bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refilling temporary ponds has timing‐dependent effects on Hyla gratiosa performance
Authors: Pintar Matthew R. , Resetarits William J. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Disturbances and variation in abiotic habitat conditions greatly affect populations and communities. The multitude of processes that occur in natural systems offers the possibility that the trajectories of ephemeral habitats and the effects of disturbances can be slowed or reversed. Hydroperiod is a defining characteristic in freshwater systems, with temporary ponds supporting distinct communities of organisms with plastic developmental trajectories and complex lifecycles that allow them to cope with the vagaries of pond duration.

Despite work on the effects of pond drying on aquatic animals, little consideration has been given to filling, which can extend the duration of small, drying ponds. Our goal was to assess how increasing the volume of small ponds affects the developmental trajectories of larval amphibians living in these habitats. We conducted a field mesocosm experiment to assess how filling of ponds early, midway and late in the larval period affected the survival and development of the barking treefrog, Hyla gratiosa. We hypothesised that filling early in the larval stage would provide the most benefits, producing more and larger metamorphs than filling later in development.

We found that through various effects on survival, metamorphosis, habitat quality and competition, increasing volume early in development produced more and larger metamorphs with faster growth rates than any other treatment, whereas filling late in development produced few, small, slow growing metamorphs.

Our results provide support for the role of stressors in initiating metamorphosis and also show that increased pond volumes early in larval development can provide benefits to Hyla populations in terms of compensatory growth, but filling late in development has little benefit.
Influence of bioenergy crops on pollinator activity varies with crop type and distance
Authors: Berkley Nicholas A. J. , Hanley Mick E. , Boden Rich , Owen Robyn S. , Holmes Jordan H. , Critchley Russell D. , Carroll Kathryn , Sawyer Daniel G. M. , Parmesan Camille 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCompared to traditional arable crops, second‐generation perennial energy crops (PECs) are generally associated with increased biodiversity and ecosystem services, but robust experimental studies on this subject are few. Consequently, the potential for PEC cultivation to contribute to enhanced pollination processes in adjacent farmland remains unclear. In a 4‐year field study across multiple sites and two PECs (Miscanthus x giganteusand willow short‐rotation coppice), we examine whether pollinator visits to crop margin wildflowers were augmented by PEC cultivation. Each field was paired with two cereal fields, one adjacent to the PEC and one distant, and we recorded wildflower visits to crop margins by three pollinator groups: hoverflies, bumblebees and butterflies/moths. We also quantified floral resources, since crop‐specific management seemed a likely means of influencing margin wildflowers and thus pollinator activity. Our results add quantitative support to the suggestion that PECs should enhance ecosystem processes in agri‐landscapes. However, benefits were highly context‐dependent. Consistent enhancement of pollinator activity in margins of PEC fields was only apparent for willow where the relative frequency of flower visitation was higher for all three pollinator groups compared to adjacent or distant cereals. This distribution was most likely positively associated with the increased availability of preferred food plants in willow margins. InMiscanthus, by contrast, opposing trends arose for different pollinator taxa: Lepidoptera were the only pollinator group more frequently associated with PEC margins; bumblebees showed no variation while hoverflies were comparatively more abundant in distant cereal margins than in other crop types. Future land‐use practices should consider how PEC identity affects both target species and ecosystem processes. Tackling anthropogenic climate change through cultivation of willow, in particular, may yield local conservation benefits for both wildflowers and pollinators, although strategic cultivation of PECs to enhance pollination processes in the wider agri‐environment may not be achievable.
Vascular architecture in the bacteriogenic light organ of Euprymna tasmanica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae)
Authors: Patelunas Anthony J. , Nishiguchi Michele K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSymbiosis between southern dumpling squid, Euprymna tasmanica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae), and its luminescent symbiont, the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, provides an experimentally tractable system to examine interactions between the eukaryotic host and its bacterial partner. Luminescence emitted by the symbiotic bacteria provides light for the squid in a behavior termed “counter‐illumination,” which allows the squid to mask its shadow amidst downwelling moonlight. Although this association is beneficial, light generated from the bacteria requires large quantities of oxygen to maintain this energy‐consuming reaction. Therefore, we examined the vascular network within the light organ of juveniles of E. tasmanica with and without V. fischeri. Vessel type, diameter, and location of vessels were measured. Although differences between symbiotic and aposymbiotic squid demonstrated that the presence of V. fischeri does not significantly influence the extent of vascular branching at early stages of symbiotic development, these finding do provide an atlas of blood vessel distribution in the organ. Thus, these results provide a framework to understand how beneficial bacteria influence the development of a eukaryotic closed vascular network and provide insight to the evolutionary developmental dynamics that form during mutualistic interactions.
RFLP analysis of flagellin (Fla) gene of Campylobacter jejuni from ovines of Kashmir, India
Authors: Bisma Gull , Sabia Qureshi , Amin Kashoo Zahid , Ahmad Wani Shakil , Nabi Magray Suhail , Ahmad Malik Firdose , Isfaqul Hussain M. , Aasim Habib , Ali Rather Mudasir , Shafkat Majeed Khan , Rafia Maqbool , Shafi Shah Muneeba 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCampylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequently reported foodborne illness transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Humans can be infected after ingesting undercooked poultry and other meats, raw milk, raw clams, contaminated foodstuffs etc. In the present study sheep breeding farms of Kashmir valley were screened for presence of Campylobacter jejuni, and C. coli. infection. Of the 200 samples comprising of vaginal swabs and aborted material 25(12.5%) isolates were found to be positive for Campylobacter genus, 17 (8.5%) isolates were positive for C. jejuni and 3(1.5%) for C. coli. C. jejuni and C. coli were found to harbour virulence genes like fla, cdt and cad. Amplified flagellin gene (855 bp) of all C. jujeni isolates on digestion with DdeI yielded ∼700 bp and ∼155 bp products indicating no genetic variability among isolates. The flagellin gene sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession no MG417049.Practical applicationsThe present study aimed to screen the sheep farms of Kashmir for presence of C. jejuni and C. coli infection. Food safety is of importance to the consumer, the food industry, and the economy. Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are the leading causes of bacterial foodborne illness and are considered as major public health concern. The major routes of transmission in humans are contaminated or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or dairy products, and untreated water. Screening of sheep for Campylobacteriosis in the present study is a part of work aiming to suggest control measures and intervention strategies, to minimize the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in sheep and poultry flocks of the state in particular and country in general. This would reduce the quantitative Campylobacter burden in animals and foods thereby reduce the pathogen risk to humans.
Determination of quality parameters of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets coated with electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Ceylan Zafer , Unal Sengor Gulgun F. , Basahel Abdulrahman , Yilmaz Mustafa Tahsin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe changes in texture, color, and odor parameters of the samples (C: uncoated samples, CN: the group coated with chitosan‐based nanofibers, TLCN: the samples coated with thymol‐loaded chitosan‐based electrospun nanofibers) were tested. The changes in color of the groups were defined by using L* (lightness), a* (red/green), and b* (blue/yellow) parameters for pH values of C, CN, and TLCN. In terms of microbial spoilage, psychrophilic bacteria counts (TPBc) of the samples were revealed during storage period. The results of microbiological, sensory, and psychochemical analysis demonstrated that CN and TLCN were both effective against rapid deterioration, exhibiting up to 100% limitation of deterioration; furthermore, TLCN was more effective than that of CN samples. The study results suggested that coating of gilthead sea bream fillets with CN and TLCN would be a promising approach to delay the rapid deterioration in sensory properties (odor, texture, and color) and the delay bacteria growth. Also, the rapid changes in the physicochemical quality parameters (pH, L*, a*, and b*) of fish fillets were controlled by using electrospun nanofiber coating technique.Practical applicationsCoating of the fish fillets with chitosan‐based nanofibers delayed the deterioration. Thymol‐loaded chitosan‐based nanofibers were more effective to delay the deterioration. Applied tests revealed almost 100% difference between groups.
The Implementation of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) as an Intervention for Youth Probationers in Singapore
Authors: Gan Daniel Z. Q. , Zhou Yiwei , Hoo Eric , Chong Dominic , Chu Chi Meng 
Published: September 2018

Family functioning is predictive of youth recidivism in Singapore. However, there is a lack of family based interventions for youth offenders on community probation. Evidence‐based family interventions developed in Western populations, such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT), have been found to be effective in mitigating subsequent youth criminal behavior. However, no study has examined whether such interventions can be implemented and adapted for use in Eastern cultures. Thus, this paper sought to detail the implementation of FFT in Singapore. Rationale for the adoption of FFT is discussed, and key activities undertaken during the first 18 months of implementation are described. Preliminary data suggest that initial implementation efforts were successful. Challenges encountered, and implications in relation to the broader literature are discussed.
The efficacy of coronary sinus reducer in patients with refractory angina—A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Bazoukis George , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Tse Gary , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Kitsoulis Panagiotis , Liu Tong , Baranchuk Adrian , Sideris Antonios , Tsioufis Costas , Stavrakis Stavros 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of our systematic review was to investigate the efficacy of coronary sinus (CS) reducer device in patients with refractory angina.BackgroundThe CS reducer device provides a therapeutic option for patients with coronary artery disease who are not suitable for revascularization.MethodsTwo independent investigators (GB and GT) systematically searched the Medline and Cochrane library databases for studies describing the efficacy and safety of the CS reducer in patients with refractory angina from January 1, 2000 until May 12, 2018 using the following terms: “coronary sinus (reducer OR reducing) device.” Efficacy was defined as ≥1 unit improvement in the Canadian cardiovascular society (CCS) score.ResultsOur search strategy provided six studies (five observational studies and one randomized clinical trial) with 196 patients. The CS reducer device was effective in 146/186 (78.5%) patients. CCS score improved from 3.2 at baseline to 1.9 after 8.6 months of follow‐up. The efficacy of CS reducer device was also demonstrated as an improvement in Seattle Angina Questionnaire score, dobutamine echocardiography, thalium single‐photon emission computed tomography perfusion studies, 6‐min‐walk test and myocardial perfusion reserve index. Implantation failed in 4 of 196 (2%) patients and 5 patients (2.5%) had a complication during 30‐day follow‐up.ConclusionsThe CS reducer is a promising treatment option for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for revascularization. However, larger randomized control trials with long‐term follow‐up are needed to elucidate its role.
A new complimentary web‐based tool for manual analysis of microcirculation videos: Validation of the Capillary Mapper against the current gold standard AVA 3.2
Authors: Hessler Michael , Arnemann Philip‐Helge , Zamit Frédéric , Seidel Laura , Kampmeier Tim‐Gerald , Kathöfer Ulrich , Morelli Andrea , Ince Can , Rehberg Sebastian W. , Ertmer Christian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to compare a newly developed web‐based freely accessible software program for manual analysis of the microcirculation, the Capillary Mapper (CM), with AVA 3.2 software (AVA; MicroVision Medical B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands), which is the current gold standard for analysis of microcirculation videos.MethodsA web‐based software program was developed, which enables manual analysis of videos of the microcirculation to be carried out according to recommendations of the 2018 consensus conference. A set of 50 high quality microcirculation videos was analyzed with AVA and CM with respect to total vessel density, perfused vessel density, proportion of perfused vessels, and the microvascular flow index.ResultsComparison of the mean values derived from manual analysis with CM and AVA revealed no significant differences in microcirculatory variables. Analysis according to Bland and Altman revealed an acceptable bias between manual analysis with the CM and AVA for all variables tested with sufficient limits of agreement. The analysis of intraclass correlation showed “excellent” agreement for all microcirculatory variables analyzed.ConclusionsThe newly developed CM was successfully validated for manual analyses of microcirculation videos against the current gold standard, the software AVA 3.2.
Global changes alter plant multi‐element stoichiometric coupling
Authors: Tian Dashuan , Reich Peter B. , Chen Han Y. H. , Xiang Yangzhou , Luo Yiqi , Shen Ying , Meng Cheng , Han Wenxuan , Niu Shuli 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Plant stoichiometric coupling among all elements is fundamental to maintaining growth‐related ecosystem functions. However, our understanding of nutrient balance in response to global changes remains greatly limited to plant carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus (C : N : P) coupling.

Here we evaluated nine element stoichiometric variations with one meta‐analysis of 112 global change experiments conducted across global terrestrial ecosystems and one synthesis over 1900 species observations along natural environment gradients across China.

We found that experimentally increased soil N and P respectively enhanced plant N : potassium (K), N : calcium (Ca) and N : magnesium (Mg), and P : K, P : Ca and P : Mg, and natural increases in soil N and P resulted in qualitatively similar responses. The ratios of N and P to base cations decreased both under experimental warming and with naturally increasing temperature. With decreasing precipitation, these ratios increased in experiments but decreased under natural environments. Based on these results, we propose a new stoichiometric framework in which all plant element contents and their coupling are not only affected by soil nutrient availability, but also by plant nutrient demand to maintain diverse functions under climate change.

This study offers new insights into understanding plant stoichiometric variations across a full set of mineral elements under global changes.
A case of bidirectional conduction block within the superior vena cava induced by cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Watanabe Tomonori , Hachiya Hitoshi , Igarashi Miyako , Kusa Shigeki , Iesaka Yoshito 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA 53‐year‐old male underwent a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of atrial fibrillation (AF) with a second‐generation cryoballoon (CB). Although the patient maintained sinus rhythm after the PVI, a superior vena cava (SVC) fibrillation was recorded by a circular‐multipolar‐electrode catheter positioned inside the SVC that suggested conduction block between the right atrium (RA)‐SVC connection. An adenosine triphosphate intravenous injection induced a dormant reconnection of the SVC myocardial sleeve and converted sinus rhythm to an AF rhythm. This case demonstrated that a CB application for the isolation of a right superior pulmonary vein could induce an electrical conduction block between the RA‐SVC connection.
SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF LOGICAL OMNISCIENCE
Authors: Dogramaci Sinan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper looks at three ways of addressing probabilism's implausible requirement of logical omniscience. The first and most common strategy says it's okay to require an ideally rational person to be logically omniscient. I argue that this view is indefensible on any interpretation of ‘ideally rational’. The second strategy says probabilism should be formulated not in terms of logically possible worlds but in terms of doxastically possible worlds, ways you think the world might be. I argue that, on the interpretation of this approach that lifts the requirement of certainty in all logical truths, the view becomes vacuous, issuing no requirements on rational believers at all. Finally, I develop and endorse a new solution to the problem. This view proposes dynamic norms for reasoning with credences. The solution is based on an old proposal of Ian Hacking's that says you're required to be sensitive to logical facts only when you know they are logical facts.
Synthesis, Characterization and Photobiological Studies of Ru(II) Dyads Derived from α‐Oligothiophene Derivatives of 1,10‐Phenanthroline
Authors: Monro Susan , Cameron Colin G. , Zhu Xiaolin , Colón Katsuya L. , Yin Huimin , Sainuddin Tariq , Hetu Marc , Pinto Mitch , Fuller Anderson , Bennett Leah , Roque John , Sun Wenfang , McFarland Sherri A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThree new bis(2,2′‐bipyridine)‐heteroleptic Ru(II) dyads incorporating thienyl groups (n = 1–3, compounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively) appended to 1,10‐phenanthroline were synthesized and characterized to investigate the impact of n on the photophysical and photobiological properties within the series. All three complexes showed unstructured emission near 618 nm from a triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (3MLCT) state with a lifetime (τem) of approximately 1 μs. Transient absorption measurements revealed an additional excited state that was nonemissive and long‐lived (τTA = 43 μs for 2 and 27 μs for 3), assigned as a triplet intraligand (3IL) state that was accessible only in 2 and 3. All three complexes were strong singlet oxygen (1O2) sensitizers, with quantum yields (Φ∆) for 2 and 3 being the largest (74–78%), and all three were photocytotoxic to cancer cells with visible light activation in the order: 3 > 2 > 1. Cell‐free DNA photodamage followed the same trend, where potency increased with decreasing 3IL energy. Compounds 2 and 3 also showed in vitro photobiological effects with red light (625 nm), where their molar absorptivities were <100 m−1 cm−1. These findings highlight that Ru(II) dyads derived from α‐oligothiophenes directly appended to 1,10‐phenanthroline—namely 2 and 3—possess low‐lying 3IL states that are highly photosensitizing, and they may therefore be of interest for photobiological applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Conceptual Flutter Analysis of Labyrinth Seals Using Analytical Models—Part II: Physical Interpretation
Authors: Vega Almudena , Corral Roque 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The dimensionless model presented in part I of the corresponding paper to describe the flutter onset of two-fin rotating seals is exploited to extract valuable engineering trends with the design parameters. The analytical expression for the nondimensional work-per-cycle depends on three dimensionless parameters of which two of them are new. These parameters are simple but interrelate the effect of the pressure ratio, the height, and length of the interfin geometry, the seal clearance, the nodal diameter (ND), the fluid swirl velocity, the vibration frequency, and the torsion center location in a compact and intricate manner. It is shown that nonrelated physical parameters can actually have an equivalent impact on seal stability. It is concluded that the pressure ratio can be stabilizing or destabilizing depending on the case, whereas the swirl of the flow is always destabilizing. Finally, a simple method to extend the model to multiple interfin cavities, neglecting the unsteady interaction among them, is described.
Evaluation of a European-wide survey on paediatric endoscopy training
Authors: Broekaert Ilse Julia , Jahnel Joerg , Moes Nicolette , van der Doef Hubert , Ernst Angela , Amil Dias Jorge , Thomson Mike , Tzivinikos Christos 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate quality of paediatric endoscopy training of Young members of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).MethodsAn online questionnaire designed by the Young ESPGHAN Committee was sent to 125 Young ESPGHAN members between February 2014 and September 2015. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions addressing some general information of the participants and the structure of their paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition programmes; procedural volume and terminal ileal intubation (TII) rate; supervision, assessments, participation in endoscopy courses and simulator training; and satisfaction with endoscopy training and self-perceived competency.ResultsOf 68 participants, 48 (71%) were enrolled in an official training programme. All alumni (n=31) were trained in endoscopy. They completed a median of 200 oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) and 75 ileocolonoscopies (ICs) with a TII rate of >90% in 43%. There is a significant difference in numbers of ICs between the TII rate groups >90%, 50%–90% and <50% (median 150 vs 38 vs 55) (p<0.001). 11 alumni (35%) followed the ESPGHAN Syllabus during training. 25 alumni (81%) attended basic skills endoscopy courses and 19 (61%) experienced simulator training. 71% of the alumni were ‘(very) satisfied’ with their diagnostic OGD, while 52% were ‘(very) satisfied’ with their IC training. The alumni felt safe to independently perform OGDs in 84% and ICs in 71% after their training.ConclusionsDespite reaching the suggested procedural endoscopy volumes, a rather low TII rate of >90% calls for end-of-training certifications based on the achievement of milestones of competency.