bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of agriculture and topography on tropical amphibian species and communities
Authors: Ribeiro José Wagner , Siqueira Tadeu , Brejão Gabriel Lourenço , Zipkin Elise F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHabitat loss is the greatest threat to the persistence of forest‐dependent amphibians, but it is not the only factor influencing species occurrences. The composition of the surrounding matrix, structure of stream networks, and topography are also important landscape characteristics influencing amphibian distributions. Tropical forests have high diversity and endemism of amphibians, but little is known about the specific responses of many of these species to landscape features. In this paper, we quantify the response of amphibian species and communities to landscape‐scale characteristics in streams within the fragmented Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We surveyed amphibian communities during a rainy season in 50 independent stream segments using Standardized Acoustic and Visual Transect Sampling (active) and Automated Acoustic Recorders (passive) methods. We developed a hierarchical multi‐species occupancy model to quantify the influence of landscape‐scale characteristics (forest cover, agriculture, catchment area, stream density, and slope) on amphibian occurrence probabilities while accounting for imperfect detection of species using the two survey methods. At the community level, we estimated an overall mean positive relationship between amphibian occurrence probabilities and forest cover, and a negative relationship with agriculture. Catchment area and slope were negatively related with amphibian community structure (95% credible interval [CI] did not overlap zero). The species‐level relationships with landscape covariates were highly variable but showed similar patterns to those at the community level. Species detection probabilities varied widely and were influenced by the sampling method. For most species, the active method resulted in higher detection probabilities than the passive approach. Our findings suggest that small streams and flat topography lead to higher amphibian occurrence probabilities for many species in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Our results combined with land use and topographic maps can be used to make predictions of amphibian occurrences and distributions beyond our study area. Such projections can be useful to determine where to conduct future research and prioritize conservation efforts in human‐modified landscapes.
Invoking adaptation to decipher the genetic legacy of past climate change
Authors: de Lafontaine Guillaume , Napier Joseph D. , Petit Rémy J. , Hu Feng Sheng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPersistence of natural populations during periods of climate change is likely to depend on migration (range shifts) or adaptation. These responses were traditionally considered discrete processes and conceptually divided into the realms of ecology and evolution. In a milestone paper, Davis and Shaw (2001)Science292:673 argued that the interplay of adaptation and migration was central to biotic responses to Quaternary climate, but since then there has been no synthesis of efforts made to set up this research program. Here we review some of the salient findings from molecular genetic studies assessing ecological and evolutionary responses to Quaternary climate change. These studies have revolutionized our understanding of population processes associated with past species migration. However, knowledge remains limited about the role of natural selection for local adaptation of populations to Quaternary environmental fluctuations and associated range shifts, and for the footprints this might have left on extant populations. Next‐generation sequencing technologies, high‐resolution paleoclimate analyses, and advances in population genetic theory offer an unprecedented opportunity to test hypotheses about adaptation through time. Recent population genomics studies have greatly improved our understanding of the role of contemporary adaptation to local environments in shaping spatial patterns of genetic diversity across modern‐day landscapes. Advances in this burgeoning field provide important conceptual and methodological bases to decipher the historical role of natural selection and assess adaptation to past environmental variation. We suggest that a process called “temporal conditional neutrality” has taken place: some alleles favored in glacial environments become selectively neutral in modern‐day conditions, whereas some alleles that had been neutral during glacial periods become under selection in modern environments. Building on this view, we present a new integrative framework for addressing the interplay of demographic and adaptive evolutionary responses to Quaternary climate dynamics, the research agenda initially envisioned by Davis and Shaw (2001)Science292:673.
Chronic impacts of invasive herbivores on a foundational forest species: a whole‐tree perspective
Authors: Wilson Claire M. , Schaeffer Robert N. , Hickin Mauri L. , Rigsby Chad M. , Sommi Amanda F. , Thornber Carol S. , Orians Colin M. , Preisser Evan L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractForests make up a large portion of terrestrial plant biomass, and the long‐lived woody plants that dominate them possess an array of traits that deter consumption by forest pests. Although often extremely effective against native consumers, invasive species that avoid or overcome these defenses can wreak havoc on trees and surrounding ecosystems. This is especially true when multiple invasive species co‐occur, since interactions between invasive herbivores may yield non‐additive effects on the host. While the threat posed by invasive forest pests is well known, long‐term field experiments are necessary to explore these consumer‐host interactions at appropriate spatial and temporal scales. Moreover, it is important to measure multiple variables to get a “whole‐plant” picture of their combined impact. We report the results of a 4‐yr field experiment addressing the individual and combined impacts of two invasive herbivores, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa), on native eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in southern New England. In 2011, we planted 200 hemlock saplings into a temperate forest understory and experimentally manipulated the presence/absence of both herbivore species; in 2015, we harvested the 88 remaining saplings and assessed plant physiology, growth, and resource allocation. Adelgids strongly affected hemlock growth: infested saplings had lower above/belowground biomass ratios, more needle loss, and produced fewer new needles than control saplings. Hemlock scale did not alter plant biomass allocation or growth, and its co‐occurrence did not alter the impact of adelgid. While both adelgid and scale impacted the concentrations of primary metabolites, adelgid effects were more pronounced. Adelgid feeding simultaneously increased free amino acids local to feeding sites and a ~30% reduction in starch. The cumulative impact of adelgid‐induced needle loss, manipulation of nitrogen pools, and the loss of stored resources likely accelerates host decline through disruption of homeostatic source‐sink dynamics occurring at the whole‐plant level. Our research stresses the importance of considering long‐term impacts to predict how plants will cope with contemporary pressures experienced in disturbed forests.
Tick‐borne disease risk in a forest food web
Authors: Ostfeld Richard S. , Levi Taal , Keesing Felicia , Oggenfuss Kelly , Canham Charles D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChanges to the community ecology of hosts for zoonotic pathogens, particularly rodents, are likely to influence the emergence and prevalence of zoonotic diseases worldwide. However, the complex interactions between abiotic factors, pathogens, vectors, hosts, and both food resources and predators of hosts are difficult to disentangle. Here we (1) use 19 yr of data from six large field plots in southeastern New York to compare the effects of hypothesized drivers of interannual variation in Lyme disease risk, including the abundance of acorns, rodents, and deer, as well as a series of climate variables; and (2) employ landscape epidemiology to explore how variation in predator community structure and forest cover influences spatial variation in the infection prevalence of ticks for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, and two other important tick‐borne pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. Acorn‐driven increases in the abundance of mice were correlated with a lagged increase in the abundance of questing nymph‐stage Ixodes scapularis ticks infected with Lyme disease bacteria. Abundance of white‐tailed deer 2 yr prior also correlated with increased density of infected nymphal ticks, although the effect was weak. Density of rodents in the current year was a strong negative predictor of nymph density, apparently because high current abundance of these hosts can remove nymphs from the host‐seeking population. Warm, dry spring or winter weather was associated with reduced density of infected nymphs. At the landscape scale, the presence of functionally diverse predator communities or of bobcats, the only obligate carnivore, was associated with reduced infection prevalence of I. scapularis nymphs with all three zoonotic pathogens. In the case of Lyme disease, infection prevalence increased where coyotes were present but smaller predators were displaced or otherwise absent. For all pathogens, infection prevalence was lowest when forest cover within a 1 km radius was high. Taken together, our results suggest that a food web perspective including bottom‐up and top‐down forcing is needed to understand drivers of tick‐borne disease risk, a result that may also apply to other rodent‐borne zoonoses. Prevention of exposure based on ecological indicators of heightened risk should help protect public health.
Graphene quantum dots coated on quartz sand as efficient and low‐cost adsorbent for removal of Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions
Authors: Mohammad‐Rezaei Rahim , Jaymand Mehdi 
Published: May 2018

Herein, a novel, efficient and inexpensive adsorbent based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) coated on quartz sand (GQDs|QS) for removal of Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions was reported. The GQDs|QS was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction techniques. To optimize operation parameters and study removal efficiency of the prepared adsorbent, a batch removal system followed by anodic stripping voltammetry technique was used during the experiments. The maximum adsorption capacity of GQDs|QS for Hg2+ and Pb2+ were calculated 24.65 and 24.92 mg g−1, respectively, which reveal more improved adsorption capacitance of the GQDs|QS in comparison with nontreated QS. According to experimental results, adsorption of Hg2+ and Pb2+ on the developed adsorbent follows pseudo‐second order kinetic model. In addition, equilibrium experimental data appropriately fit with the Langmuir isotherm (R2 > 0.99). It was found that the stability and removal performance of the GQDs|QS strongly depend to the particle size of GQDs. Due to low cost, stability and effectiveness of the GQDs|QS, it could be used as a suitable choice for water treatment in industrial scale. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S24–S31, 2019
Petroleum hydrocarbon mixture toxicity and a trait-based approach to soil invertebrate species for site-specific risk assessments
Authors: Gainer Amy , Cousins Mark , Hogan Natacha , Siciliano Steven D. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Although petroleum hydrocarbons released to the environment typically occur as mixtures, petroleum hydrocarbon remediation guidelines often reflect individual substance toxicity. It is well documented that groups of aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons act via the same mechanism of action (nonpolar narcosis) and, theoretically, concentration addition mixture toxicity principles apply. To assess this theory, 10 standardized acute and chronic soil invertebrate toxicity tests on a range of organisms (Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus terrestris, Enchytraeus crypticus, Folsomia candida, Oppia nitens, and Hypoaspis aculeifer) were conducted with a refined petroleum hydrocarbon binary mixture. Reference models for concentration addition and independent action were applied to the mixture toxicity data with consideration of synergism, antagonism, and dose level toxicity. Both concentration addition and independent action, without further interactions, provided the best fit with observed response to the mixture. Individual fraction effective concentration values were predicted from optimized, fitted reference models. Concentration addition provided a better estimate than independent action of individual fraction effective concentrations based on comparison with available literature and species trends observed in toxic responses to the mixture. Interspecies differences in standardized laboratory soil invertebrate species responses to petroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated soil was reflected in unique traits. Diets that included soil, large body size, permeable cuticle, low lipid content, lack of ability to molt, and no maternal transfer were traits linked to a sensitive survival response to petroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated soil in laboratory tests. Traits linked to sensitive reproduction response in organisms tested were long life span and small clutch size. By deriving single-fraction toxicity endpoints considerate of mixtures, we can reduce the resources and time required to conduct site-specific risk assessments for the protection of a soil organism's exposure pathway. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2222–2234. © 2018 SETAC
The sensitivity of a deep-sea fish species (Anoplopoma fimbria) to oil-associated aromatic compounds, dispersant, and Alaskan North Slope crude oil
Authors: McConville Megan M. , Roberts John P. , Boulais Myrina , Woodall Benjamin , Butler Joshua D. , Redman Aaron D. , Parkerton Thomas F. , Arnold W. Ray , Guyomarch Julian , LeFloch Stéphane , Bytingsvik Jenny , Camus Lionel , Volety Aswani , Brander Susanne M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

A predominant concern following oil spills is toxicity to aquatic organisms. However, few data are available on effects in deep-sea cold water fishes. The present study had 3 major objectives. The first was to investigate the relative sensitivity of the deep-sea species Anoplopoma fimbria (sablefish) to acute effects of 3 aromatic compounds (toluene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and phenanthrene), dispersant alone, and chemically enhanced water accommodated fractions (CEWAFs) of Alaskan North Slope crude oil. The second was to determine the critical target lipid body burden (CTLBB) for sablefish by fitting aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity data to the target lipid model (TLM), which then allowed expression of CEWAF exposures in terms of dissolved oil toxic units. The final aim was to apply a passive sampling method that targets bioavailable, dissolved hydrocarbons as an alternative analytical technique for improved CEWAF exposure assessment. The results indicate that sablefish exhibit sensitivity to Corexit 9500 (96-h median lethal concentration [LC50] = 72.2 mg/L) within the range reported for other fish species. However, the acute CTLBB of 39.4 ± 2.1 μmol/goctanol lies at the lower end of the sensitivity range established for aquatic species. The utility of both toxic units and passive sampling measurements for describing observed toxicity of dispersed oil is discussed. The present study is novel in that a new test species is investigated to address the uncertainty regarding the sensitivity of deep-sea fishes, while also employing modeling and measurements to improve exposure characterization in oil toxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2210–2221. © 2018 SETAC
Variability in Nontarget Terrestrial Plant Studies Should Inform Endpoint Selection
Authors: Staveley Jane P , Green John W , Nusz Josie , Edwards Dan , Henry Kevin , Kern Matt , Deines Andrew M , Brain Richard , Glenn Brad , Ehresman Nathan , Kung Tiffany , Ralston-Hooper Kimberly , Kee Faith , McMaster Steve 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Inherent variability in nontarget terrestrial plant (NTTP) testing of pesticides creates challenges for using and interpreting these data for risk assessment. Standardized NTTP testing protocols were initially designed to calculate the application rate causing a 25% effect (ER25, used in the United States) or a 50% effect (ER50, used in Europe) for various measures based on the observed dose–response. More recently, the requirement to generate a no-observed-effect rate (NOER), or, in the absence of an NOER, the rate causing a 5% effect (ER05), has raised questions about the inherent variability in, and statistical detectability of, these tests. Statistically significant differences observed between test and control groups may be a product of this inherent variability and may not represent biological relevance. Attempting to derive an ER05 and the associated risk-assessment conclusions drawn from these values can overestimate risk. To address these concerns, we evaluated historical data from approximately 100 seedling emergence and vegetative vigor guideline studies on pesticides to assess the variability of control results across studies for each plant species, examined potential causes for the variation in control results, and defined the minimum percent effect that can be reliably detected. The results indicate that with current test design and implementation, the ER05 cannot be reliably estimated. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:639–648. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points
Inherent variability in nontarget terrestrial plant (NTTP) testing of pesticides creates challenges for risk assessment. An evaluation of approximately 100 seedling emergence and vegetative vigor guideline studies was performed to assess the variability in control results and define the minimum percent effect that can be reliably detected. With current NTTP test design and implementation, it will often be impossible to reliably estimate an ER05, and it will rarely be possible to reliably estimate an ER10.
Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 ameliorates atherosclerotic responses via PPARδ‐mediated suppression of inflammation and ER stress
Authors: Jung Tae Woo , Park Hyung Sub , Choi Geum Hee , Kim Daehwan , Jeong Ji Hoon , Lee Taeseung 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChitinase 3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a novel biomarker of systemic inflammation. However, the effects of CHI3L1 on the progression of atherosclerosis remain to be explored. In the current study, we found that CHI3L1 induces peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta (PPARδ) expression, leading to a dose‐dependent increase in oxygen‐regulated protein 150 (ORP150) expression. We demonstrated that CHI3L1 suppresses atherosclerotic reactions caused by LPS treatment via a PPARδ‐dependent pathway. Treatment of HUVECs and THP‐1 cells with CHI3L1 suppressed LPS‐induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and MCP‐1. In HUVECs, expression of adhesion molecules and LPS‐stimulated adhesion of THP‐1 cells to the endothelium were significantly reduced after CHI3L1 treatment. Furthermore, LPS‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell apoptosis were significantly ameliorated after treatment of HUVECs with CHI3L1. Particularly, all of the pro‐atherosclerotic effects were significantly mitigated by treatment with small interfering (si) RNA for PPARδ. In conclusion, CHI3L1 ameliorates LPS‐induced atherosclerotic reactions via PPARδ‐mediated suppression of inflammation and ER stress.
Flexible quantum dot light‐emitting devices for targeted photomedical applications
Authors: Chen Hao , Yeh Tzu‐Hung , He Juan , Zhang Caicai , Abbel Robert , Hamblin Michael R. , Huang Yingying , Lanzafame Raymond J. , Stadler Istvan , Celli Jonathan , Liu Shun‐Wei , Wu Shin‐Tson , Dong Yajie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractQuantum dot light‐emitting devices (QLEDs), originally developed for displays, were recently demonstrated to be promising light sources for various photomedical applications, including photodynamic therapy cancer cell treatment and photobimodulation cell metabolism enhancement. With exceptional emission wavelength tunability and potential flexibility, QLEDs could enable wearable, targeted photomedicine with maximized absorption of different medical photosensitizers. In this paper, we report, for the first time, the in vitro study to demonstrate that QLEDs‐based photodynamic therapy can effectively kill Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic‐resistant bacterium. We then present successful synthesis of highly efficient quantum dots with narrow spectra and specific peak wavelengths to match the absorption peaks of different photosensitizers for targeted photomedicine. Flexible QLEDs with a peak external quantum efficiency of 8.2% and a luminance of over 20,000 cd/m2 at a low driving voltage of 6 V were achieved. The tunable, flexible QLEDs could be employed for oral cancer treatment or diabetic wound repairs in the near future. These results represent one fresh stride toward realizing QLEDs' long‐term goal to enable the wide clinical adoption of photomedicine.
Novel directional projection screen using divergent corner cube retroreflector with a three‐sided curved surface (D‐CCR)
Authors: Ohtera Ryosuke , Wako Kazuhiro , Ishitaka Yumiko , Kano Mitsuru , Käläntär K. , Uchida Tatsuo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe devised and developed a novel directive projection screen for applications such as personal use, small group meeting, automotive pillar, and near‐eye. This screen reflects diffused light at an angle Δθview around a direction deviated by θview from the direction of the projector. By applying this screen to automobiles, for example, by installing a projector at a position slightly shifted from the driver, it is possible to reflect the projected light with high efficiency to a certain range around the face of driver. To realize such a characteristic, a hollow corner cube retroreflector (CCR) was modified as follows. The bottom surface of the CCR was tilted by θview/2 to change the direction of the reflected light by θview from the retroreflection direction. In addition, three sides' surfaces of the CCR were curved, so that the light to be diffused within a designed angle (θview ± Δθview/2). The novel retroreflector CCR (D‐CCR) has a single divergent surface with a three‐sided curved surface. We fabricated a prototype with θview = 10° and Δθview = 16° (i.e., the viewing angle for a single D‐CCR, 10° ± 8°), simulated, and measured its optical properties. We closely confirmed the desired characteristics in which an optical gain of 16 was obtained.
A novel low‐power gate driver architecture for large 8 K 120 Hz liquid crystal display employing IGZO technology
Authors: Iwase Yasuaki , Tagawa Akira , Takeuchi Yohei , Watanabe Takuya , Horiuchi Satoshi , Asai Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Kaoru , Daitoh Tohru , Matsuo Takuya 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA novel low‐power gate driver architecture was developed for large 8 K 120 Hz liquid crystal display panel. For this application, not only high‐speed driving but also low power consumption is required. We employed a high mobility In‐Ga‐Zn‐O, dual VGL level driving method, and gate driver circuit driven by DC supply. The simulation results show that our proposals meet 8 K 120 Hz driving requirements. Also, we have fabricated a prototype panel and confirmed both high‐speed driving and low power consumption.