado V. , Clavé P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundOropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a prevalent poststroke condition with severe complications and increased mortality. Poststroke OD prevalence varies among studies and there is little evidence of its related risk factors and associated complications. Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of OD after stroke and the risk factors and associated complications.MethodsWe performed a prospective longitudinal study of stroke patients consecutively admitted to a general hospital. OD was diagnosed with the volume‐viscosity swallow test (V‐VST). Demographic, functional status and topographical and clinical variables of stroke were collected to assess risk factors for OD. We evaluated functional status, mortality, respiratory infections, and readmissions 3 and 12 months after stroke. A multivariate regression analysis determined associated risk factors for OD and for each outcome variable.Key ResultsWe included 395 stroke patients with a 45.06% prevalence of OD on admission. OD was independently associated with age (OR = 1.05; CI = 1.02‐1.08), previous stroke (OR = 2.40; CI = 1.00‐5.79), severity using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (OR = 3.52; CI = 1.57‐7.87) and volume of the lesion (OR = 1.02; CI = 1.01‐1.03). OD after stroke was an independent risk factor for prolonged hospital stay (P = .049; β = 0.938) and institutionalization after discharge (OR = 0.47; CI = 0.24‐0.92); OD was an independent risk factor for poorer functional capacity (OR = 3.00; CI = 1.58‐5.68) and increased mortality (HR = 6.90; CI = 1.57‐30.34) 3 months after stroke.Conclusions & InferencesPoststroke OD is prevalent and associated with poor short and long term prognosis. Stroke severity and patient status before stroke were more relevant to OD than lesion location. Systematic screening programs and early OD management could significantly improve poststroke patient outcome.
Role of TRPV1 receptor in inflammation and impairment of esophageal mucosal integrity in a murine model of nonerosive reflux disease
Authors: Silva R. O. , Bingana R. D. , Sales T. M. A. L. , Moreira R. L. R. , Costa D. V. S. , Sales K. M. O. , Brito G. A. C. , Santos A. A. , Souza M. Â. N. , Soares P. M. G. , Sifrim D. , Souza M. H. L. P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMicroscopic inflammation and impairment of the esophageal epithelial barrier are considered relevant for perception of symptoms in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). In these patients, the receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is overexpressed in the esophageal mucosa, but its role is not yet fully understood. We evaluated the role of TRPV1 in esophageal inflammation and mucosal barrier impairment in a murine model of NERD.MethodsNonerosive reflux disease was surgically induced in Swiss mice by pyloric substenosis and ligature of the gastric fundus, and the mice were killed 7 days post surgery. The experimental groups were: I, sham surgery (negative control); II, NERD untreated; III and IV, NERD + SB366791 or capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonists); and V, NERD + resiniferatoxin (for long‐term desensitization of TRPV1). The esophagus was collected for western blotting and histopathology and for evaluation of wet weight, myeloperoxidase (MPO), keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC), transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and basal permeability to fluorescein.Key ResultsCompared to sham, NERD mice had increased esophageal wet weight and MPO and KC levels. The mucosa had no ulcers but exhibited inflammation. NERD mice showed mucosal TRPV1 overexpression, a more pronounced decrease in TEER at pH 0.5 (containing pepsin and taurodeoxycholic acid), and increased basal permeability. Pharmacological modulation of TRPV1 prevented esophageal inflammation development, TEER changes by acidic exposure, and increase in esophageal permeability.Conclusions & InferencesThe TRPV1 receptor has a critical role in esophageal inflammation and mucosal barrier impairment in NERD mice, suggesting that TRPV1 might be a pharmacological target in patients with NERD.
The origin and evolution of mycorrhizal symbioses: from palaeomycology to phylogenomics
Authors: Strullu‐Derrien Christine , Selosse Marc‐André , Kenrick Paul , Martin Francis M. 
Published: March 2018

Contents

Summary
1012

I.
Introduction
1013

II.
The mycorrhizal symbiosis at the dawn and rise of the land flora
1014

III.
From early land plants to early trees: the origin of roots and true mycorrhizas
1016

IV.
The diversification of the AM symbiosis
1019

V.
The ECM symbiosis
1021

VI.
The recently evolved ericoid and orchid mycorrhizas
1023

VII.
Limits of paleontological vs genetic approaches and perspectives
1023

Acknowledgements
1025

References
1025

SummaryThe ability of fungi to form mycorrhizas with plants is one of the most remarkable and enduring adaptations to life on land. The occurrence of mycorrhizas is now well established in c. 85% of extant plants, yet the geological record of these associations is sparse. Fossils preserved under exceptional conditions provide tantalizing glimpses into the evolutionary history of mycorrhizas, showing the extent of their occurrence and aspects of their evolution in extinct plants. The fossil record has important roles to play in establishing a chronology of when key fungal associations evolved and in understanding their importance in ecosystems through time. Together with calibrated phylogenetic trees, these approaches extend our understanding of when and how groups evolved in the context of major environmental change on a global scale. Phylogenomics furthers this understanding into the evolution of different types of mycorrhizal associations, and genomic studies of both plants and fungi are shedding light on how the complex set of symbiotic traits evolved. Here we present a review of the main phases of the evolution of mycorrhizal interactions from palaeontological, phylogenetic and genomic perspectives, with the aim of highlighting the potential of fossil material and a geological perspective in a cross‐disciplinary approach.
Estimating heat tolerance of plants by ion leakage: a new method based on gradual heating
Authors: Ilík Petr , Špundová Martina , Šicner Michal , Melkovičová Helena , Kučerová Zuzana , Krchňák Pavel , Fürst Tomáš , Večeřová Kristýna , Panzarová Klára , Benediktyová Zuzana , Trtílek Martin 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Heat tolerance of plants related to cell membrane thermostability is commonly estimated via the measurement of ion leakage from plant segments after defined heat treatment. To compare heat tolerance of various plants, it is crucial to select suitable heating conditions. This selection is time‐consuming and optimizing the conditions for all investigated plants may even be impossible. Another problem of the method is its tendency to overestimate basal heat tolerance.

Here we present an improved ion leakage method, which does not suffer from these drawbacks. It is based on gradual heating of plant segments in a water bath or algal suspensions from room temperature up to 70–75°C.

The electrical conductivity of the bath/suspension, which is measured continuously during heating, abruptly increases at a certain temperature TCOND (within 55–70°C). The TCOND value can be taken as a measure of cell membrane thermostability, representing the heat tolerance of plants/organisms.

Higher TCOND corresponds to higher heat tolerance (basal or acquired) connected to higher thermostability of the cell membrane, as evidenced by the common ion leakage method. The new method also enables determination of the thermostability of photochemical reactions in photosynthetic samples via the simultaneous measurement of Chl fluorescence.
Correlated seed failure as an environmental veto to synchronize reproduction of masting plants
Authors: Bogdziewicz Michał , Steele Michael A. , Marino Shealyn , Crone Elizabeth E. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Variable, synchronized seed production, called masting, is a widespread reproductive strategy in plants. Resource dynamics, pollination success, and, as described here, environmental veto are possible proximate mechanisms driving masting.

We explored the environmental veto hypothesis, which assumes that reproductive synchrony is driven by external factors preventing reproduction in some years, by extending the resource budget model of masting with correlated reproductive failure. We ran this model across its parameter space to explore how key parameters interact to drive seeding dynamics. Next, we parameterized the model based on 16 yr of seed production data for populations of red (Quercus rubra) and white (Quercus alba) oaks. We used these empirical models to simulate seeding dynamics, and compared simulated time series with patterns observed in the field.

Simulations showed that resource dynamics and reproduction failure can produce masting even in the absence of pollen coupling. In concordance with this, in both oaks, among‐year variation in resource gain and correlated reproductive failure were necessary and sufficient to reproduce masting, whereas pollen coupling, although present, was not necessary.

Reproductive failure caused by environmental veto may drive large‐scale synchronization without density‐dependent pollen limitation. Reproduction‐inhibiting weather events are prevalent in ecosystems, making described mechanisms likely to operate in many systems.
El Niño drought increased canopy turnover in Amazon forests
Authors: Leitold Veronika , Morton Douglas C. , Longo Marcos , dos‐Santos Maiza Nara , Keller Michael , Scaranello Marcos 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Amazon droughts, including the 2015–2016 El Niño, may reduce forest net primary productivity and increase canopy tree mortality, thereby altering both the short‐ and the long‐term net forest carbon balance. Given the broad extent of drought impacts, inventory plots or eddy flux towers may not capture regional variability in forest response to drought.

We used multi‐temporal airborne Lidar data and field measurements of coarse woody debris to estimate patterns of canopy turnover and associated carbon losses in intact and fragmented forests in the central Brazilian Amazon between 2013–2014 and 2014–2016.

Average annualized canopy turnover rates increased by 65% during the drought period in both intact and fragmented forests. The average size and height of turnover events was similar for both time intervals, in contrast to expectations that the 2015–2016 El Niño drought would disproportionally affect large trees. Lidar–biomass relationships between canopy turnover and field measurements of coarse woody debris were modest (R2 ≈ 0.3), given similar coarse woody debris production and Lidar‐derived changes in canopy volume from single tree and multiple branch fall events.

Our findings suggest that El Niño conditions accelerated canopy turnover in central Amazon forests, increasing coarse woody debris production by 62% to 1.22 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in drought years .
Rapid and flexible creativity in musical improvisation: review and a model
Authors: Loui Psyche 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCreativity has been defined as the ability to produce output that is novel, useful, beneficial, and desired by an audience. But what is musical creativity, and relatedly, to what extent does creativity depend on domain‐general or domain‐specific neural and cognitive processes? To what extent can musical creativity be taught? To answer these questions from a reductionist scientific approach, we must attempt to isolate the creative process as it pertains to music. Recent work in the neuroscience of creativity has turned to musical improvisation as a window into real‐time musical creative process in the brain. Here, I provide an overview of recent research in the neuroscience of musical improvisation, especially focusing on multimodal neuroimaging studies. This research informs a model of creativity as a combination of generative and reactive processes that coordinate their functions to give rise to perpetually novel and aesthetically rewarding improvised musical output.
Glucose impairments and insulin resistance in prostate cancer: the role of obesity, nutrition and exercise
Authors: Di Sebastiano K. M. , Pinthus J. H. , Duivenvoorden W. C. M. , Mourtzakis M. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundHyperinsulinemia, obesity and related metabolic diseases are associated with prostate cancer development. Prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while pre‐existing metabolic conditions may be exacerbated.PurposeAn integrative approach is used to describe the interactions between insulin, glucose metabolism, obesity and prostate cancer. The potential role of nutrition and exercise will also be examined.FindingsHyperinsulinemia is associated with prostate cancer development, progression and aggressiveness. Prostate cancer patients who undergo ADT are at risk of diabetes in survivorship. It is unclear whether this is a direct result of treatment or related to pre‐existing metabolic features (e.g. hyperinsulinemia and obesity). Obesity and metabolic syndrome are also associated with prostate cancer development and poorer outcomes for cancer survivors, which may be driven by hyperinsulinemia, pro‐inflammation, hyperleptinemia and/or hypoadiponectinemia.ConclusionsIndependently evaluating changes in glucose metabolism near the time of prostate cancer diagnosis and during long‐term ADT treatment is important to distinguish their unique contributions to the development of metabolic disturbances. Integrative approaches, including metabolic, clinical and body composition measures, are needed to understand the role of adiposity and insulin resistance in prostate cancer and to develop effective nutrition and exercise interventions to improve secondary diseases in survivorship.