bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
La streptococcie à streptocoque R chez le porc
Authors: Vaissaire Josée , Le Menec M. , Vigouroux André , Salingardes François , Carnero R. , Laroche Micheline 
Published: February 2018

The authors described the apparition of the infection in the swine in French and particulary in Britain, the clinical aspects : septicemiae with nervous symptoms or sudden death. During one year and half (1982-1983) on 273 strains of streptococcus isolated from ill swines 50 % approximatively of the strains are streptococci R (suis II).
They emphasize the possibility of transmission to man and wish systematical research of this germ in the laboratories.
Long-term series and trends in surface solar radiation in Athens, Greece
Authors: Kazadzis Stelios , Founda Dimitra , Psiloglou Basil E. , Kambezidis Harry , Mihalopoulos Nickolaos , Sanchez-Lorenzo Arturo , Meleti Charikleia , Raptis Panagiotis I. , Pierros Fragiskos , Nabat Pierre 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We present a long-term series of surface solar radiation (SSR) from
the city of Athens, Greece. SSR measurements were performed from
1954 to 2012, and before that (1900–1953) sunshine duration (SD)
records were used in order to reconstruct monthly SSR. Analysis
of the whole data set (1900–2012) mainly showed very small
(0.02 %) changes in SSR from 1900 to 1953, including a maximum
decrease of −2.9 % decade−1 in SSR during the 1910 to 1940
period, assuming a linear change. For the dimming period 1955–1980,
−2 % decade−1 was observed that matches
various European long-term SSR-measurement-related studies. This
percentage in Athens is in the lower limit, compared to other
studies in the Mediterranean area. For the brightening period
1980–2012 we calculated +1.5 % decade−1,
which is also in the lower limit of the reported positive changes in
SSR around Europe. Comparing the 30-year periods 1954–1983 and
1983–2012, we found a difference of 4.5 %. However,
measurements of the first 30-year period are associated with
higher uncertainties than those of the second period, especially
when looking at year-to-year changes. The difference between the two
periods was observed for all seasons except winter. Analyzing SSR
calculations of all-sky and clear-sky (cloudless) conditions/days,
we report that most of the observed changes in SSR after 1954 can be
attributed partly to cloudiness and mostly to aerosol load changes.
Molecular composition of particulate matter emissions from dung and brushwood burning household cookstoves in Haryana, India
Authors: Fleming Lauren T. , Lin Peng , Laskin Alexander , Laskin Julia , Weltman Robert , Edwards Rufus D. , Arora Narendra K. , Yadav Ankit , Meinardi Simone , Blake Donald R. , Pillarisetti Ajay , Smith Kirk R. , Nizkorodov Sergey A. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Emissions of airborne particles from biomass burning are a significant source of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) in rural areas of developing countries where biomass is the predominant energy source for cooking and heating. This study explores the molecular composition of organic aerosols from household cooking emissions with a focus on identifying fuel-specific compounds and BrC chromophores. Traditional meals were prepared by a local cook with dung and brushwood-fueled cookstoves in a village in Palwal district, Haryana, India. Cooking was done in a village kitchen while controlling for variables including stove type, fuel moisture, and meal. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions were collected on filters, and then analyzed via nanospray desorption electrospray ionization–high-resolution mass spectrometry (nano-DESI-HRMS) and high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array–high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-HRMS) techniques. The nano-DESI-HRMS analysis provided an inventory of numerous compounds present in the particle phase. Although several compounds observed in this study have been previously characterized using gas chromatography methods a majority of the species in the nano-DESI spectra were newly observed biomass burning compounds. Both the stove (chulha or angithi) and the fuel (brushwood or dung) affected the composition of organic aerosols. The geometric mean of the PM2.5 emission factor and the observed molecular complexity increased in the following order: brushwood–chulha (7.3 ± 1.8 g kg−1 dry fuel, 93 compounds), dung–chulha (21.1 ± 4.2 g kg−1 dry fuel, 212 compounds), and dung–angithi (29.8 ± 11.5 g kg−1 dry fuel, 262 compounds). The mass-normalized absorption coefficient (MACbulk) for the organic-solvent extractable material for brushwood PM2.5 was 3.7 ± 1.5 and 1.9 ± 0.8 m2 g−1 at 360 and 405 nm, respectively, which was approximately a factor of two higher than that for dung PM2.5. The HPLC-PDA-HRMS analysis showed that, regardless of fuel type, the main chromophores were CxHyOz lignin fragments. The main chromophores accounting for the higher MACbulk values of brushwood PM2.5 were C8H10O3 (tentatively assigned to syringol), nitrophenols C8H9NO4, and C10H10O3 (tentatively assigned to methoxycinnamic acid).
Importance of interpolation and coincidence errors in data fusion
Authors: Ceccherini Simone , Carli Bruno , Tirelli Cecilia , Zoppetti Nicola , Del Bianco Samuele , Cortesi Ugo , Kujanpää Jukka , Dragani Rossana 
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The complete data fusion (CDF) method is applied to ozone profiles obtained
from simulated measurements in the ultraviolet and in the thermal infrared in
the framework of the Sentinel 4 mission of the Copernicus programme. We
observe that the quality of the fused products is degraded when the fusing
profiles are either retrieved on different vertical grids or referred to
different true profiles. To address this shortcoming, a generalization of the
complete data fusion method, which takes into account interpolation and
coincidence errors, is presented. This upgrade overcomes the encountered
problems and provides products of good quality when the fusing profiles are
both retrieved on different vertical grids and referred to different true
profiles. The impact of the interpolation and coincidence errors on number of
degrees of freedom and errors of the fused profile is also analysed. The
approach developed here to account for the interpolation and coincidence
errors can also be followed to include other error components, such as
forward model errors.
Certainty and Sensitive Knowledge
Authors: Soles David 
Published: February 2018

In‘Is Locke’s Theory o fKnowledge Inconsistent?’ and‘Locke’s ‘Sensitive Knowledge’: Knowledge or Assurance’ Samuel Rickless has reopened the issue of whether Locke believes that what he calls sensitive knowledge really counts as knowledge. Rickless maintains that, having argued that knowledge requires certainty and having admitted that our awareness of objects external to the mind falls short of the certainty of intuition and demonstration, Locke is forced to concede that beliefs about the existence of objects external to the mind do not satisfy his criterion of knowledge; while some such beliefs reach such a high level of probability that we may be assured of them and they may be allowed to ‘pass under’ the name of knowledge, such beliefs are not really knowledge. In this case, calling such beliefs sensitive knowledge is to use ‘knowledge’ as an honorific; even though they fall short of the criterion of knowledge, for all practical purposes, we will let them pass as knowledge. Rickless adduces three considerations in support of this interpretation: first, certainty does not admit of degrees so, in conceding that beliefs about the existence of extra-mental objects fall short of the certainty of intuition and demonstration, Locke is conceding that such beliefs literally do not constitute knowledge; second, Locke tends to speak of our assurance of the existence of extra-mental objects and ‘assurance’ is a technical term indicating an epistemic level somewhat less than certainty; third, to say that something ‘passes under’ the name of a sort is to indicate that it is not really of that sort but that the name of the sort will be applied to it for practical purposes.
Molecular characterization of clonal lineage and Staphylococcal toxin genes from S. aureus in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ayeni Funmilola , Ruppitsch Werner , Allerberger Franz 
Published: February 2018

Background. The pathogenic role of S. aureus as causative agent of serious infections and food poisoning is on the increase. However, there are few reports on comprehensive analyses of toxins and staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes in S. aureus in Africa. This study analyzed spa types and toxin genes in S. aureus obtained from our previous studies in Southern Nigeria.
Methods. Forty-seven non-duplicate S. aureus isolates were obtained from humans (n = 34) and poultry (n = 13) from previous studies in Southern Nigeria. The strains were analyzed for mecA, selected toxins genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, seh, sei, sej, sek, sel, sem, sen, seo, sep, seq, ser, seu), TSST and lukS-PV/lukF-PV by PCR. Population structures of the strains were detected by Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing.
Results. Twenty three percent of all isolates (47) carried the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVl) gene. Two MRSA were detected. Twenty different spa types were obtained, with the highest percentages, 17% belonging to spa type t091 was observed in 4 states from clinical, nasal and poultry samples while t069 is the most prevalent type in poultry. Eighty-nine percent of the all tested isolates harbored at least one staphylococcus enterotoxin. Seo was the most prevalent SE (34%) followed by seg (30%) and sea (21%), while toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), seb,sec,,see, sej, sel, sem, and ser, seu were absent in all strains. Spa type t355 was associated with the PVl and complete absence of all studied SE. Sea, seq, seb, sek were associated with spa type 069; t127 was associated with sea while sep was associated with spa type t091. There was coexistence of seo/seg and sei/seg.
Conclusions. We detected a high incidence of enterotoxins and PVl encoding genes in these potential staphylococcal reservoir. Specific toxin genes were observed in particular spa types.
A study on the Relationship between EFL Learners' Nationality and Language Learning Motivation
Authors: Amirian Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Komesh Najme 
Published: February 2018

The present study was an attempt to investigate the relationship between nationality of Persian, Arab and Turk EFL learners and their motivation toward English language learning. To perform this, 120 Persian, Turk and Arab EFL learners studying at English Preparatory school in Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus were selected to participate in this research. In order to measure the EFL learners’ motivation toward learning English, a motivational questionnaire including 29 items was administrated to all three groups of the present study. At last, in order to find any relationship between nationality of EFL learners and their language learning motivation and to examine any differences among Persian, Turk and Arab EFL learners in terms of language learning motivation, a chi-square and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) were run. The results revealed that there was relationship between nationality of EFL learners and their language learning motivation. Moreover, there was significant difference between nationality of Persian, Turk and Arab EFL learners and their language learning motivation.
Ants contribute to pollination but not to reproduction in a rare calcareous grassland forb
Authors: Rostás Michael , Bollmann Felix , Saville David , Riedel Michael 
Published: February 2018

The number of plants pollinated by ants is surprisingly low given the abundance of ants and the fact that they are common visitors of angiosperms. Generally ants are considered as nectar robbers that do not provide pollination service. We studied the pollination system of the endangered dry grassland forbEuphorbia seguierianaand found two ant species to be the most frequent visitors of its flowers. Workers ofFormica cuniculariacarried five times more pollen than smallerTapinoma erraticumindividuals, but significantly more viable pollen was recovered from the latter. Overall, the viability of pollen on ant cuticles was significantly lower (p < 0.001)—presumably an antibiotic effect of the metapleural gland secretion. A marking experiment suggested that ants were unlikely to facilitate outcrossing as workers repeatedly returned to the same individual plant. In open pollinated plants and when access was given exclusively to flying insects, fruit set was nearly 100%. In plants visited by ants only, roughly one third of flowers set fruit, and almost none set fruit when all insects were excluded. The germination rate of seeds from flowers pollinated by flying insects was 31 ± 7% in contrast to 1 ± 1% resulting from ant pollination. We conclude that inbreeding depression may be responsible for the very low germination rate in ant pollinated flowers and that ants, although the most frequent visitors, play a negligible or even deleterious role in the reproduction ofE. seguieriana.Our study reiterates the need to investigate plant fitness effects beyond seed set in order to confirm ant-plant mutualisms.
Levels of Cytokines and MicroRNAs in Individuals With Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia and Ultrasonographic Findings of Gout: A Bench‐to‐Bedside Approach
Authors: Estevez‐Garcia Irving O. , Gallegos‐Nava Selma , Vera‐Pérez Erika , Silveira Luis H. , Ventura‐Ríos Lucio , Vancini Gonzalo , Hernández‐Díaz Cristina , Sánchez‐Muñoz Fausto , Ballinas‐Verdugo Martha A. , Gutierrez Marwin , Pineda Carlos , Rodriguez‐Henriquez Pedro , Castillo‐Martínez Diana , Amezcua‐Guerra Luis M. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo assess potential associations among serum cytokines and microRNA (miR) levels with ultrasound (US) findings suggestive of urate deposits in chronic asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout.MethodsAll participants underwent musculoskeletal US and measurements of serum interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and epithelial neutrophil–activating peptide 78, as well as miR‐146a, miR‐155, and miR‐223 levels.ResultsThirty individuals with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, 31 normouricemic controls, and 30 patients with gout were included. The frequency of synovitis and double contour sign using US was similar between asymptomatic hyperuricemia (67% and 27%, respectively) and patients with gout (77% and 27%, respectively), and each had a higher frequency than controls (45% and 0%, respectively). Serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were similar between patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (mean ± SD 69.7 ± 73.4 and 18.5 ± 25.6 pg/ml, respectively) and gout (mean ± SD 75.8 ± 47.6 and 24.4 ± 31.7 pg/ml, respectively), and higher than controls (mean ± SD 28.2 ± 17.6 and 7.4 ± 6.0 pg/ml, respectively). A similar distribution was observed for miR‐155 levels in asymptomatic hyperuricemia, patients with gout, and controls (mean ± SD 0.22 ± 0.18, 0.20 ± 0.14, and 0.08 ± 0.04, respectively). Associations between morphostructural abnormalities suggestive of urate deposits (regardless of clinical diagnosis) and serum markers were assessed. Subjects with urate deposits had higher IL‐6 (257.2 versus 47.0 pg/ml; P = 0.005), IL‐8 (73.2 versus 12.0 pg/ml; P = 0.026), and miR‐155 (0.21 versus 0.16; P = 0.015) levels than those without deposition findings.ConclusionIn individuals with chronic asymptomatic hyperuricemia, the presence of synovitis and double contour sign by US may represent a subclinical manifestation of monosodium urate crystal nucleation, capable of triggering inflammatory pathways (IL‐6 and IL‐8) and mechanisms of intercellular communication (miR‐155), similar to what is observed in patients with gout.
Enhancement of graft density and chain length of hydrophilic polymer brush for effective marine antifouling
Authors: Yang Wufang , Zhang Ran , Wu Yang , Pei Xiaowei , Liu Yupeng , Zhou Feng 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate polymer brushes with various grafting densities and chain lengths were prepared through surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. X‐ray photoelectron spectra, ellipsometry measurement, contact angle measurement, and atom force microscope were used to characterize the prepared polymer brush. The biofouling assays of polymer brush were investigated by adhesion of Dunaliella tertiolecta, Navcular sp., and Bovine Serum Albumin protein and by static marine immersion field test. Besides, hydroxyl and sulfonate‐terminated self‐assembled monolayers, anionic charged 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt polymer brush were prepared for comparison. Results suggest that the settlement of microorganisms can be largely reduced by polymer with enough polymer chain length and grafting density. More importantly, static immersion field tests indicate that hydrophilic polymer film with enough hydration layer thickness is necessary for long‐term marine antifouling application. This comprehensive investigation is of great importance to understanding their influence on the adhesion of marine microorganism. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46232.
Stabilization of CO2‐in‐water emulsions with high internal phase volume using PVAc‐b‐PVP and PVP‐b‐PVAc‐b‐PVP as emulsifying agents
Authors: Wen Li , Wang Liwen , Fang Shuyi , Bao Lei , Hu Dongdong , Zong Yuan , Zhao Ling , Liu Tao 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTTwo newly‐designed hydrocarbon surfactants, that is, poly(vinyl acetate)‐block‐poly(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) (PVAc‐b‐PVP) and PVP‐b‐PVAc‐b‐PVP, were synthesized using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and used to form CO2/water (C/W) emulsions with high internal phase volume and good stability against flocculation and coalescence up to 60 h. Their structures were precisely determined by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, thermal gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Besides low temperature and high CO2 pressure, the surfactant structures were the key factors affecting the formation and stability of high internal phase C/W emulsions, including the polymerization degrees of CO2‐philic block (PVAc) and hydrophilic block (PVP), as well as the number of hydrophilic tail. The surface tension of the surfactant aqueous solution and the apparent viscosity of the C/W emulsions were also measured to characterize the surfactants efficiency and effectiveness. The surfactants with double hydrophilic tails showed stronger emulsifying ability than those with single hydrophilic tail. The great enhancement of the emulsions stability was due to decrease of the interface tension as well as increase of the steric hindrance in the water lamellae, preventing a frequent collision of CO2 droplets and their fast coalescence. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46351.
An analysis of the energetic reward offered by field bean (Vicia faba) flowers: Nectar, pollen, and operative force
Authors: Bailes Emily J. , Pattrick Jonathan G. , Glover Beverley J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGlobal consumption of crops with a yield that is dependent on animal pollinators is growing, with greater areas planted each year. However, the floral traits that influence pollinator visitation are not usually the focus of breeding programmes, and therefore, it is likely that yield improvements may be made by optimizing floral traits to enhance pollinator visitation rates. We investigated the variation present in the floral reward of the bee‐pollinated crop Vicia faba (field bean). We examined the genetic potential for breeding flowers with a greater reward into current commercial varieties and used bee behavioral experiments to gain insight into the optimal nectar concentration to maximize bee preference. There was a large range of variation in the amount of pollen and nectar reward of flowers in the genotypes investigated. Bee behavioral experiments using nectar sugar concentrations found in V. faba lines suggest that Bombus terrestris prefers 55% w/w sugar solution over 40% w/w, but has no preference between 55% w/w and 68% w/w sugar solution. We provide a first indication of the force required to open V. faba flowers. Our results provide a valuable starting point toward breeding for varieties with optimized floral reward. Field studies are now needed to verify whether the genetic potential for breeding more rewarding flowers can translate into higher yield and yield stability.
Effect of climatic variation on the morphological characteristics of 37‐year‐old balsam fir provenances planted in a common garden in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Akalusi Matthew E. , Bourque Charles P.‐A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe extent of the effect of projected changes in climate on trees remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of climatic variation on morphological traits of balsam fir [Abies balsamea(L.) Mill.] provenances sourced from locations spanning latitudes from 44° to 51°N and longitudes from 53° to 102°W across North America, growing in a common garden in eastern Canada. Lower latitude provenances performed significantly better than higher latitude provenances (p< .05) with regard to diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H), and crown width (CW), a distinction indicative of genotypic control of these traits. There was, however, no significant difference among provenances in terms of survival (p > .05), an indication of a resource allocation strategy directed at survival relative to productivity in higher latitude provenances as seen in their lowerDBH, H, andCWcompared to the lower latitude provenances. Temperature had a stronger relationship withDBH, H, andCWthan precipitation, a reflection of adaptation to local conditions in populations of the species along latitudinal gradients. Both climatic variables had some effect on tree survival. These results suggest that the response of balsam fir to climatic variation will likely not be uniform in the species, but differ based on genetic characteristics between populations located in the northern and southern parts of the species’ range. Population differences in response to climatic variation may be evident earlier in growth traits, compared to survival in balsam fir. The findings of this study will facilitate modeling in the species that is reflective of genetic variation in response to climatic conditions, and guide provenance selection for utilization in terms of productivity or resilience as well as breeding programs directed at obtaining species that possibly combine both traits.