bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rediscovery of the extinct Tule shrew (Sorex ornatus juncencis) in the San Quintin plains: a taxonomic reevaluation after 90 years without new records
Authors: Camargo Issac , Álvarez-Castañeda Sergio Ticul 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the geographic distribution of the Tule shrew (Sorex ornatus juncensis), an endemic subspecies of the San Quintin plains associated with coastal vegetation. Records on this shrew are scarce; herein, we provide knowledge about its current conservation status and report the presence of one Tule shrew specimen, something that has not happened since 1926. The distribution of the Tule shrew is associated with coastal vegetation, limited to the San Quintin plains, with scarce records. Field trips were conducted during 2013–2015 in the San Quintin plains and San Pedro Martir range of the Baja California Peninsula. The sampling effort was 3250 trap nights. One specimen of S. o. juncensis was recorded in association with coastal sage-scrub vegetation and identified following the original description, based on its narrower skull relative to Sorex ornatus ornatus. We used a mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence (384 bp) to confirm this identification and compare genetic distances using the Kimura’s two-parameter nucleotide substitution model vs. other populations of the ornatus group. We found a genetic divergence of less than 1.0% based on sequences from specimens collected from Sierra San Pedro Martir, El Rosario and Sierra La Laguna. In the locality of the S. o. juncensis specimen collected, the original vegetation consists of patches of coastal scrubs, which cover an area of less than 1 km2, affected by agriculture and habitat fragmentation. We reallocated the taxonomic level of the Tule shrew inhabiting the plains of San Quintin in the Baja California Peninsula to subspecies as S. o. juncensis based on geographic isolation, morphometric characteristics and coloration differences vs. S. o. ornatus. The population inhabiting San Quintin plains is subjected to strong pressure due to habitat loss.
Effects of environmental and intrinsic factors on the reproduction of insular European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Kontsiotis Vasileios J. , Xofis Panteleimon , Liordos Vasilios , Bakaloudis Dimitrios E. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) have been recently recognized as serious crop pests on Lemnos Island, Greece. With an aim to understand the population dynamics, rabbit reproduction was studied in relation to environmental and intrinsic factors, by a postmortem examination of 273 adults (162 males, 111 females), collected from February 2007 to January 2008. Reproductive activity peaked in the spring and was higher in agricultural than in phryganic habitats for females [pregnant: agricultural 74.5%, phryganic 54.0%, p=0.041; average number of implanted embryos: agricultural 5.56±0.21 standard error (SE), phryganic 4.07±0.21 SE, p=0.0002], but not for males (fertile: agricultural 38.8%, phryganic 31.2%, p=0.308). Classification tree models included explanatory variables with monthly time lags to detect important effects. The male reproductive status (i.e. proportion fertile) was favored by a low maximum temperature in the sampling month (<21.5°C), whereas under a higher maximum temperature male fertility was favored by a high vegetation quality (>14.2% crude protein, CP), good body condition and low mean temperature (<20.5°C). A low maximum temperature at conception (<20.0°C; 1 month time lag) favored pregnancy status (i.e. proportion pregnant). At a higher maximum temperature, pregnancy was favored by a high vegetation cover (>86.8%) at conception. Vegetation quality higher than 10.9% CP resulted in a medium to high number of implanted embryos (2 months time lag), further determined by a high vegetation cover (>90.8%; 2 months time lag) and a low population density (<1.9 ind·ha−1). The results identified temperature and habitat quality as prime drivers of reproduction, and ultimately population dynamics. Such information could prove useful for successful rabbit management on Lemnos and other similar areas.
Dynamic behavior analysis of a prey-predator model with ratio-dependent Monod-Haldane functional response
Authors: Feng Xiaozhou , Song Yi , An Xiaomin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the dynamic behavior analysis on the prey-predator model with ratio-dependent Monod-Haldane response function under the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions, which is used to simulate a class of biological system. Firstly, the sufficient and necessary conditions on existence and non-existence of coexistence states of this model are discussed by comparison principle and fixed point index theory. Secondly, takingaas a main bifurcation parameter, the structure of global bifurcation curve on positive solutions is established by using global bifurcation theorem and properties of principal eigenvalue. Finally, the stability of coexistence states is obtained by the eigenvalue perturbation theory; the multiplicity of coexistence states is investigated whenasatisfies some condition by the fixed point index theory.
MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kobusiak-Prokopowicz Malgorzata , Krzysztofik Justyna , Kaaz Konrad , Jolda-Mydlowska Beata , Mysiak Andrzej 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2) serum levels in patients with diverse types of heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
101 patients with chronic HF were enrolled. Each patient has assessed the serum levels of MMP-2, TIMP-2, and NT-proBNP. Patients were initially classified into 2 groups based on their LVEF. 43 patients were classified into the HFREF group (HF with Reduced Ejection Fraction) and 58 characterized as HFPEF (HF with Preserved Ejection Fraction). Next, all patients were subdivided into 4 groups according to the degree of diastolic dysfunction.
38 patients with CKD were classified into HF/CKD(+) group. The HF/CKD(-) (HF without CKD) group comprised 61 patients.
This study provides original data on positive correlation between ejection fraction and MMP-2 levels in all patients with heart failure. Elevated levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were found in serum from patients with chronic kidney disease; in addition, serum levels of MMP-2 were correlated with the degree of kidney failure. In all groups of patients there was positive correlation between MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Among patients with heart failure etiology was not related to MMP-2 and TIMP-2 serum levels.
Experimental Assessment of the Tensile Bond Strength of Mortar-Mortar Interfaces: Effects of Interface Roughness and Mortar Strength
Authors: Bauret Samuel , Rivard Patrice 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Concrete gravity dams are subject to external forces that can lead to sliding at the base and overturning about the toe. The latter may result in mobilization of the tensile bond strength of the concrete-rock interface at the dam heel. This article attempts to address this issue by experimentally characterizing the bond strength according to the “concrete” material strength and the interface surface roughness. Experimentation was conducted in a laboratory environment using mortar interface replicas to simulate concrete dams and medium-strength bedrock foundations. Two different mortar strengths and five different roughness profiles were assessed. The surface roughness was characterized using the slope root mean square “Z2” roughness parameter. The bond strength was determined by a direct tensile method. The analysis of variance method was used to assess parameter significance. Results showed meaningful tensile bond strength variation with respect to the interface roughness, but no variation was caused by different material strengths. Reported bond strengths may contribute to increase the accuracy in predicting the tensile bond of a concrete-rock interface. It may help engineers in the field of dam stability make more accurate predictions regarding dam overturning safety factors.
A Review on SHM Techniques and Current Challenges for Characteristic Investigation of Damage in Composite Material Components of Aviation Industry
Authors: Abbas Saqlain , Li Fucai , Qiu Jianxi 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Introduction of composites for aircraft fabrication has given the opportunity to all researchers and original equipment manufacturers to design a lightweight structure that will reduce both fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Reliability and cost of implementing structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are two critical parameters for the utilization of composite materials in the aviation industry. SHM of composite material components in the aviation industry not only lessens the downtime of aircraft but also enhances the possibility of damage detection in order to avoid severe failure. This article presents a case study of SHM systems that has been developed from research and implemented for the inspection and safety of recent aircraft structures. Compulsory components required for proper working of an SHM system and the basis and classification of defects in composite material components of aircraft are thoroughly explained in this article. Furthermore, characterization of SHM techniques (on the basis of functioning, advantages, and limitations) for crack detection and challenges of SHM systems are also part of this case study. An experimental work and its results have been well expressed regarding guided wave inspection using two different types of fiber-optic sensors for quasi-isotropic carbon fiber–reinforced plastic laminate. The ultimate goal of this article is to highlight the current challenges of SHM and promote the concept that SHM has great potential for research in the aviation industry.
A Large Endoplasmic Reticulum-Resident Pool of TRPM1 in Retinal ON-Bipolar Cells
Authors: Agosto Melina A. , Anastassov Ivan A. , Robichaux Michael A. , Wensel Theodore G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe chemical signal of light onset, a decrease in glutamate release from rod and cone photoreceptors, is processed by a postsynaptic G protein signaling cascade in ON-bipolar cells (BPCs). The metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR6, along with other cascade elements, is localized synaptically at the BPC dendritic tips. The effector ion channel protein transient receptor potential melastatin-1 (TRPM1), in contrast, is located not only at the dendritic tips but also in BPC bodies and axons. Little is known about the intracellular localization of TRPM1, or its trafficking route to the dendritic tip plasma membrane. Recombinant TRPM1 expressed in mammalian cells colocalized with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers, with little or none detected at the plasma membrane. In mouse retina, somatic TRPM1 was similarly intracellular, and not at the plasma membrane. Labeling of ER membranes by expression of a fluorescent marker showed that in BPCs the ER extends into axons and dendrites, but not dendritic tips. In cell bodies, TRPM1 colocalized with the ER, and not with the Golgi apparatus. Fluorescence protease protection (FPP) assays with TRPM1-GFP fusions in heterologous cells revealed that the N and C termini are both accessible to the cytoplasm, consistent with the transmembrane domain topology of related TRP channels. These results indicate that the majority of TRPM1 is present in the ER, from which it can potentially be transported to the dendritic tips as needed for ON light responses. The excess of ER-resident TRPM1 relative to the amount needed at the dendritic tips suggests a potential new function for TRPM1 in the ER.
Age-Related Declines in Prefrontal Cortical Expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors that Support Working Memory
Authors: Hernandez Caesar M. , McQuail Joseph A. , Schwabe Miranda R. , Burke Sara N. , Setlow Barry , Bizon Jennifer L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGlutamate signaling is essential for the persistent neural activity in prefrontal cortex (PFC) that enables working memory. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are a diverse class of proteins that modulate excitatory neurotransmission via both presynaptic regulation of extracellular glutamate levels and postsynaptic modulation of ion channels on dendritic spines. This receptor class is of significant therapeutic interest for treatment of cognitive disorders associated with glutamate dysregulation. Working memory impairment and cortical hypoexcitability are both associated with advanced aging. Whether aging modifies PFC mGluR expression, and the extent to which any such alterations are regionally or subtype specific, however, is unknown. Moreover, it is unclear whether specific mGluRs in PFC are critical for working memory, and thus, whether altered mGluR expression in aging or disease is sufficient to play a causative role in working memory decline. Experiments in the current study first evaluated the effects of age on medial PFC (mPFC) mGluR expression using biochemical and molecular approaches in rats. Of the eight mGluRs examined, only mGluR5, mGluR3, and mGluR4 were significantly reduced in the aged PFC. The reductions in mGluR3 and mGluR5 (but not mGluR4) were observed in both mRNA and protein and were selectively localized to the prelimbic (PrL), but not infralimbic (IL), subregion of mPFC. Finally, pharmacological blockade of mGluR5 or mGluR2/3 using selective antagonists directed to PrL significantly impaired working memory without influencing non-mnemonic aspects of task performance. Together, these data implicate attenuated expression of PFC mGluR5 and mGluR3 in the impaired working memory associated with advanced ages.
Mammalian TRIM67 Functions in Brain Development and Behavior
Authors: Boyer Nicholas P. , Monkiewicz Caroline , Menon Shalini , Moy Sheryl S. , Gupton Stephanie L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractClass I members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases evolutionarily appeared just prior to the advent of neuronal like cells and have been implicated in neuronal development from invertebrates to mammals. The single Class I TRIM inDrosophila melanogasterandCaenorhabditis elegansand the mammalian Class I TRIM9 regulate axon branching and guidance in response to the guidance cue netrin, whereas mammalian TRIM46 establishes the axon initial segment. In humans, mutations in TRIM1 and TRIM18 are implicated in Opitz Syndrome, characterized by midline defects and often intellectual disability. We find that although TRIM67 is the least studied vertebrate Class I TRIM, it is the most evolutionarily conserved. Here we show that mammalian TRIM67 interacts with both its closest paralog TRIM9 and the netrin receptor DCC and is differentially enriched in specific brain regions during development and adulthood. We describe the anatomical and behavioral consequences of deletion of murineTrim67. While viable, mice lackingTrim67exhibit abnormal anatomy of specific brain regions, including hypotrophy of the hippocampus, striatum, amygdala, and thalamus, and thinning of forebrain commissures. Additionally,Trim67−/−mice display impairments in spatial memory, cognitive flexibility, social novelty preference, muscle function, and sensorimotor gating, whereas several other behaviors remain intact. This study demonstrates the necessity for TRIM67 in appropriate brain development and behavior.
The Spectrum of Replication Errors in the Absence of Error Correction Assayed Across the Whole Genome ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Niccum Brittany A , Lee Heewook , MohammedIsmail Wazim , Tang Haixu , Foster Patricia L 
Published: June 2018

AbstractProofreading during DNA replication and post-replication mismatch repair are two major defenses against mutations. Foster et al. and Niccum et al. used mutation accumulation and whole genome sequencing to assemble a database of thousands...When the DNA polymerase that replicates the Escherichia coli chromosome, DNA polymerase III, makes an error, there are two primary defenses against mutation: proofreading by the ϵ subunit of the holoenzyme and mismatch repair. In proofreading-deficient strains, mismatch repair is partially saturated and the cell’s response to DNA damage, the SOS response, may be partially induced. To investigate the nature of replication errors, we used mutation accumulation experiments and whole-genome sequencing to determine mutation rates and mutational spectra across the entire chromosome of strains deficient in proofreading, mismatch repair, and the SOS response. We report that a proofreading-deficient strain has a mutation rate 4000-fold greater than wild-type strains. While the SOS response may be induced in these cells, it does not contribute to the mutational load. Inactivating mismatch repair in a proofreading-deficient strain increases the mutation rate another 1.5-fold. DNA polymerase has a bias for converting G:C to A:T base pairs, but proofreading reduces the impact of these mutations, helping to maintain the genomic G:C content. These findings give an unprecedented view of how polymerase and error-correction pathways work together to maintain E. coli’s low mutation rate of 1 per 1000 generations.
Genetic Modifiers of Neurodegeneration in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lavoy Sierra , Chittoor-Vinod Vinita G , Chow Clement Y , Martin Ian 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Mutations in LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) cause Parkinson’s disease through poorly understood mechanisms. Lavoy et al. performed a genome-wide screen to identify genetic modifiers of LRRK2 G2019Sinduced locomotor dysfunction in Drosophila...
Disease phenotypes can be highly variable among individuals with the same pathogenic mutation. There is increasing evidence that background genetic variation is a strong driver of disease variability in addition to the influence of environment. To understand the genotype–phenotype relationship that determines the expressivity of a pathogenic mutation, a large number of backgrounds must be studied. This can be efficiently achieved using model organism collections such as the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP). Here, we used the DGRP to assess the variability of locomotor dysfunction in a LRRK2 G2019S Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We find substantial variability in the LRRK2 G2019S locomotor phenotype in different DGRP backgrounds. A genome-wide association study for candidate genetic modifiers reveals 177 genes that drive wide phenotypic variation, including 19 top association genes. Genes involved in the outgrowth and regulation of neuronal projections are enriched in these candidate modifiers. RNAi functional testing of the top association and neuronal projection-related genes reveals that pros, pbl, ct, and CG33506 significantly modify age-related dopamine neuron loss and associated locomotor dysfunction in the Drosophila LRRK2 G2019S model. These results demonstrate how natural genetic variation can be used as a powerful tool to identify genes that modify disease-related phenotypes. We report novel candidate modifier genes for LRRK2 G2019S that may be used to interrogate the link between LRRK2, neurite regulation and neuronal degeneration in PD.
Transformation of Digital Legal Deposit in Terms of Legislation and Public Access
Authors: Alexandrov Georgi 
Published: June 2018

[full article, abstract in English; abstract in Lithuanian]
The age of digitization is marked by a huge quantity and variety of electronic content distributed on the Internet. Building national collections of deposited electronic publications is a challenge related to the preservation of the global cultural heritage. The purpose of the article is to examine the ongoing transformation of the digital legal deposit with a focus on the legislative and public access regulation. The geographical scope of the research covers the countries from the European Union in the time span of the last two decades. Three stages of digital legal deposit implementation are identified: legislative regulation, technological infrastructure and practical procedures. The article presents the adaptation of deposit laws to the new media environment marked by fast growing online publishing. The study identifies the features of controlled e-reading as the main access tool in the deposit institutions and classifies them into two types: restriction related and usability related. The major challenges to a further digital legal deposit development are specified as legislative, technological, financial, and social. Examples of public access regulation in several European national libraries are observed with emphasis on the most advanced practices. Based on the main findings, the article formulates the forecast for less restrictions and better cooperation within the European Union concerning the regulation of public access to digital deposit collections.
Ongoing and Multifaceted Assessment of Academic Library Professional Development Programs Enhances Their Efficacy
Authors: Scott Rachel Elizabeth 
Published: June 2018

A Review of:
Harker, K. R., O'Toole, E., & Sassen, C. (2018). Assessing an academic library professional development program. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 18(1), 199-223. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2018.0010
Abstract
Objective – To analyze various measures of need, participation, satisfaction, and impact of an academic library professional development program.
Design – Multi-modal; surveys, curriculum vitae (CV) analysis, and attendance statistics.
Setting – Academic library in the United States.
Subjects – Library faculty of all ranks.
Methods – Assessment of the Career Development Program began with an interest survey conducted at the beginning of the fiscal year in which participants ranked their interest in professional development topics. Attendance statistics were collected at all program sessions and participants were emailed post-event surveys comprised of three Likert-scale questions and an open-ended question. Participants in the peer-review service were emailed a survey with two Likert-scale questions and an open-ended question. All programs and surveys were voluntary.
An “activities survey” attempted to document counts of scholarly publications and presentations according to geographic scope, format, and peer-review. However, due to low response rates, the activities survey was replaced after two years with an analysis of library faculty member CVs on a publicly-accessible university website. The final assessment was a narrative annual report that drew on and summarized all of the previously conducted assessments.
Main Results – Multi-modal assessment of the professional development program improved its relevance and quality while also documenting its impact.
Conclusion – Continuous and multi-faceted assessment of professional development programs not only leads to improved efficacy, but also provides accountability and details the value of the program to stakeholders. Professional development programs promote scholarly productivity, which has implications for the career satisfaction of academic librarians. Further research should investigate the validity of professional development program assessment instruments and identify which assessment methods are most effective for evaluating professional development programs and measuring the impact of this programming on scholarship.