bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat properties and plant traits interact as drivers of non‐native plant species’ seed production at the local scale
Authors: Lembrechts Jonas J. , Rossi Evi , Milbau Ann , Nijs Ivan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTo answer the long‐standing question if we can predict plant invader success based on characteristics of the environment (invasibility) or the invasive species (invasiveness), or the combination of both, there is a need for detailed observational studies in which habitat properties, non‐native plant traits, and the resulting invader success are locally measured. In this study, we assess the interaction of gradients in the environmental and trait space on non‐native species fitness, expressed as seed production, for a set of 10 invasive and noninvasive non‐native species along a wide range of invaded sites in Flanders. In our multidimensional approach, most of the single environmental gradients (temperature, light availability, native plant species diversity, and soil fertility) and sets of non‐native plant traits (plant size, photosynthesis, and foliar chemical attributes) related positively with invader seed production. Yet correlation with seed production was much stronger when several environmental gradients were assessed in interaction, and even more so when we combined plant traits and habitat properties. The latter increased explanatory power of the models on average by 25% for invasive and by 7% for noninvasive species. Additionally, we report a 70‐fold higher seed production in invasive than in noninvasive species and fundamentally different correlations of seed production with plant traits and habitat properties in noninvasive versus invasive species. We conclude that locally measured traits and properties deserve much more attention than they currently get in invasion literature and thus encourage further studies combining this level of detail with the generality of a multiregion and multispecies approach across different stages of invasion.
Predictable ecological response to rising CO2 of a community of marine phytoplankton
Authors: Pardew Jacob , Blanco Pimentel Macarena , Low‐Decarie Etienne 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRising atmospheric CO2 and ocean acidification are fundamentally altering conditions for life of all marine organisms, including phytoplankton. Differences in CO2 related physiology between major phytoplankton taxa lead to differences in their ability to take up and utilize CO2. These differences may cause predictable shifts in the composition of marine phytoplankton communities in response to rising atmospheric CO2. We report an experiment in which seven species of marine phytoplankton, belonging to four major taxonomic groups (cyanobacteria, chlorophytes, diatoms, and coccolithophores), were grown at both ambient (500 μatm) and future (1,000 μatm) CO2 levels. These phytoplankton were grown as individual species, as cultures of pairs of species and as a community assemblage of all seven species in two culture regimes (high‐nitrogen batch cultures and lower‐nitrogen semicontinuous cultures, although not under nitrogen limitation). All phytoplankton species tested in this study increased their growth rates under elevated CO2 independent of the culture regime. We also find that, despite species‐specific variation in growth response to high CO2, the identity of major taxonomic groups provides a good prediction of changes in population growth and competitive ability under high CO2. The CO2‐induced growth response is a good predictor of CO2‐induced changes in competition (R2 > .93) and community composition (R2 > .73). This study suggests that it may be possible to infer how marine phytoplankton communities respond to rising CO2 levels from the knowledge of the physiology of major taxonomic groups, but that these predictions may require further characterization of these traits across a diversity of growth conditions. These findings must be validated in the context of limitation by other nutrients. Also, in natural communities of phytoplankton, numerous other factors that may all respond to changes in CO2, including nitrogen fixation, grazing, and variation in the limiting resource will likely complicate this prediction.
Phenotypic responses to microbial volatiles render a mold fungus more susceptible to insect damage
Authors: Caballero Ortiz Silvia , Trienens Monika , Pfohl Katharina , Karlovsky Petr , Holighaus Gerrit , Rohlfs Marko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn decomposer systems, fungi show diverse phenotypic responses to volatile organic compounds of microbial origin (volatiles). The mechanisms underlying such responses and their consequences for the performance and ecological success of fungi in a multitrophic community context have rarely been tested explicitly. We used a laboratory‐based approach in which we investigated a tripartite yeast–mold–insect model decomposer system to understand the possible influence of yeast‐borne volatiles on the ability of a chemically defended mold fungus to resist insect damage. The volatile‐exposed mold phenotype (1) did not exhibit protein kinase A‐dependent morphological differentiation, (2) was more susceptible to insect foraging activity, and (3) had reduced insecticidal properties. Additionally, the volatile‐exposed phenotype was strongly impaired in secondary metabolite formation and unable to activate “chemical defense” genes upon insect damage. These results suggest that volatiles can be ecologically important factors that affect the chemical‐based combative abilities of fungi against insect antagonists and, consequently, the structure and dynamics of decomposer communities.
The thermal dependency of locomotor performance evolves rapidly within an invasive species
Authors: Kosmala Georgia K. , Brown Gregory P. , Christian Keith A. , Hudson Cameron M. , Shine Richard 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBiological invasions can stimulate rapid shifts in organismal performance, via both plasticity and adaptation. We can distinguish between these two proximate mechanisms by rearing offspring from populations under identical conditions and measuring their locomotor abilities in standardized trials. We collected adult cane toads (Rhinella marina) from invasive populations that inhabit regions of Australia with different climatic conditions. We bred those toads and raised their offspring under common‐garden conditions before testing their locomotor performance. At high (but not low) temperatures, offspring of individuals from a hotter location (northwestern Australia) outperformed offspring of conspecifics from a cooler location (northeastern Australia). This disparity indicates that, within less than 100 years, thermal performance in cane toads has adapted to the novel abiotic challenges that cane toads have encountered during their invasion of tropical Australia.
Areas of high conservation value at risk by plant invaders in Georgia under climate change
Authors: Slodowicz Daniel , Descombes Patrice , Kikodze David , Broennimann Olivier , Müller‐Schärer Heinz 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInvasive alien plants (IAP) are a threat to biodiversity worldwide. Understanding and anticipating invasions allow for more efficient management. In this regard, predicting potential invasion risks by IAPs is essential to support conservation planning into areas of high conservation value (AHCV) such as sites exhibiting exceptional botanical richness, assemblage of rare, and threatened and/or endemic plant species. Here, we identified AHCV in Georgia, a country showing high plant richness, and assessed the susceptibility of these areas to colonization by IAPs under present and future climatic conditions. We used actual protected areas and areas of high plant endemism (identified using occurrences of 114 Georgian endemic plant species) as proxies for AHCV. Then, we assessed present and future potential distribution of 27 IAPs using species distribution models under four climate change scenarios and stacked single‐species potential distribution into a consensus map representing IAPs richness. We evaluated present and future invasion risks in AHCV using IAPs richness as a metric of susceptibility. We show that the actual protected areas cover only 9.4% of the areas of high plant endemism in Georgia. IAPs are presently located at lower elevations around the large urban centers and in western Georgia. We predict a shift of IAPs toward eastern Georgia and higher altitudes and an increased susceptibility of AHCV to IAPs under future climate change. Our study provides a good baseline for decision makers and stakeholders on where and how resources should be invested in the most efficient way to protect Georgia's high plant richness from IAPs.
Geographic variation in body size and its relationship with environmental gradients in the Oriental Garden Lizard,Calotes versicolor
Authors: Wei Xiaomei , Yan Linmiao , Zhao Chengjian , Zhang Yueyun , Xu Yongli , Cai Bo , Jiang Ni , Huang Yong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPatterns of geographic variation in body size are predicted to evolve as adaptations to local environmental gradients. However, many of these clinal patterns in body size, such as Bergmann's rule, are controversial and require further investigation into ectotherms such as reptiles on a regional scale. To examine the environmental variables (temperature, precipitation, topography and primary productivity) that shaped patterns of geographic variation in body size in the reptileCalotes versicolor, we sampled 180 adult specimens (91 males and 89 females) at 40 locations across the species range in China. TheMANOVAresults suggest significant sexual size dimorphism inC. versicolor(F23,124 = 11.32,p < .001). Our results showed thatC. versicolorfailed to fit the Bergmann's rule. We found that the most important predictors of variation in body size ofC. versicolordiffered for males and females, but mechanisms related to heat balance and water availability hypotheses were involved in both sexes. Temperature seasonality, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, and precipitation of the driest quarter were the most important predictors of variation in body size in males, whereas mean precipitation of the warmest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, precipitation seasonality, and precipitation of the wettest month were most important for body size variation in females. The discrepancy between patterns of association between the sexes suggested that different selection pressures may be acting in males and females.
Distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic
Authors: Gebauer Radek , Divíšek Jan , Buřič Miloš , Večeřa Martin , Kouba Antonín , Drozd Bořek 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBiogeographical barriers formed by natural forces over billions of years have been substantially disrupted by human activity, particularly in recent centuries. In response to these anthropogenic changes, global homogenization of biota is observed at an ever‐increasing rate, causing environmental and economic losses as well as emerging health risks. Identifying factors underlying alien species richness is essential for prevention of future introductions and subsequent spread. In this study, we examined the effects of environmental and human‐related factors on distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). We compiled a set of maps showing the level of invasion of six categories of alien animal species in each of 628 grid cells (ca. 12.0 × 11.1 km) covering the Czech Republic. Relationships between alien species richness and 12 variables characterizing climatic conditions, topography, land cover, and human population size were calculated using the generalized least squares method. Species richness of all alien species, of invertebrates, and of terrestrial species showed the strongest positive relationship with mean annual temperature, while the number of black and grey (proposed prominent invaders) and aquatic species was most closely related to the presence of large rivers. Alien vertebrates showed a strong negative relationship with annual precipitation. The highest alien animal species richness was found in and near large population centers and in agricultural landscapes in warm and dry lowlands. The gateways for alien aquatic species are rather large rivers over sport fishing and aquaculture import. Compiled maps create a powerful visual communication tool, useful in development of programs to prevent future introductions.
Integrated massively parallel sequencing of 15 autosomal STRs and Amelogenin using a simplified library preparation approach
Authors: Xue Jian , Wu Riga , Pan Yajiao , Wang Shunxia , Qu Baowang , Qin Ying , Shi Yuequn , Zhang Chuchu , Li Ran , Zhang Liyan , Zhou Cheng , Sun Hongyu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMassively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies, also termed as next‐generation sequencing (NGS), are becoming increasingly popular in study of short tandem repeats (STR). However, current library preparation methods are usually based on ligation or two‐round PCR that requires more steps, making it time‐consuming (about 2 days), laborious and expensive. In this study, a 16‐plex STR typing system was designed with fusion primer strategy based on the Ion Torrent S5 XL platform which could effectively resolve the above challenges for forensic DNA database‐type samples (bloodstains, saliva stains, etc.). The efficiency of this system was tested in 253 Han Chinese participants. The libraries were prepared without DNA isolation and adapter ligation, and the whole process only required approximately 5 h. The proportion of thoroughly genotyped samples in which all the 16 loci were successfully genotyped was 86% (220/256). Of the samples, 99.7% showed 100% concordance between NGS‐based STR typing and capillary electrophoresis (CE)‐based STR typing. The inconsistency might have been caused by off‐ladder alleles and mutations in primer binding sites. Overall, this panel enabled the large‐scale genotyping of the DNA samples with controlled quality and quantity because it is a simple, operation‐friendly process flow that saves labor, time and costs.
Barrier response to sea level rise and storms
Authors: Houser Chris 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis commentary brings together, as a Virtual Special Issue, several recent papers in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms that improve our understanding of coastal barrier response to relative sea level rise and a change in the frequency and/or magnitude of storm events. The ability to predict barrier response depends on the ability to quantify the spatial and temporal scales of sediment exchange amongst the nearshore, beach and dune. This exchange controls the height of the dune, which in turn determines the transfer of sediment to the backbarrier through washover and/or blowouts. The papers in this issue provide new insight on beach–dune interaction and the importance of this interaction to long‐term barrier evolution across a range of sites and scales, and how active management can influence this interaction and alter barrier response. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A curvature‐free multiphase flow solver via surface stress‐based formulation
Authors: Ouazzi A. , Turek S. , Damanik H. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryIn this note, we show the link between the classical continuous surface stress and continuous surface force approaches together with special finite element method techniques toward a fully implicit level set method. Based on a modified surface stress formulation, neither normals nor curvature has to be explicitly calculated. The method is space‐dimension independent. Prototypical numerical tests of benchmarking character for a rising 2D bubble are provided for validating the accuracy of this new approach. We show additionally that the explicit redistancing can be avoided using a nonlinear PDE so that a fully implicit and even monolithic formulation of the corresponding multiphase problem gets feasible.
Variations in agronomic and grain quality traits of rice grown under irrigated lowland conditions in West Africa
Authors: Graham‐Acquaah Seth , Saito Kazuki , Traore Karim , Dieng Ibnou , Alognon Amakoe , Bah Saidu , Sow Abdoulaye , Manful John T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRice breeding in West Africa has been largely skewed toward yield enhancement and stress tolerance. This has led to the variable grain quality of locally produced rice in the region. This study sought to assess variations in the agronomic and grain quality traits of some rice varieties grown in this region, with a view to identifying sources of high grain yield and quality that could serve as potential donors in their breeding programs. Forty‐five varieties were grown under irrigated conditions in Benin and Senegal with two trials in each country. There were wide variations in agronomic and grain quality traits among the varieties across the trials. Cluster analysis using paddy yield, head rice yield, and chalkiness revealed that 68% of the total variation could be explained by five varietal groupings. One group comprising seven varieties (Afrihikari, BG90‐2, IR64, Sahel 108, WAT311‐WAS‐B‐B‐23‐7‐1, WAT339‐TGR‐5‐2, and WITA 10) had high head rice yield and low chalkiness. Of the varieties in this group, Sahel 108 had the highest paddy yield in three of the four trials. IR64 and Afrihikari had intermediate and low amylose content, respectively, with the rest being high‐amylose varieties. Another group of varieties consisting of B6144F‐MR‐6‐0‐0, C74, IR31851‐96‐2‐3‐2‐1, ITA222, Jaya, Sahel 305, WITA 1, and WITA 2 had high paddy yield but poor head rice yield and chalkiness. The use of materials from these two groups of varieties could accelerate breeding for high yielding rice varieties with better grain quality for local production in West Africa.
The impact of NHS expenditure on health outcomes in England: Alternative approaches to identification in all‐cause and disease specific models of mortality
Authors: Claxton Karl , Lomas James , Martin Stephen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSeveral recent studies have estimated the responsiveness of mortality to English National Health Service spending. Although broadly similar, the studies differ in how they identify the outcome equation. One approach uses conventional socio‐economic variables as instruments for endogenous health care expenditure, whereas the other exploits exogenous elements in the resource allocation formula for local budgets. The former approach has usually been applied to specific disease areas (e.g., for cancer and circulatory disease), whereas the other has only been applied to all‐cause mortality. In this letter, we compare the two approaches by using them to estimate the direct all‐cause elasticity as well as disease‐specific elasticities. We also calculate the implied all‐cause elasticity associated with the disease‐specific results. We find that the “funding rule” approach to identification can be successfully replicated and applied to disease area models. This is important because disease area models reduce the danger of aggregation bias present in all‐cause analysis, and they offer the opportunity to link estimated mortality effects to more complete measures of health outcome that reflect what is currently known about the survival and morbidity disease burden in different programmes.
Neck hematoma after major head and neck surgery: Risk factors, costs, and resource utilization
Authors: Shah‐Becker Shivani , Greenleaf Erin K. , Boltz Melissa M. , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Goyal Neerav 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative cervical hematoma after major head and neck surgery is a feared complication. However, risk factors for developing this complication and attributable costs are not well‐established.MethodsThe Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was utilized compare patients with and without postoperative cervical hematoma. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for hematoma formation and 30‐day mortality. Total inpatient length of stay (LOS) and costs were fit to generalized linear models.ResultsOf 32 071 patients, 1098 (3.4%) experienced a postoperative cervical hematoma. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.38; P < .0001), black race (OR 1.35; P = .010), 4 or more comorbidities (OR 1.66; P < .0001), or presence of a preoperative coagulopathy (OR 6.76; P < .0001) were associated. Postoperative cervical hematoma was associated with 540% increased odds of death (P < .0001). The LOS and total excess costs were 5.14 days (P < .0001) and $17 887.40 (P < .0001), respectively.ConclusionAlthough uncommon, postoperative cervical hematoma is a life‐threatening complication of head and neck surgery with significant implications for outcomes and resource utilization.
Prognostic implications of CD44, NANOG, OCT4, and BMI1 expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro , Xavier Flávia Caló de Aquino , Andrade Nathália Paiva , Lopes Camila , Miguita Luiz Lucyene , Sedassari Bruno Tavares , Ibarra Ana Melissa Ccopa , López Rossana Verónica Mendoza , Kliemann Schmerling Claudia , Moyses Raquel Ajub , Tajara da Silva Eloiza Elena , Nunes Fabio Daumas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundTongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) contains a cell subpopulation referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The CSC markers have been used to isolate these cells and as biomarkers to predict overall survival.MethodsThe CSC markers CD44, NANOG, OCT4, and BMI1 were investigated using reverse transcriptase‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters.ResultsThe CD44 overexpression was associated with disease‐related death (P = 0.02) and worst prognosis. NANOG was upregulated in nontumoral margins and associated with T1/T2 classification, lymph node metastasis, and worst prognosis. OCT4 was associated with lymph node metastasis and worst overall survival. BMI1 and CD44v3 were overexpressed in tongue SCC. Coexpression of CD44++/NANOG++ was associated with worst overall survival when compared with patients with CD44‐/+/NANOG‐/+.ConclusionThe CSC markers might play an important role not only in CSC trait acquisition but also in tongue SCC development and progression.
Investigation of thyroid nodules: A practical algorithm and review of guidelines
Authors: Song Jin Soo A. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Yu Eugene , Forghani Reza , Rotstein Lorne , Goldstein David , Poon Colin S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundHigh resolution ultrasound has led to early detection of subclinical tumors and drastic increase in incidence of thyroid malignancy. To achieve a balance in appropriate investigation without perpetuating an overdiagnosis phenomenon, a concise set of evidence‐based recommendations to stratify risk is required.MethodsWe sought to assemble an evidence‐based diagnostic algorithm and accompanying pictorial review for workup of thyroid nodules that summarizes the most recent guidelines. In addition, we conducted a literature search and analysis of our imaging databases.ResultsAlthough many imaging features of benign and malignant nodules can be nonspecific, others, such as microcalcifications, lymphadenopathy, and peripheral invasion, are highly suggestive of malignancy. The predictive values of salient imaging characteristics are presented.ConclusionEvidence‐based guidelines are available such that a cost‐effective algorithm for thyroid nodule workup can be devised. Conservative management with a focus on periodic monitoring is the working clinical consensus on the approach to thyroid nodules.