bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological opportunity drives individual dietary specialization in leopards
Authors: Balme Guy A. , le Roex Nikki , Rogan Matthew S. , Hunter Luke T. B. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Individual specialization, when individuals exploit only a subset of resources utilized by the population, is a widespread phenomenon. It provides the basis for evolutionary diversification and can impact population and community dynamics. Both phenotypic traits and environmental conditions are predicted to influence individual specialization; however, its adaptive consequences are poorly understood, particularly among large mammalian carnivores that play an important role in shaping ecosystems.

We used observations of 2,960 kills made by 49 leopards Panthera pardus in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa, to quantify the magnitude of individual dietary specialization in a solitary large carnivore, and to examine the proximate and ultimate drivers of this behaviour.

We found evidence of individual specialization in leopard diet, with respect to both the species and size of prey killed. Males tended to be more specialized than females, likely because they could access a wider range of prey due to larger body size. Similarly, individuals that encountered a greater diversity of prey tended to be more specialized. Our results confirmed that ecological opportunity was a key determinant of individual specialization; however, contrary to predictions, per capita resource availability (and by extension, intraspecific competition) did not affect the degree of specialization exhibited by individuals.

Surprisingly, dietary specialization appeared to disadvantage male leopards. Specialist males overlapped with fewer resident females, had fewer cubs born on their home ranges and had fewer cubs survive to independence on their home ranges than generalist males. This may have resulted from the high degree of environmental stochasticity experienced during our study, as dietary specialization is expected to advantage individuals more during periods of resource predictability.

In summary, we showed that a species usually considered to be a dietary generalist was in fact a heterogeneous collection of specialist and generalist individuals. Individual specialization is typically assumed to be maintained by disruptive and/or fluctuating selection; hence, the somewhat paradoxical coexistence of both in the same population might be explained by a dynamic evolutionary equilibrium that exists between specialists and generalists, in which each benefit under different conditions.
Wind‐associated detours promote seasonal migratory connectivity in a flapping flying long‐distance avian migrant
Authors: Norevik Gabriel , Åkesson Susanne , Artois Tom , Beenaerts Natalie , Conway Greg , Cresswell Brian , Evens Ruben , Henderson Ian , Jiguet Frédéric , Hedenström Anders 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

It is essential to gain knowledge about the causes and extent of migratory connectivity between stationary periods of migrants to further the understanding of processes affecting populations, and to allow efficient implementation of conservation efforts throughout the annual cycle. Avian migrants likely use optimal routes with respect to mode of locomotion, orientation and migration strategy, influenced by external factors such as wind and topography. In self‐powered flapping flying birds, any increases in fuel loads are associated with added flight costs. Energy‐minimizing migrants are therefore predicted to trade‐off extended detours against reduced travel across ecological barriers with no or limited foraging opportunities.

Here, we quantify the extent of detours taken by different populations of European nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus, to test our predictions that they used routes beneficial according to energetic principles and evaluate the effect of route shape on seasonal migratory connectivity.

We combined data on birds tracked from breeding sites along a longitudinal gradient from England to Sweden. We analysed the migratory connectivity between breeding and main non‐breeding sites, and en route stopover sites just south of the Sahara desert. We quantified each track's route extension relative to the direct route between breeding and wintering sites, respectively, and contrasted it to the potential detour derived from the barrier reduction along the track while accounting for potential wind effects.

Nightjars extended their tracks from the direct route between breeding and main non‐breeding sites as they crossed the Mediterranean Sea–Sahara desert, the major ecological barrier in the Palaearctic–African migration system. These clockwise detours were small for birds from eastern sites but increased from east to west breeding longitude. Routes of the tracked birds were associated with partial reduction in the barrier crossing resulting in a trade‐off between route extension and barrier reduction, as expected in an energy‐minimizing migrant.

This study demonstrates how the costs of barrier crossings in prevailing winds can disrupt migratory routes towards slightly different goals, and thereby promote migratory connectivity. This is an important link between individual migration strategies in association with an ecological barrier, and both spatially and demographic population patterns.
Adaptation of the Alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides to stationary phase
Authors: McIntosh Matthew , Eisenhardt Katrin , Remes Bernhard , Konzer Anne , Klug Gabriele 
Published: October 2019

SummaryExhaustion of nutritional resources stimulates bacterial populations to adapt their growth behaviour. General mechanisms are known to facilitate this adaptation by sensing the environmental change and coordinating gene expression. However, the existence of such mechanisms among the Alphaproteobacteria remains unclear. This study focusses on global changes in transcript levels during growth under carbon‐limiting conditions in a model Alphaproteobacterium, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a metabolically diverse organism capable of multiple modes of growth including aerobic and anaerobic respiration, anaerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis and fermentation. We identified genes that showed changed transcript levels independently of oxygen levels during the adaptation to stationary phase. We selected a subset of these genes and subjected them to mutational analysis, including genes predicted to be involved in manganese uptake, polyhydroxybutyrate production and quorum sensing and an alternative sigma factor. Although these genes have not been previously associated with the adaptation to stationary phase, we found that all were important to varying degrees. We conclude that while R. sphaeroides appears to lack a rpoS‐like master regulator of stationary phase adaptation, this adaptation is nonetheless enabled through the impact of multiple genes, each responding to environmental conditions and contributing to the adaptation to stationary phase.
Potential impacts of intraguild predation by invasive Asian house geckos
Authors: Nordberg Eric J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe introduction of the Asian house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, to mainland Australia has sparked considerable debate in regard to its potential impacts on native lizard species. Their historically patchy distribution across Australia has gained attention as populations have spread into peri‐urban and native bushland. Hemidactylus frenatus potentially pose a threat to native species through competition and predation. I documented some activity of H. frenatus during the day, including foraging, which may broaden the potential impacts to diurnal species. Here, I highlight (i) the potential impact of predation by H. frenatus on native lizards and (ii) the need for empirical studies directly quantifying competitive encounters, with special interest in intraguild predation.
Rare indolent zygomycosis caused by subcutaneous Saksenaea vasiformis infection
Authors: Tanabodee Monton , Sawasdipong Junjira , Sudtikoonaseth Poonnawis , Wessagowit Vesarat 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe report an immunocompetent male child with chronic, indolent subcutaneous limb infection akin to basidiobolomycosis, but was shown by PCR method to be caused by a mucoralean fungus Saksenaea vasiformis. Treatment with oral potassium iodide solution was effective. This finding highlights the consideration of treatment decision according to the phenotypic severity as opposed to species identified.
Management and long‐term outcomes of women with adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix: A retrospective study
Authors: Tan Jeffrey H.J. , Malloy Michael J. , Thangamani Ramaish , Gertig Dorota , Drennan Kelly T. , Wrede C. David , Saville Marion , Quinn Michael 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundAdenocarcinoma in situ of cervix is increasingly managed by local excision rather than hysterectomy and this study will ascertain if conservative management by excision alone is adequate.AimsTo evaluate the long‐term outcomes of conservative management of adenocarcinoma in situ of cervix, particularly in relation to excisional margin status.Materials and MethodsRetrospective analysis of women diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in situ and their management between 1992 and 2010 retrieved from the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry, Australia. Failure of conservative treatment is defined by histologically proven adenocarcinoma in situ or adenocarcinoma at follow‐up after negative excisional margins.Resultsadenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix was managed primarily with cold knife cone biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision of the cervix. Most excisions were in one piece (83.4%) with average depth of 16.1 mm and 21.9% had involved excisional margins. Women with adenocarcinoma in situ on any excisional margin were more likely to have residual or recurrent disease (28.7%) compared with negative excisional margins (4.3%). Residual adenocarcinoma in situ was twice as common if adenocarcinoma in situ was present at endocervical (29.6%) and stromal (23.1%) margins compared with an ectocervical margin (13.6%). Cancer incidence at follow‐up was 2.3% for women with positive excisional margins compared to 1.3% with negative margins.ConclusionsWomen with adenocarcinoma in situ of cervix can be managed with local excisional procedures, best in single pieces to provide the important information on excisional margins. Adenocarcinoma in situ at endocervical and stromal excisional margins needs re‐excision or where appropriate, hysterectomy, while negative excisional margins have a low rate of recurrence and can be followed up with test of cure.
Novel fatty acid‐thiadiazole derivatives as potential antimycobacterial agents
Authors: Mali Jaishree K. , Sutar Yogesh B. , Pahelkar Akshata R. , Verma Preeti M. , Telvekar Vikas N. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe discovery of antibiotics around the middle twentieth century led to a decrease in the interest in antimycobacterial fatty acids. In order to re‐establish the importance of naturally abundant fatty acid, a series of fatty acid‐thiadiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on molecular hybridization approach. In vitro antimycobacterial potential was established by a screening of synthesized compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Among them, compounds 5a, 5d, 5h, and 5j were the most active, with compound 5j exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.34 μg/ml against M.tb H37Rv. Additionally, the compounds were docked to determine the probable binding interactions and understand the mechanism of action of most active molecules on enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductases (InhA), which is involved in the mycobacterium fatty acid biosynthetic pathway.
Do the Colors of Educational Number Tools Improve Children’s Mathematics and Numerosity?
Authors: Rinaldi Louisa J. , Smees Rebecca , Alvarez James , Simner Julia 
Published: October 2019

This study examined how colored educational tools improve children’s numerosity (“number sense”) and/or mathematics. We tested children 6–10 years (n = 3,236) who had been exposed to colored numbers from the educational tools Numicon (Oxford University Press, 2018) or Numberjacks (Ellis, 2006), which map colors to magnitudes or Arabic numerals, respectively. In a free association task pairing numbers with colors, a subset of children spontaneously provided colors matching one of these schemas. These children, who had internalized Numicon (colored magnitude), showed significantly better numerosity but not mathematics compared to peers. There was no similar benefit from internalizing Numberjacks (colored numerals). These data support a model in which colored number tools provide benefits at different levels of numerical cognition, according to their different levels of cross‐modal mappings.
Riverine macrophytes control seasonal nutrient uptake via both physical and biological pathways
Authors: Riis Tenna , Tank Jennifer L. , Reisinger Alexander J. , Aubenau Antoine , Roche Kevin R. , Levi Peter S. , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Alnoee Anette B. , Bolster Diogo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

In low‐gradient, macrophyte‐rich rivers, we expect that the significant change in macrophyte biomass among seasons will strongly influence both biological activity and hydraulic conditions resulting in significant effects on nutrient dynamics. Understanding seasonal variation will improve modelling of nutrient transport in river networks, including annual estimations of export, which could optimise decision‐making and management outcomes.

We explored the relationships among seasonal differences in reach‐scale nutrient uptake, macrophyte abundance, solute transport and transient storage in the River Gudenå (Denmark), a large macrophyte‐rich river. We used the minimal pulse addition technique to measure uptake of ammonium, nitrate, soluble reactive phosphorus, as well as reach‐scale metabolism, and surface transient storage in spring, summer, and autumn.

We found that riverine uptake changed among seasons and was linked to macrophyte biomass via both biological activity, reflected in reach‐scale metabolism, and through physical processes, as solute transport was influenced by longitudinal dispersion. In this macrophyte‐rich river, seasonal changes in macrophyte biomass affected contact time between the water and biota, which influenced ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorus uptake. Using stoichiometric scaling of reach‐scale metabolism, we found that seasonal variation also influenced the relative contributions of autotrophic and heterotrophic biota in assimilatory uptake.

In summary, riverine nutrient uptake was not static, highlighting the importance of seasonality, with significant implications for modelling of nutrient export in river networks. Moreover, current management strategies that remove macrophyte biomass (i.e. weed cutting and dredging) will short‐circuit the positive effects of enhanced nutrient uptake resulting from abundant macrophytes in rivers.
When to start and when to stop: Effects of climate on breeding in a multi‐brooded songbird
Authors: Lv Lei , Liu Yang , Osmond Helen L. , Cockburn Andrew , Kruuk Loeske E. B. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractClimate warming has been shown to affect the timing of the onset of breeding of many bird species across the world. However, for multi‐brooded species, climate may also affect the timing of the end of the breeding season, and hence also its duration, and these effects may have consequences for fitness. We used 28 years of field data to investigate the links between climate, timing of breeding, and breeding success in a cooperatively breeding passerine, the superb fairy‐wren (Malurus cyaneus). This multi‐brooded species from southeastern Australia has a long breeding season and high variation in phenology between individuals. By applying a “sliding window” approach, we found that higher minimum temperatures in early spring resulted in an earlier start and a longer duration of breeding, whereas less rainfall and more heatwaves (days > 29°C) in late summer resulted in an earlier end and a shorter duration of breeding. Using a hurdle model analysis, we found that earlier start dates did not predict whether or not females produced any young in a season. However, for successful females who produced at least one young, earlier start dates were associated with higher numbers of young produced in a season. Earlier end dates were associated with ahigherprobability of producing at least one young, presumably because unsuccessful females kept trying when others had ceased. Despite larger scale trends in climate, climate variables in the windows relevant to this species’ phenology did not change across years, and there were no temporal trends in phenology during our study period. Our results illustrate a scenario in which higher temperatures advanced both start and end dates of individuals’ breeding seasons, but did not generate an overall temporal shift in breeding times. They also suggest that the complexity of selection pressures on breeding phenology in multi‐brooded species may have been underestimated.
Skin lesions and vancomycin use in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Schurder Juliet , Morel Pauline , Blanc Julie , Clerté Maëva , Ridel Christophe , Touzot Maxime 
Published: October 2019

AbstractVancomycin is a widely used antibiotic in hemodialysis patients. The main complications include renal toxicity and skin lesions. Herein, we report the case of a 29‐year‐old hemodialysis patient who presented a bullous pruriginous dermatosis after vancomycin treatment. A skin biopsy revealed a linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD). This is a rare form of dermatosis and is either idiopathic or more likely vancomycin‐induced. Similarities in the molecular structure of vancomycin and epidermal basement membrane glycoproteins could explain the auto‐immune response. The overall prognosis after drug discontinuation and dermocorticoid treatment was good.
Modification of silicophosphate glass composition, structure, and properties via crucible material and melting conditions
Authors: Sawangboon Nuttawan , Nizamutdinova Alina , Uesbeck Tobias , Limbach René , Meechoowas Ekarat , Tapasa Kanit , Möncke Doris , Wondraczek Lothar , Kamitsos Efstratios I. , van Wüllen Leo , Brauer Delia S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCeramic crucibles are known to corrode in contact with glass melts. Here, we investigate the effect of alumina and fused silica crucibles on the composition, structure, and properties of silicophosphate glasses. Glasses in the system 0.3 Na2O‐0.6 P2O5‐0.1 SiO2were melted in platinum, alumina, or fused silica crucibles at 900°C or 1200°C for 0.5‐12 hours. Al2O3and SiO2were found to leach from the crucibles into the glass melt and alter the glass composition: Al2O3content increased with melting temperature and time, resulting in up to 10 mol% Al2O3; SiO2from fused silica crucibles was also introduced into the glass, resulting in a 25% higher SiO2content compared to the nominal composition. Glass density, transition temperature, thermal expansion, and mechanical properties were strongly affected by these compositional changes. Based on vibrational spectroscopy, this is explained by increasing numbers of P–O–Al or P–O–Si bonds, resulting in a depolymerization of the phosphate network, and ionic cross‐linking by high field strength aluminum or silicon ions. With increasing alumina content, P–O–Si bonds were replaced by P–O–Al bonds.31P and27Al MAS NMR spectra revealed that aluminum is present in sixfold coordination exclusively and fully bonded to phosphate species, connecting phosphate groups by P–O–Al–O–P bonds.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of alkaloids extracted from Dendrobium aphyllum on macrophage RAW 264.7 cells through NO production and reduced IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α and PGE2 expression
Authors: Wang Qin , Liang Jiaxi , Stephen Brennan Charles , Ma Lukai , Li Yanfu , Lin Xiaohui , Liu Huifan , Wu Jihong 
Published: October 2019

SummaryDendrobium aphyllum is an edible plant that is used as a functional food to improve health. We previously examined peptides and polysaccharides extracted from Dendrobium aphyllum; however, we did not investigate D. aphyllum’s alkaloid compounds and their functions. In this study, we detail the composition of alkaloids from Dendrobium aphyllum (DAA), including 2α, 3β‐dihydroxy nortropane, 1‐methyl‐2‐[(4Z,7Z)‐4,7‐tridecadienyl]‐4(1H)‐quinolone and maokonine, which were first identified by UPLC‐MS analysis. Furthermore, the anti‐inflammatory activity of DAA on LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages was examined. DAA treatment inhibited LPS‐induced NO production and decreased (P < 0.05) IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α and PGE2 secretion in the RAW 264.7 macrophages. DAA treatment also inhibited COX‐2 and iNOS mRNA expression in a dose‐dependent manner, indicating that these compounds can attenuate the synthesis of the above‐mentioned molecules at the transcriptional level, tentatively confirming their anti‐inflammatory effect.
Effects of oxygen partial pressure on the thermodynamics of CaO–SiO2–VOx system at 1873 K
Authors: Yan Baijun , Wang Daya , Deng Tengfei , Wu Liusun , Dong Yuanchi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this study, two aspects concerning with the thermodynamics of CaO–SiO2–VOx system were investigated. One aspect is about the effects of oxygen partial pressure on the phase relationships in CaO–SiO2–VOx system at 1873 K, and the other is the measurement of the standard Gibbs energy of formation of the vanadium compounds. In the first aspect, the phase relationships in CaO–SiO2–VOx system at 1873 K under oxygen partial pressure of 1.7 × 10−9 atm were determined, and the isothermal section diagram was constructed. Furthermore, by comparing this diagram with that under 6.9 × 10−11 atm, the effects caused by oxygen partial pressure on this system were elucidated. With the increase in oxygen partial pressure, the compound CaV2O4 that exists stably under 6.9 × 10−11 atm is oxidized to V2O3 and CaVO3. The solubility limit of V2O3 in liquid phase also increases remarkably, which results in the enlargement of the single liquid area. In the second aspect, the standard Gibbs energy of formation of CaV2O4, CaVO3, V2O3, and Ca2Si1−δVδO4 (0 < δ < 0.1) at 1873 K were measured. The determined values for CaV2O4 and CaVO3 are −1 259 468.9 ± 5090.5 J/mol and −963 479.8 ± 3298.6 J/mol, respectively. Then, the limit of oxygen partial pressure for CaV2O4 existing stably at 1873 K is determined to be 4.4 × 10−10 atm.
Increasing physical activity in adult women with Prader–Willi syndrome: A transferability study
Authors: Bellicha Alice , Coupaye Muriel , Hocquaux Léonore , Speter Fanny , Oppert Jean‐Michel , Poitou Christine 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe present authors aimed (a) to objectively quantify spontaneous physical activity (PA) in adult patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and (b) to evaluate the transferability of a home‐based exercise training programme in these patients.MethodPhysical activity was compared between 10 adult women with PWS (PWS group) and 20 adult women with non‐syndromic obesity (CON group, for cross‐sectional comparison). In the PWS group, PA, body composition, walking capacity, quality of life and eating behaviour were then compared before and after a 16‐week supervised exercise programme.ResultsThe PWS group displayed lower PA and higher sedentary time compared to the CON group. Median attendance to exercise sessions reached 100% (Q1‐Q3: 97%–100%) sessions. Moderate‐to‐vigorous PA and walking capacity increased after the programme without significant effect on body composition.ConclusionSupervised home‐based exercise sessions are an effective strategy to improve PA in women with PWS who are less active than women matched for adiposity.