bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mate choice behavior of female Eastern Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) is robust to anthropogenic light pollution
Authors: Underhill Victoria A. , Höbel Gerlinde 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHuman activities are drastically changing the amount of artificial light entering natural habitats. Because light pollution alters the sensory environment, it may interfere with behaviors ranging from prey detection and vigilance to mate choice. Here, we test the hypothesis that anthropogenic light pollution affects the mate choice behavior of female Eastern Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). We tested this hypothesis under two experimental light treatments that simulate the light pollution created by streetlights (expansion of lit areas and increased light intensity), and the light pollution created by headlights of passing vehicles (rapid fluctuations between bright and dark conditions). The hypothesis predicts that females tested under conditions simulating light pollution will show behavioral changes geared toward mitigating detection by predators, such as relaxed preferences, decreased choosiness for the normally preferred call, and differences in approach behavior (either more directional, faster, or stealthier movements, or no approach at all). Contrary to our prediction, we found that light pollution did not affect mate choice behavior in Gray Treefrogs, and should therefore neither interfere with population persistence nor affect the sexual selection regimes on male call traits of this species. However, we caution that this result does not imply that anthropogenic light pollution is of no concern for amphibian conservation, because behavioral responses to variation in nocturnal light levels (both in the natural as well as anthropogenically enhanced range) seem to be highly species‐specific in anurans. We encourage additional studies to help gage the vulnerability of anurans to anthropogenic light pollution.
Disappearing edge: the flowering period changes the distribution of insect pollinators in invasive goldenrod patches
Authors: Moroń Dawid , Skórka Piotr , Lenda Magdalena 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The response of animals to the edge reveals the potential mechanism underlying the impact of invasive plants on native pollinators. Many invasive plants flower only during a part of the growing season, which creates a temporal pattern of the availability of resources. This can lead to the emergence or disappearance of the edge effect in the pollinator community in the patches dominated by alien plants.

We tested whether the variability in the supply of flower resources created by dense stands of flowering invasive goldenrods could create a temporal edge effect for pollinating insects in a grassland landscape. We surveyed pollinator communities along transects perpendicular to the goldenrod‐grassland edge. To understand the variation in edge effects, we surveyed the number of flowers, which are the main food resources for pollinators.

We found positive edge responses of abundance and species richness of all pollinator groups from the edges to the grassland interior before the goldenrod flowering period. During the goldenrod flowering period abundance and species richness of bees showed a neutral edge response, the response of butterflies and hoverflies towards the centre of the goldenrod patch were negative and positive respectively.

Our results revealed that the emergence of the edge effect in a pollinating insect community is associated with temporal usability of invasive plants as a food source. Thus, the combined outcome of the available resources and invasion of alien plants can help to understand the edge effect on pollinator distributions in the invaded landscapes.
Institutional Ownership and Future Stock Returns: An International Perspective
Authors: Dyakov Teodor , Wipplinger Evert 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe investigate the risk‐adjusted performance of the aggregate equity holdings and trades of 13,807 active mutual funds located in 16 countries between 2001 and 2014. Using portfolio sorts, we find weak evidence that institutional holdings exhibit positive subsequent risk‐adjusted returns. However, any outperformance is unlikely to stem from short‐term informational advantage: stocks bought do not outperform stocks sold in the subsequent quarter. This finding is robust to regressions of subsequent stock returns on changes in institutional ownership and holds for different measurements of institutional trading.
The importance of data issues when comparing cystic fibrosis registry outcomes between countries: Are annual review FEV1 in the UK only collected when subjects are well?
Authors: Hoo Zhe Hui , Curley Rachael , Campbell Michael J. , Walters Stephen J. , Wildman Martin J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRationale, aims and objectiveCross‐country comparisons of cystic fibrosis (CF) outcomes can potentially identify variation in care but are dependent on data quality. An important assumption is that the UK annual review FEV1 is only collected during periods of clinical stability. If this assumption does not hold, results of FEV1 comparisons may be biased in favour of registries with encounter‐based FEV1. We aimed to test the assumption that CF annual reviews in the UK are only performed during periods of clinical stability.MethodProspective encounter‐based data collected in Sheffield (n = 174) was used to establish whether annual review FEV1 were always collected during periods of clinical stability and to determine the group‐level discrepancy between annual review vs best FEV1. We then went on to quantify the group‐level discrepancy between annual review and best annual FEV1 readings within the UK registry (n = 2995) to determine if the differences observed in Sheffield also apply to the wider UK data.ResultsSheffield results showed a group‐level discrepancy between best and annual review FEV1 of −2.5% (95% CI −3.95% to −1.2%) for annual reviews performed during periods of clinical stability (n = 50). The group‐level discrepancy is larger at −8.0% (95% CI −11.2% to −4.9%) among annual reviews performed during periods of clinical instability (n = 13). Therefore, the magnitude of this group‐level discrepancy is a surrogate for the proportion of clinically stable annual reviews—smaller discrepancy indicates a higher proportion of clinically stable annual reviews and vice versa.The overall group‐level discrepancy in the UK registry (−5.6%, 95% CI −5.9 to −5.4%) was similar to Sheffield (−6.1%, 95% CI −7.1 to −5.1%). Around 20% of the clinician reviewed, annual reviews in Sheffield were performed during periods of clinically instability.ConclusionsAnnual review FEV1 underestimates lung health of adults with CF in the UK and may bias cross‐country comparisons.
Self‐Competence and Depressive Symptoms in Middle–Late Adolescence: Disentangling the Direction of Effect
Authors: Ohannessian Christine McCauley , Vannucci Anna , Lincoln Courtney R. , Flannery Kaitlin M. , Trinh Ashley 
Published: June 2018

This study examined the temporal relation between self‐competence (academic, social, athletic, physical appearance, and close friend) and depressive symptoms in a large, diverse community sample of 636 adolescents. Surveys were administered to all 10th‐ and 11th‐grade students at participating high schools at baseline (mean age = 16.10, SD = .71) and 1 year later. Girls reported higher levels of self‐competence in close friendships and more depressive symptoms, whereas boys reported higher levels of self‐competence in athletics and physical appearance. However, there were no gender differences in the associations between self‐competence and depressive symptoms. Results from autoregressive, cross‐lagged path analyses indicated that depressive symptoms predicted self‐competence more consistently than self‐competence predicted depressive symptoms during middle–late adolescence. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique to study threonine requirements in horses receiving a predominantly forage diet
Authors: Mok Chan Hee , Levesque Crystal L. , Urschel Kristine L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThreonine has been reported to be the second limiting amino acid in typical equine diets, but its actual requirement has not been determined in horses. To evaluate amino acid metabolism and requirements, the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method has been successfully used in other species. The objective of this research was to estimate threonine requirements in mature horses fed timothy hay and concentrate in 4:1 ratio using the IAAO method. Six Thoroughbred mares (579.9 ± 46.7 kg) received each of 6 levels of threonine intake, 41, 51, 61, 70, 80 and 89 mg/kg BW/day, in a randomly determined order. Each study period was 7‐day long, and on day 6, blood samples were collected before and 90 min after feeding to measure amino acid concentrations using HPLC. On day 7, horses underwent IAAO procedures, which included a 2‐hr primed, constant intravenous infusion of [13C]sodium bicarbonate to measure total CO2 production and a 4‐hr primed, constant oral administration of [1‐13C]phenylalanine to estimate phenylalanine oxidation to CO2. Blood and breath samples were collected to measure blood [13C]phenylalanine, using GC‐MS analysis and breath 13CO2 enrichment, using an infrared isotope analyser. Increasing threonine intake levels did not affect plasma phenylalanine oxidation by the ANOVA test (p > 0.05) but resulted in a linear decrease in phenylalanine oxidation (p = 0.04) without a breakpoint by the orthogonal linear contrast. This study is the first attempt to evaluate threonine requirements in horses by the IAAO method; however, threonine requirements are still unknown in mature horses at this time.
Optimization of surfactin production from Bacillus subtilis in fermentation and its effects on Clostridium perfringens‐induced necrotic enteritis and growth performance in broilers
Authors: Cheng Yeong‐Hsiang , Zhang Ning , Han Jin‐Cheng , Chang Ching‐Wen , Hsiao Felix Shih‐Hsiang , Yu Yu‐Hsiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBacillus species are commonly used as probiotics in the poultry feed industry for preventing infectious diseases and improving productivity by altering gastrointestinal microbiota. The growth parameters of Bacillus subtilis for surfactin production in fermentation and the benefits of surfactin on broiler chickens remain unclear. In this study, we examined the growth parameters of B. subtilis in fermentation and evaluated the effects of surfactin from B. subtilis‐fermented products on Clostridium perfringens‐induced necrotic enteritis and growth performance in broilers. Results showed that the highest viable biomass of B. subtilis was observed at 10% molasses and 2% yeast supplementation during fermentation. The 4‐ and 6‐day fermented B. subtilis products were heat‐, acid‐ and bile‐resistant. Furthermore, the 4‐day fermented B. subtilis products with the highest surfactin concentration showed the maximal antimicrobial activity against pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and C. perfringens. Dietary B. subtilis‐fermented product supplementation in broilers significantly improved intestinal morphology and necrotic lesions under C. perfringens challenge. Bacillus subtilis treatments could enhance broiler productivity, as well as promote bone quality and intestinal morphology. These results together indicate that B. subtilis‐fermented products containing surfactin have potential for the development as feed additives and use as possible substitutes for antibiotics to treat C. perfringens in the poultry industry.
Interaction between the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and the EMMPRIN/MMP‐2, 9 route in periodontitis
Authors: Liu X. , Zhang Z. , Pan S. , Shang S. , Li C. 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesIn periodontitis, the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is related to the metabolism of the alveolar bone; further, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expression is correlated with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression and inflammation severity. The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary investigation of the interaction between the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and the EMMPRIN/MMPs route in periodontitis.Material and MethodsChronic periodontitis and healthy gingival tissues were obtained to detect the expression of Wnt3a, β‐catenin, EMMPRIN and MMP‐2, 9 by using immunohistochemical analysis. The human immortalized oral epithelial cell/human gingival fibroblast direct co‐culture model was treated with 10 μg/mL Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg. LPS). Anti‐EMMPRIN antibody was used to block the effect of EMMPRIN. Dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1) and Wnt3a were used as the inhibitor and activator of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, respectively. Immunofluorescence was performed to visualize the localization of β‐catenin and EMMPRIN. Expression of the EMMPRIN, MMP‐2, 9 and Wnt pathway's components was confirmed by western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsHigher levels of Wnt3a, β‐catenin, EMMPRIN and MMP‐2, 9 were observed in chronic periodontitis gingival tissues compared with controls. Pg. LPS significantly enhanced β‐catenin, p‐GSK‐3β, EMMPRIN and MMP‐2, 9 inductions in the human immortalized oral epithelial cell/human gingival fibroblast co‐culture model. Anti‐EMMPRIN antibody markedly reduced the expression of MMP‐2, 9 only in the presence of Pg. LPS. Co‐expression of β‐catenin and EMMPRIN was detected in the co‐culture model. DKK‐1 inhibited Wnt pathway, but upregulated the EMMPRIN/MMP‐2, 9 routes. In contrast, activating Wnt pathway by Wnt3a repressed the EMMPRIN/MMP‐2, 9 routes. The promotion effect of DKK‐1 on MMP‐2, 9 expressions was partially inhibited by the anti‐EMMPRIN antibody. In addition, anti‐EMMPRIN antibody led to a drastic decrease in β‐catenin and p‐GSK‐3β.ConclusionIn periodontitis, EMMPRIN regulates MMP‐2, 9 expressions, the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway downregulates the EMMPRIN/MMP‐2, 9 routes and the blockade of EMMPRIN attenuates Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Forecasting Hepatitis C liver disease burden on real‐life data. Does the hidden iceberg matter to reach the elimination goals?
Authors: Kondili Loreta A. , Robbins Sarah , Blach Sarah , Gamkrelidze Ivane , Zignego Anna L. , Brunetto Maurizia R. , Raimondo Giovanni , Taliani Gloria , Iannone Andrea , Russo Francesco P. , Santantonio Teresa A. , Zuin Massimo , Chessa Luchino , Blanc Pierluigi , Puoti Massimo , Vinci Maria , Erne Elke M. , Strazzabosco Mario , Massari Marco , Lampertico Pietro , Rumi Maria G. , Federico Alessandro , Orlandini Alessandra , Ciancio Alessia , Borgia Guglielmo , Andreone Pietro , Caporaso Nicola , Persico Marcello , Ieluzzi Donatella , Madonia Salvatore , Gori Andrea , Gasbarrini Antonio , Coppola Carmine , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Andriulli Angelo , Quaranta Maria G. , Montilla Simona , Razavi Homie , Melazzini Mario , Vella Stefano , Craxì Antonio ,   PITER Collaborating Group
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsAdvances in direct‐acting antiviral treatment of HCV have reinvigorated public health initiatives aimed at identifying affected individuals. We evaluated the possible impact of only diagnosed and linked‐to‐care individuals on overall HCV burden estimates and identified a possible strategy to achieve the WHO targets by 2030.MethodsUsing a modelling approach grounded in Italian real‐life data of diagnosed and treated patients, different linkage‐to‐care scenarios were built to evaluate potential strategies in achieving the HCV elimination goals.ResultsUnder the 40% linked‐to‐care scenario, viraemic burden would decline (60%); however, eligible patients to treat will be depleted by 2025. Increased case finding through a targeted screening strategy in 1948‐1978 birth cohorts could supplement the pool of diagnosed patients by finding 75% of F0‐F3 cases. Under the 60% linked‐to‐care scenario, viraemic infections would decline by 70% by 2030 but the patients eligible for treatment will run out by 2028. If treatment is to be maintained, a screening strategy focusing on 1958‐1978 birth cohorts could capture 55% of F0‐F3 individuals. Under the 80% linked‐to‐care scenario, screening limited in 1968‐1978 birth cohorts could sustain treatment at levels required to achieve the HCV elimination goals.ConclusionIn Italy, which is an HCV endemic country, the eligible pool of patients to treat will run out between 2025 and 2028. To maintain the treatment rate and achieve the HCV elimination goals, increased case finding in targeted, high prevalence groups is required.
Habitat loss and fragmentation reduce effective gene flow by disrupting seed dispersal in a neotropical palm
Authors: Browne Luke , Karubian Jordan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation often reduce gene flow and genetic diversity in plants by disrupting the movement of pollen and seed. However, direct comparisons of the contributions of pollen vs. seed dispersal to genetic variation in fragmented landscapes are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we partitioned the genetic diversity contributed by male gametes from pollen sources and female gametes from seed sources within established seedlings of the palm Oenocarpus bataua in forest fragments and continuous forest in northwest Ecuador. This approach allowed us to quantify the separate contributions of each of these two dispersal processes to genetic variation. Compared to continuous forest, fragments had stronger spatial genetic structure, especially among female gametes, and reduced effective population sizes. We found that within and among fragments, allelic diversity was lower and genetic structure higher for female gametes than for male gametes. Moreover, female gametic allelic diversity in fragments decreased with decreasing surrounding forest cover, while male gametic allelic diversity did not. These results indicate that limited seed dispersal within and among fragments restricts genetic diversity and strengthens genetic structure in this system. Although pollen movement may also be impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation, it nonetheless serves to promote gene flow and diversity within and among fragments. Pollen and seed dispersal play distinctive roles in determining patterns of genetic variation in fragmented landscapes, and maintaining the integrity of both dispersal processes will be critical to managing and conserving genetic variation in the face of continuing habitat loss and fragmentation in tropical landscapes.
Characteristics of Lifeline, Crisis Line, Service Users Who Have Died by Suicide
Authors: Ramsey Colette , Ennis Edel , O'Neill Siobhan 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveDespite their widespread use, there is limited evidence on whether crisis lines are effective, how to identify callers at risk or the best ways of supporting callers to prevent suicide. This study compared the features of callers and call patterns in service users who had died by suicide with those who were currently alive from 2008 to 2011.MethodsUsing information contained on Contact's (Northern Ireland's “Lifeline” service) Client Information Management System (CIMS), 118 deaths by suicide from 2008 to 2011 were compared with a matched control group (matched on age, gender, and main presenting issue on first contact) who had not died by suicide.ResultsClients who had “check‐in” calls were significantly less likely to die by suicide. Those with a substance dependency or those who had made a prior suicide attempt were significantly more likely to die by suicide. Duration of service access had a negative association with suicide risk.Conclusions“Check‐in” calls are an important part of the service. Information on previous suicide attempts and substance dependency may be useful in identifying callers who may benefit from proactive support and outreach. Wider interventions are needed to promote service user follow‐up and to encourage longer term engagement with the service.
Premature leaf senescence 3, encoding a methyltransferase, is required for melatonin biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Hong Yongbo , Zhang Yingxin , Sinumporn Sittipun , Yu Ning , Zhan Xiaodeng , Shen Xihong , Chen Daibo , Yu Ping , Wu Weixun , Liu Qunen , Cao Zhaoyun , Zhao Chunde , Cheng Shihua , Cao Liyong 
Published: June 2018

SummaryPremature leaf senescence in rice is one of the most common factors affecting the plant's development and yield. Although methyltransferases are involved in diverse biological functions, their roles in rice leaf senescence have not been previously reported. In this study, we identified the premature leaf senescence 3 (pls3) mutant in rice, which led to early leaf senescence and early heading date. Further investigations revealed that premature leaf senescence was triggered by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Using physiological analysis, we found that chlorophyll content was reduced in the pls3 mutant leaves, while hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde levels were elevated. Consistent with these findings, the pls3 mutant exhibited hypersensitivity to exogenous hydrogen peroxide. The expression of other senescence‐associated genes such as Osh36 and RCCR1 was increased in the pls3 mutant. Positional cloning indicated the pls3 phenotype was the result of a mutation in OsMTS1, which encodes an O‐methyltransferase in the melatonin biosynthetic pathway. Functional complementation of OsMTS1 in pls3 completely restored the wild‐type phenotype. We found leaf melatonin content to be dramatically reduced in pls3, and that exogenous application of melatonin recovered the pls3 mutant's leaf senescence phenotype to levels comparable to that of wild‐type rice. Moreover, overexpression of OsMTS1 in the wild‐type plant increased the grain yield by 15.9%. Our results demonstrate that disruption of OsMTS1, which codes for a methyltransferase, can trigger leaf senescence as a result of decreased melatonin production.
Advances in Filtration in Automatic Lube Oil Filters
Authors: Stanley Ian , Schmitz Stefan 
Published: June 2018

In 2006 an automatic lube oil filtration system with an automatic backflushing filter and a centrifuge for diesel locomotives was presented at the ASME Spring Technical Conference [1]. The filter cleans itself continuously and the system can be used instead of conventional disposable paper filters to reduce servicing requirements, improve oil cleanliness and reduce the oil system’s exposure to contaminants.
In 2015 at the ASME Fall Technical Conference, a development of the system was presented that introduced an electric pump to boost both centrifuge and automatic filter performance at lower engine speeds, as seen during locomotive idling or coasting.
The next development addresses the automatic filter mesh, something that has not improved substantially over the last 20 years.
The main challenge with improving the mesh for a backflushing filter has been balancing the filtration grade with self-cleaning performance. By going to a finer mesh that catches ever smaller particles, the filter element tends to become more difficult to backflush. For a given wire diameter the free flow area also decreases when the openings become smaller, reducing the maximum mesh loading. Reducing the diameter of the wire used increases the free flow area, but makes the mesh more fragile and difficult to weld.
A recent advancement in the mesh design now allows the automatic filter to filter the oil to a much finer degree than was previously possible while maintaining high self-cleaning performance. The filtration performance was evaluated by using the multi-pass method according to ISO 16889, while the backflushing performance was evaluated on our in-house test stand. Currently these elements are being field tested.
Being able to filter and separate much smaller particles is expected to reduce long term engine wear and, in certain cases, improve oil life.