bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can plant traits predict seed dispersal probability via red deer guts, fur, and hooves?
Authors: Petersen Tanja K. , Bruun Hans Henrik 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSeed dispersal by mammals provides functional connectivity between isolated plant habitat patches. Across much of Europe, red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations are growing steadily, potentially leading to increasing importance of this large mammal species to plant dispersal. While deer endozoochory is relatively well studied, epizoochory via fur and hoof attachment is much less understood. Seed dispersal internally and externally on 57 red deer individuals was investigated by sampling the seed content of intestinal tracts, fur, and hooves of animals shot during annual hunts in four contrasted landscapes in Denmark. We assessed compositional differences between dispersal modes whether plant species' association to a dispersal mode could be predicted by seed traits, whole‐plant traits, and species' local abundance. We found the largest difference in seed species composition to be between epizoochory (fur and hooves) and endozoochory (gut contents). Probability of plant dispersal through guts and fur was correctly predicted from traits more often than not. Hoof‐epizoochory, however, could not be correctly predicted from plant traits. Most plant species encountered were picked up by all three dispersal modes, suggesting an overriding effect of plant abundance in the landscapes in which the deer roam, which was also indicated by the statistical analysis. Nonetheless, a significant proportion of species were associated with either gut, fur, or hoof‐borne dispersal, reflecting the effect of plant traits and, potentially, animal behavior. Plant species being dispersed more often than expected through intestines were mainly associated with ruderal habitats, whereas species transported via fur tended toward association with wooded habitats. Considering the increasing red deer populations in Europe, and the differences between seed dispersal modes, all modes of animal seed dispersal should be taken into account in future studies.OPEN RESEARCH BADGESThis article has been awarded Open Data and Open Materials Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.7982483 and https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.7982483
Temperature triggers a non‐linear response in resource–consumer interaction strength
Authors: Betini Gustavo S. , Avgar Tal , McCann Kevin S. , Fryxell John M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAlthough temperature is recognized as a major determinant of many ecological processes, it is still not clear whether temperature increase caused by climate change will strengthen or weaken species interactions. One hypothesis is that interactions will respond non‐monotonically to temperature because thermal performance curves, which determine the strength of these interactions, are also non‐monotonic. To evaluate this hypothesis, we developed a temperature‐dependent consumer–resource model and tested predictions from this model in large freshwater mesocosms populated with green algae (Chlorella vulgaris) and herbivorous zooplankton (Daphnia magna). We found both in the model simulations and empirical investigations that the suppressive effect of the consumer depended non‐monotonically on the temperature. As predicted by the model, Daphnia suppressed the algal maximum per capita growth rate at the temperature that maximized algal growth rate but had little effect on resource growth at either lower or higher temperatures. This finding could help explain why effects of temperature variation on species interaction are variable in the literature and suggests that predicting the effects of temperature on the strength of food web interactions requires knowledge of the thermal performance curves for multiple traits, for multiple species and over a range of temperatures.
Adding invasive species biosurveillance to the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage network
Authors: Sepulveda Adam J. , Schmidt Christian , Amberg Jon , Hutchins Patrick , Stratton Christian , Mebane Chris , Laramie Matthew B. , Pilliod David S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe costs of invasive species in the United States alone are estimated to exceed US$100 billion per year, so a critical tactic in minimizing the costs of invasive species is the development of effective, early‐detection systems. To this end, we evaluated the efficacy of adding environmental (e)DNA surveillance to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgage network, which consists of >8200 streamgages nationwide systemically visited by USGS hydrologic technicians. Incorporating strategic eDNA sample collection during routine streamgage visits could provide early‐detection surveillance of aquatic invasive species with minimal additional cost. For this evaluation, USGS hydrologic technicians collected monthly eDNA water samples, May–September 2018, from streamgages downstream of reservoirs in the Columbia River Basin thought to be vulnerable to invasive dreissenid mussel (Dreissenidae spp.) establishment. We tested water samples for dreissenid mussel DNA and also for kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) DNA; the two fishes were used to assess if streamgages are adequately located to provide early‐detection eDNA surveillance of taxa known to be present in upstream reservoirs. No Columbia River Basin streamgage samples met our criteria for being scored as positive for dreissenid DNA. We did detect kokanee and yellow perch DNA at all streamgages downstream of reservoirs where these species are known to occur. Field collection, laboratory analyses, and personnel time required for collection of four eDNA samples at a streamgage site cost US$500–US$600 (net). Given these results, incorporating eDNA biosurveillance into routine streamgage visits might decrease costs associated with an invasion since early detection maximizes the potential for eradication, containment, and mitigation.
An innovative approach for gob‐side entry retaining in deep coal mines: A case study
Authors: Fan Deyuan , Liu Xuesheng , Tan Yunliang , Yan Lei , Song Shilin , Ning Jianguo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDue to the complex geostress and mining conditions in the coal seam with depth of 800 m, stability of surrounding rock for gob‐side entry retaining is very difficult to achieve. In this paper, we firstly propose an innovative bolt‐grouting controlled roof‐cutting for gob‐side entry retaining (BCR‐GER) approach for deep coal mines. Secondly, a mechanical model of “surrounding rock‐supporting body” for BCR‐GER is constructed, which consists of coal wall, roadside props, and gangues in gob (the whole supporting body). Thirdly, the key parameters (ie, cutting height, cutting angle, grouting cable length, and row of roadside props) are designed. Finally, field practice was applied at the No. 31120 haulage roadway of the Suncun coal mine in China, and in situ investigations were conducted for verification. Field measurement results show that maximum convergences of roof‐to‐floor and side‐to‐side were 264 mm and 113 mm, respectively. What is more, the maximum support resistance of roadside props was reduced by approximately 58%. The deformation and failure of surrounding rock were effectively controlled, and the pressure on roadside props was greatly reduced. This research fully considers the bearing properties of gangues in gob, eliminates the secondary disasters caused by borehole blasting, and provides guidance and reference for deep surrounding rock control of the same or similar gob‐side entry.
Prevalence, associated risk factors of depression and mental health needs among geriatric population of an urban slum, Cuttack, Odisha
Authors: Ashe Swetaleena , Routray Dipanweeta 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesTo find the prevalence of depression among elderly population of urban slum of Cuttack and to study its association with sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and various life events and also to explore the mental health needs of the study subjects as perceived by them.MethodsIt was a cross‐sectional study carried out in the urban slum, Jobra of Cuttack city in Odisha. Simple random sampling was done using random number table to select the study subjects. Predesigned pretested questionnaire including Geriatric Depression Scale, Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily living and questions on important life events including their perceptions regarding existing mental health services were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and binary logistic analysis was done to find the independent determinants of severe depression among elderly.ResultsOut of 354 study subjects, 249 (70.3%) were males. Depression in severe and mild form was present among 44.9% and 36.2%, respectively. Independent risk factors of severe depression by multiple logistic regression analysis were low socioeconomic class, female gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, death in family members, conflicts in family, and chronic illness in family members.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among the elderly in the urban slum was close to 80% with 45% being at risk of severe depression. Females from low socioeconomic class with comorbidities and having life stressors need to be screened regularly in the community level, and facility for counseling should be provided to them.
Neurons and networks in the entorhinal cortex: A reappraisal of the lateral and medial entorhinal subdivisions mediating parallel cortical pathways
Authors: Nilssen Eirik S. , Doan Thanh P. , Nigro Maximiliano J. , Ohara Shinya , Witter Menno P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this review, we aim to reappraise the organization of intrinsic and extrinsic networks of the entorhinal cortex with a focus on the concept of parallel cortical connectivity streams. The concept of two entorhinal areas, the lateral and medial entorhinal cortex, belonging to two parallel input–output streams mediating the encoding and storage of respectively what and where information hinges on the claim that a major component of their cortical connections is with the perirhinal cortex and postrhinal or parahippocampal cortex in, respectively, rodents or primates. In this scenario, the lateral entorhinal cortex and the perirhinal cortex are connectionally associated and likewise the postrhinal/parahippocampal cortex and the medial entorhinal cortex are partners. In contrast, here we argue that the connectivity matrix emphasizes the potential of substantial integration of cortical information through interactions between the two entorhinal subdivisions and between the perirhinal and postrhinal/parahippocampal cortices, but most importantly through a new observation that the postrhinal/parahippocampal cortex projects to both lateral and medial entorhinal cortex. We suggest that entorhinal inputs provide the hippocampus with high‐order complex representations of the external environment, its stability, as well as apparent changes either as an inherent feature of a biological environment or as the result of navigating the environment. This thus indicates that the current connectional model of the parahippocampal region as part of the medial temporal lobe memory system needs to be revised.
Predicting SME loan delinquencies during recession using accounting data and SME characteristics: The case of Greece
Authors: Giannopoulos Vasilios , Aggelopoulos Eleftherios 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe objective of this paper is the comparison of various credit‐scoring models (i.e. binomial logistic regression, decision tree, multilayer perceptron neural network, radial basis function, and support vector machine) in evaluating the risk of small and micro enterprises' (SMEs') loan delinquencies based on accounting data and applicants' specific attributes. Exploiting a representative large data set of SMEs' loans granted by a large Greek commercial bank in the expansion period, we track the evolution of SMEs' delinquencies over the recession period August 2010 to July 2012. This time frame encompasses a period of manageable levels of delays (early recession period: August 2011–July 2012) and a period when delays were increased to a very high degree (deep recession period: August 2011–July 2012). Comparison of the employed credit‐scoring models during the early recession period shows that the multilayer perceptron neural network produces the highest predicting capacity, followed by the support vector machine model. As the crisis deepens, the support vector machine model presents the highest predicting accuracy, followed by the decision tree and then the multilayer perceptron model. Generally, the predictive performance of all credit‐scoring models seems to be substantially reduced as the recession escalates. Our paper has important implications for the proper financing of SMEs given their importance for the European economy.
Video‐assisted parathyroid gland mapping with autofocusing
Authors: Kim Yikeun , Kim Sung Won , Lee Kang Dae , Ahn Yeh‐Chan 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTPreservation of the parathyroid gland (PTG) in neck endocrine surgery is important for regulating the amount of calcium in the blood and within the bones. Localization of the PTG has been attempted using various methods such as ultrasound, sestamibi, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. These methods cannot be used during surgery, have high sensitivity or have PTG specificity. However, autofluorescence technique has shown high sensitivity and does not require exogenous contrast. In this study, a new optical system was designed and developed into a clinical system. The system enabled easier and faster focusing on the surgical area and high‐resolution video imaging while maintaining a clear image. The system was located above the head of the surgeon. The surgeon was able to see the real‐time autofluorescent image on the monitor next to the operating table at any time to locate the PTG. The PTG buried in the adipose tissue and connective tissue was located easily and accurately. The clinical trial conducted in this study consisted of 56 parathyroid cases in 26 patients. For the statistical results, the sensitivity and accuracy in this redesigned autofluorescent imaging system were 98.1% and 96.4%, respectively.
Ex vivo detection of cadmium‐induced renal damage by using confocal Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Shen Rong , Li Yuee , Yu Linghui , Wu Haining , Cui Rong , Liu Sha , Song Yanfeng , Wang Degui 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal which is harmful to environment and organisms. The reabsorption of Cd in kidney leads it to be the main damaged organ in animals under the Cd exposure. In this work, we applied confocal Raman spectroscopy to map the pathological changes in situ in normal and Cd‐exposed mice kidney. The renal tissue from Cd‐exposed group displayed a remarkable decreasing in the intensity of typical peaks related to mitochondria, DNA, proteins and lipids. On the contrary, the peaks of collagen in Cd‐exposed group elevated significantly. The components in each tissue were identified and distinguished by principal component analysis. Furthermore, all the biological investigations in this study were consistent with the Raman spectrum detection, which revealed the progression and degree of lesion induced by Cd. The confocal Raman spectroscopy provides a new perspective for in situ monitoring of substances changes in tissues, which exhibits more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of heavy metals in molecular toxicology.
Inflammation and dysfunction in human aortic endothelial cells associated with poly‐l‐lactic acid degradation in vitro are alleviated by curcumin
Authors: Chen Dongping , Weng Linsheng , Chen Can , Zheng Jian , Wu Tim , Zeng Sufen , Zhang Suzhen , Xiao Jianmin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPoly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) is widely used in clinic, for example, as biodegradable coronary artery stents. However, inflammatory responses in endothelial cells associated with PLLA degradation are relatively undefined. We previously reported inflammation in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we further assessed inflammatory injury, including cell migration, cell function, and inflammatory cytokines expressed in HAEC treated with PLLA and curcumin by CCK‐8, wound healing assay, ELISA, and Western blot. Significant inhibition of cell migration, remarkable dysfunction, and inflammatory responses were found in HAEC treated with PLLA degradation extract, and these effects were alleviated by Cur treatment. These findings indicated that cautious evaluation of biodegradable polymers should be performed, and Cur represents a promising anti‐inflammatory agent for alleviating endothelial dysfunction and inflammation caused by PLLA degradation. In addition, Cur should be further studied experimentally in in vivo experiments on animal models as a potential therapeutic to reduce thrombosis of biodegradable polymer stents.
Protective effect of bicyclol against pulmonary fibrosis via regulation of microRNA‐455‐3p in rats
Authors: Zhou Ying , Chai Xiujuan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive and irreversible disease, needs long‐term treatment. Bicyclol was found to play a great role in pulmonary fibrosis, and the present study is to explore how bicyclol affects IPF with the involvement of microRNA‐455‐3p (miR‐455‐3p) and Bax. Bleomycin (BLM) was used to induce the IPF model in Sprague‐Dawley rats to detect the expression of miR‐455‐3p, Bax, and B‐cell lymphoma factor 2 (Bcl‐2). Moreover, to further investigate the mechanisms of bicyclol, the BLM‐induced fibrotic cell model was used after the lung epithelial cells HPAEpiC received miR‐455‐3p knockout treatment. The rats were then treated with vehicle and bicyclol, respectively. The apoptosis of fibrotic cells and Bax/Bcl‐2 were identified. Inhibition function of bicyclol was optimal at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Bicyclol inhibited cell apoptosis and reduced Bax/Bcl‐2 expression in rats. miR‐455‐3p could potentially bind to Bax gene. Bicyclol reduced the levels of methylenedioxyamphetamine, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione in rat lung tissue, inhibited the apoptosis of rats with IPF and upregulated miR‐455‐3p expression. In vitro studies showed that bicyclol significantly promoted miR‐455‐3p expression in HPAEpiC fibrosis. Bicyclol inhibited fibrosis‐induced apoptosis of HPAEpiC in alveolar epithelial cells through promoting miR‐455‐3p, which inhibited Bax expression in IPF. Bicyclol may suppress the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells by upregulating miR‐455‐3p. This study laid a theoretical foundation for further understanding of IPF and searching for new molecular therapeutic targets.
The support designs of the triply even binary codes of length 48
Authors: Miezaki Tsuyoshi , Nakasora Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we present examples of codes all of whose weight classes support 1‐designs, with duals whose classes include two that support 2‐designs. We can find these examples in the triply even binary codes of length 48, which have been classified by Betsumiya and Munemasa.
Inter‐individual variability in response to exercise intervention or usual care in hospitalized older adults
Authors: Sáez de Asteasu Mikel L. , Martínez‐Velilla Nicolás , Zambom‐Ferraresi Fabricio , Casas‐Herrero Álvaro , Cadore Eduardo L. , Ramirez‐Velez Robinson , Izquierdo Mikel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundExercise protocols applied during hospitalization can prevent functional and cognitive decline in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual response of acutely hospitalized patients to usual care and to physical exercise on functional capacity, muscle strength, and cognitive function and to assess the relationship with mortality at 1 year post‐discharge.MethodsIn a single‐blind randomized clinical trial, 370 hospitalized patients [56.5% women; mean age (standard deviation) 87.3 (4.9) years] were allocated to an exercise intervention group (IG, n = 185) or a control group (CG, n = 185). The participants were older adults aged 75 years or older in an acute care unit in a tertiary public hospital in Navarra, Spain. The usual care group received habitual hospital care, which included physical rehabilitation when needed. The in‐hospital intervention included individualized multicomponent exercise training programme performed during 5–7 consecutive days (two sessions/day). Functional capacity was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test and the Gait Velocity Test (GVT). Handgrip strength and cognitive function were also measured at admission and discharge. Patients in both groups were categorized as responders (Rs), non‐responders (NRs), and adverse responders (ARs) based on the individual response to each treatment during hospitalization.ResultsThe prevalence of Rs was higher and the prevalence of NRs and ARs was lower in the intervention group than in the control group for functional capacity (SPPB IG: Rs 85.3%, NRs 8.7%, ARs 6.0% vs. CG: Rs 37.9%, NRs 28.8%, ARs 33.3% and GVT IG: Rs 51.2%, NRs 47.3, ARs 1.6% vs. CG: Rs 18.0%, NRs 67.7%, ARs 14.3%), muscle strength (IG: Rs 62.3%, NRs 26.5%, ARs 11.3% vs. CG: Rs 20.0%, NRs 38.0%, ARs 42.0%), and cognition (IG: Rs 41.5%, NRs 57.1%, ARs 1.4% vs. CG: Rs 13.8%, NRs 76.6%, ARs 9.7%) (all P < 0.001). The ARs for the GVT in the control group and the ARs for the SPPB in the intervention group had a significantly higher rate of mortality than the NRs and Rs in the equivalent groups (0.01 and 0.03, respectively) at follow‐up.ConclusionsOlder patients performing an individualized exercise intervention presented higher prevalence of Rs and a lower prevalence of NRs and ARs for functional capacity, muscle strength, and cognitive function than those who were treated with usual care during acute hospitalization. An adverse response on functional capacity in older patients to physical exercise or usual care during hospitalization was associated with mortality at 1 year post‐discharge.