bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species richness of birds along a complete rain forest elevational gradient in the tropics: Habitat complexity and food resources matter
Authors: Sam Katerina , Koane Bonny , Bardos David C. , Jeppy Samuel , Novotny Vojtech 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimWe examined whether the available surface area, temperature, or habitat complexity (foliage height diversity index) determine species richness of birds (and species richness of individual feeding guilds) along a complete forest elevational gradient. Further, we focused on the relationship between species richness of insectivorous birds and the availability of their food resources.LocationElevational gradient (200–3,700 m) of Mt Wilhelm (4,509 m a.s.l.), Central Range, Papua New Guinea.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe collected data on bird communities at eight sites (500 m elevational increment) during three surveys encompassing both dry and wet seasons over a 2‐year period. We used point counts, mist‐netting, and random walks throughout a standardized area. We tested three predictors of diversity and all of their combinations, in conjunction with sensitivity analyses for spatial effects. Habitat complexity (foliage height diversity index) and temperature were locally measured; surface area available within 200 m elevational intervals was obtained using GIS software. We further locally surveyed insect biomass and related it to species richness of insectivorous birds.ResultsBirds displayed a monotonic decline in species richness (from 113 to 35 bird species) with increasing elevation, and a nested pattern of species loss. The observed patterns were best explained by habitat complexity for the insectivores, frugivore‐insectivores, and total number of bird species. The available surface area was the best predictor for frugivorous birds. The mean temperature had a high correlation with species richness of all birds and gave the best fit of species richness for insectivore‐nectarivores and pure nectarivores. The biomass of insectivorous birds correlated with the biomass of arthropods. We ruled out the possibility that the elevational pattern observed in birds could be driven by a single phylogenetic radiation.Main conclusionsWe observed species richness patterns correlate well with habitat complexity and mean temperature, but mean temperature was not ranked as high as expected. Our results thus challenge the generally expected high importance of temperature as a regulator of water availability, production, and biochemical process that influence species richness, and underscore the importance of vegetation structure and the food resources as the driver of observed species richness.
The Sarracenia alata pitcher plant system and obligate arthropod inquilines should be considered an evolutionary community
Authors: Satler Jordan D. , Carstens Bryan C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThe Sarracenia alata pitcher plant and inquiline species comprise an ecological community. These inquilines span the continuum in their ecological association with the host pitcher plant, from species that contain little‐to‐no interaction with the plant to species that are completely dependent on the plant for their entire life cycle. We are interested in testing if degree of ecological dependence is positively correlated with a shared evolutionary history, and in identifying members of this community that display concordant phylogeographic structure.LocationSoutheastern United States.MethodsWe collected genome‐wide sequence data from a set of arthropods that are ecologically associated with the plant to estimate comparative phylogeographic patterns among the species. We estimated species tree distributions from biallelic unlinked SNP data and used phylogeographic concordance factors (PCFs) to test degree of phylogeographic concordance among community members. In addition, for each species we conducted an analysis of molecular variance and calculated FST values to identify population genetic structure across the landscape, and compared these traditional values to the tree‐based approach.ResultsObligate members of the pitcher plant community display concordant phylogeographic patterns, suggesting their ecological dependence has manifested itself into a shared evolutionary history. In contrast, two spider species do not contain significant population genetic structure or similar phylogeographic histories, highlighting their loose association with the host pitcher plant.Main conclusionThe S. alata pitcher plant system should be considered an evolutionary community, where multiple members sharing strong ecological interactions also display concordant phylogeographic structure. This work demonstrates that PCFs provide an important quantitative measure into assessing community structure and illustrates how simulations can be used to assess significance of shared patterns of phylogeographic structure across the landscape.
Diverse genotypes of the amphibian‐killing fungus produce distinct phenotypes through plastic responses to temperature
Authors: Muletz‐Wolz Carly R. , Barnett Samuel E. , DiRenzo Graziella V. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Toledo Luís Felipe , James Timothy Y. , Lips Karen R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPhenotypes are the target of selection and affect the ability of organisms to persist in variable environments. Phenotypes can be influenced directly by genes and/or by phenotypic plasticity. The amphibian‐killing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has a global distribution, unusually broad host range, and high genetic diversity. Phenotypic plasticity may be an important process that allows this pathogen to infect hundreds of species in diverse environments. We quantified phenotypic variation of nine Bd genotypes from two Bd lineages (Global Pandemic Lineage [GPL] and Brazil) and a hybrid (GPL‐Brazil) grown at three temperatures (12, 18 and 24°C). We measured five functional traits including two morphological traits (zoospore and zoosporangium sizes) and three life history traits (carrying capacity, time to fastest growth and exponential growth rate) in a phylogenetic framework. Temperature caused highly plastic responses within each genotype, with all Bd genotypes showing phenotypic plasticity in at least three traits. Among genotypes, Bd generally showed the same direction of plastic response to temperature: larger zoosporangia, higher carrying capacity, longer time to fastest growth and slower exponential growth at lower temperatures. The exception was zoospore size, which was highly variable. Our findings indicate that Bd genotypes have evolved novel phenotypes through plastic responses to temperature over very short timescales. High phenotypic variability likely extends to other traits and may facilitate the large host range and rapid spread of Bd.
Portuguese version of the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐9): Validation in a population of chronic pain patients
Authors: Sampaio Rute , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Dias Cláudia Camila , Horne Rob , Castro Lopes José M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of present study was to perform the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐P9) for the European Portuguese language in a sample of chronic pain patients.MethodsA Portuguese version of the nine‐item MARS (©Professor Rob Horne) scale (MARS‐P9) was constructed through a process of translation, back translation, and experts' panel evaluation. A total of 141 chronic pain patients were subsequently evaluated at four time assessments during a 1‐year pain medication treatment. The protocol interview included the assessment of pain intensity and interference (BPI), clinical outcomes and quality of life (S‐TOPS), and MARS‐P9.ResultsThe internal consistency coefficient was acceptable for the total scale (α = 0.84). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two‐factor structure (intentional and unintentional nonadherence) that explained 61% of the variance. Convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated by correlations between MARS scores and pain interference (r = 0.180, P ≤ 0.01) and S‐TOPS (r = 0.242, P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionMARS‐P9 has been shown to be an adequate instrument for Portuguese researchers and clinicians to assess the pattern of adherence during the management of chronic pain.
Post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones
Authors: Saito Hirokazu , Koga Takehiko , Sakaguchi Masafumi , Kadono Yoshihiro , Kamikawa Kentaro , Urata Atsushi , Imamura Haruo , Tada Shuji , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Matsushita Ikuo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimFor asymptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones, removal by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is recommended in available guidelines. However, few studies have reported the risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), which is the most common and serious ERCP‐related complication for asymptomatic CBD stones. We performed a propensity score matching analysis to examine the risk of PEP in therapeutic ERCP for asymptomatic CBD stones.MethodsInformation from medical databases of three institutions in Japan was collected over 6 years to identify 1113 patients with native papilla who underwent therapeutic ERCP for choledocholithiasis (excluding biliary pancreatitis). We compared the risk of PEP between asymptomatic and symptomatic groups by performing one‐to‐one propensity score matching.ResultsPEP was present in 52 (4.7%) of the 1113 patients overall. Of the 949 symptomatic patients, 28 (3.0%) had PEP, and of the 164 asymptomatic patients, 24 (14.6%) had PEP. The incidence of PEP was significantly higher in the asymptomatic group than in the symptomatic group (3.0% vs 14.6%; P < 0.001, odds ratio = 5.6). Of the 158 propensity score‐matched symptomatic patients, five (3.2%) had PEP. In contrast, of the 158 propensity score‐matched asymptomatic patients, 24 (15.2%) had PEP. Propensity score matching analysis revealed that the risk of PEP increased significantly in the asymptomatic group compared with the symptomatic group (3.2% vs 15.2%; P < 0.001, odds ratio = 5.5).ConclusionsERCP for asymptomatic CBD stones had a high risk of PEP. Endoscopists should explain in detail the risk of PEP to patients, especially those with asymptomatic CBD stones.
Long‐term outcomes after therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for anastomotic stenosis of choledochojejunostomy/pancreaticojejunostomy
Authors: Sano Itsuki , Katanuma Akio , Kuwatani Masaki , Kawakami Hiroshi , Kato Hironari , Itoi Takao , Ono Michihiro , Irisawa Atsushi , Okabe Yoshinobu , Iwashita Takuji , Yasuda Ichiro , Ryozawa Shomei , Kaino Seiji , Sakamoto Naoya 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimData on long‐term outcomes after therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using balloon‐assisted enteroscopy (BAE) for choledochojejunal anastomotic stenosis (CJS) or pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis (PJS) remain limited. We retrospectively assessed the long‐term results of patients who achieved clinical success using BAE for CJS and PJS.MethodsPatients who achieved technical and clinical success for CJS or PJS by BAE‐ERCP and were followed up for more than 6 months after the initial BAE‐ERCP therapy were retrospectively identified at 11 Japanese institutions. The primary end‐point was CJS or PJS recurrence rates. The secondary end‐points were initial therapy details, initial therapy complications, and CJS or PJS recurrence treatment details. We also evaluated restenosis‐associated factors.ResultsFrom September 2008 to December 2015, 67 patients (CJS, 61; PJS, six) were included. The overall CJS and PJS recurrence rates were 34.4% and 33.3%, respectively. The 1‐year CJS recurrence rate was 18.5% (95% confidence interval, 10.7–31.0). Of all the patients, 88.1% underwent balloon dilation at the anastomotic stenosis site; stent placement was performed in 15 of 67 patients (22.4%). The complication rate was 8.2% in CJS and 0% in PJS. In patients who underwent balloon dilation, “remaining waist” was significantly associated with CJS recurrence after anastomotic balloon dilation (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe long‐term outcomes of BAE‐ERCP were comparable with those of percutaneous transhepatic treatment or surgical re‐anastomosis.
Correlative infrared nanospectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy to investigate nanometric amyloid fibrils: prospects and challenges
Authors: PARTOUCHE DAVID , MATHURIN JÉRÉMIE , MALABIRADE ANTOINE , MARCO SERGIO , SANDT CHRISTOPHE , ARLUISON VÉRONIQUE , DENISET‐BESSEAU ARIANE , TRÉPOUT SYLVAIN 
Published: January 2019

SummaryPropagation of structural information through conformational changes in host‐encoded amyloid proteins is at the root of many neurodegenerative disorders. Although important breakthroughs have been made in the field, fundamental issues like the 3D‐structures of the fibrils involved in some of those disorders are still to be elucidated. To better characterise those nanometric fibrils, a broad range of techniques is currently available. Nevertheless none of them is able to perform direct chemical characterisation of single protein fibrils. In this work, we propose to investigate the structure of the C‐terminal region of a bacterial protein called Hfq as a model amyloidogenic protein, using a correlative approach. The complementary techniques used are transmission electron microscopy and a newly developed infrared nanospectroscopy technique called AFM‐IR. We introduce and discuss the strategy that we have implemented as well as the protocol, challenges and difficulties encountered during this study to characterise amyloid assemblies at the nearly single‐molecule level.Lay DescriptionPropagation of structural information through conformational changes in amyloid proteins is at the root of many neurodegenerative disorders. Amyloids are nanostructures originating from the aggregation of multiple copies of peptide or protein monomers that eventually form fibrils. Often described as being the cause for the development of various diseases, amyloid fibrils are of major significance in the public health domain. While important breakthroughs have been made in the field, fundamental issues like the 3D‐structures of the fibrils implied in some of those disorders are still to be elucidated. To better characterise these fibrils, a broad range of techniques is currently available for the detection and visualisation of amyloid nanostructures. Nevertheless none of them is able to perform direct chemical characterisation of single protein fibrils. In this work, we propose to investigate the structure of model amyloidogenic fibrils using a correlative approach. The complementary techniques used are transmission electron microscopy and a newly developed infrared nanospectroscopy technique called AFM‐IR that allows chemical characterisation at the nanometric scale. The strategy, protocol, challenges and difficulties encountered in this approach are introduced and discussed herein.
Leptin mediates the effects of melatonin on female reproduction in mammals
Authors: Lv Dongying , Tan Tan , Zhu Tianqi , Wang Jing , Zhang Suhong , Zhang Lu , Hu Xiaoxiang , Liu Guoshi , Xing Yiming 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMelatonin is a natural molecule produced in the pineal gland and other tissues. It participates in numerous biological activities including the regulation of reproduction. However, the mechanism by which melatonin affects mammalian female reproductive performance is not fully investigated. In the present study, it was observed that melatonin positively regulated the level of leptin in female mouse and pig. To understand the potential association between melatonin and leptin on the female reproductive activities, the melatonin receptor 1 MT1 knockout (MT1−/−) mouse and Leptin knockout (Leptin−/−) pig were created. It was found that the deficiency of MT1 caused low leptin secretion and litter size in mouse. Meanwhile, the deletion of leptin in pig did not affect melatonin production, but significantly reduced follicle‐stimulating hormone, estradiol‐17β (E2), and Luteinizing hormone and increased progesterone (P) at estrum stage, which also led to smaller litter size than that in control. Melatonin treatment increased the production of leptin in pigs, while the supplementary of leptin was also able to improve the ovulation number, polar body rates, and expression of StAR in MT1−/− females. Therefore, it is first time, we described that leptin is the downstream target of melatonin in regulating female reproduction. These findings provide the novel information on the physiology of melatonin in animal reproduction.
Superfolder mTurquoise2ox optimized for the bacterial periplasm allows high efficiency in vivo FRET of cell division antibiotic targets
Authors: Meiresonne Nils Y. , Consoli Elisa , Mertens Laureen M.Y. , Chertkova Anna O. , Goedhart Joachim , den Blaauwen Tanneke 
Published: January 2019

SummaryFluorescent proteins (FPs) are of vital importance to biomedical research. Many of the currently available fluorescent proteins do not fluoresce when expressed in non‐native environments, such as the bacterial periplasm. This strongly limits the options for applications that employ multiple FPs, such as multiplex imaging and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). To address this issue, we have engineered a new cyan fluorescent protein based on mTurquoise2 (mTq2). The new variant is dubbed superfolder turquoise2ox (sfTq2ox) and is able to withstand challenging, oxidizing environments. sfTq2ox has improved folding capabilities and can be expressed in the periplasm at higher concentrations without toxicity. This was tied to the replacement of native cysteines that may otherwise form promiscuous disulfide bonds. The improved sfTq2ox has the same spectroscopic properties as mTq2, that is, high fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield. The sfTq2ox‐mNeongreen FRET pair allows the detection of periplasmic protein‐protein interactions with energy transfer rates exceeding 40%. Employing the new FRET pair, we show the direct interaction of two essential periplasmic cell division proteins FtsL and FtsB and disrupt it by mutations, paving the way for in vivo antibiotic screening.SignificanceThe periplasmic space of Gram‐negative bacteria contains many regulatory, transport and cell wall‐maintaining proteins. A preferred method to investigate these proteins in vivo is by the detection of fluorescent protein fusions. This is challenging since most fluorescent proteins do not fluoresce in the oxidative environment of the periplasm. We assayed popular fluorescent proteins for periplasmic functionality and describe key factors responsible for periplasmic fluorescence. Using this knowledge, we engineered superfolder mTurquoise2ox (sfTq2ox), a new cyan fluorescent protein, capable of bright fluorescence in the periplasm. We show that our improvements come without a trade‐off from its parent mTurquoise2. Employing sfTq2ox as FRET donor, we show the direct in vivo interaction and disruption of unique periplasmic antibiotic targets FtsB and FtsL.
On Language Learner Agency: A Complex Dynamic Systems Theory Perspective
Authors: LARSEN–FREEMAN DIANE 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAgency has attracted considerable attention, especially of late. Nevertheless, perceptions of language learners as nonagentive persist. In this article the Douglas Fir Group's call for a transdisciplinary perspective is heeded in a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory's (CDST) conceptualization of agency. It is suggested that CDST maintains the structure–agency complementarity while bringing to the fore the relational and emergent nature of agency. Coordination dynamics is identified as a possible mechanism for the phylogenetic and ontogenetic emergence of agency. CDST further characterizes agency as spatially–temporally situated. It can be achieved and changed through iteration and co‐adaptation. It is also multidimensional and heterarchical. In this era of posthumanism, an issue that is also taken up is whether it is only humans who have agency. The article then discusses educational practices that could support learner agency. Finally, the article closes with a discussion of agency and ethical action.
Coralline red algae from the Silurian of Gotland indicate that the order Corallinales (Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) is much older than previously thought
Authors: Teichert Sebastian , Woelkerling William , Munnecke Axel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAguirrea fluegelii gen. et sp. nov. (Corallinales, Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) is described from the mid‐Silurian of Gotland Island, Sweden (Högklint Formation, lower Wenlock). The holotype is of dimerous construction and includes a uniporate conceptacle with a sporangium, thus providing evidence that taxa of the Corallinales/Corallinaceae existed at least 300 million years earlier than previously documented. Aguirrea fluegelii cannot be unequivocally placed in any of seven currently recognized lineages/subfamilies/groups of the Corallinaceae as not all diagnostic characters are preserved, and thus is accorded incertae sedis status within the family Corallinaceae and order Corallinales. Extant evolutionary history studies of Corallinophycidae involving molecular clocks now require updating using new calibration points to take account of the much earlier unequivocal mid‐Silurian record of uniporate conceptacle‐bearing taxa of Corallinales/Corallinaceae as well as the parallel record of Graticula, a genus attributed to the Sporolithales.
Let's Call it Quits: Break‐Even Effects in the Decision to Stop Taking Risks
Authors: Fraser‐Mackenzie Peter A. F. , Ma Tiejun , Sung Ming‐Chien , Johnson Johnnie E. V. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract“Chasing” behavior, whereby individuals, driven by a desire to break even, continue a risky activity (RA) despite incurring large losses, is a commonly observed phenomenon. We examine whether the desire to break even plays a wider role in decisions to stop engaging in financially motivated RA in a naturalistic setting. We test hypotheses, motivated by this research question, using a large data set: 707,152 transactions of 5,379 individual financial market spread traders between September 2004 and April 2013. The results indicate strong effects of changes in wealth around the break‐even point on the decision to cease an RA. An important mediating factor was the individual's historical long‐term performance. Those with a more profitable trading history were less affected by a fall in cash balance below the break‐even point compared to those who had been less profitable. We observe that break‐even points play an important role in the decision of nonpathological risk takers to stop RAs. It is possible, therefore, that these nonpathological cognitive processes, when occurring in extrema, may result in pathological gambling behavior such as “chasing.” Our data set focuses on RAs in financial markets and, consequently, we discuss the implications for institutions and regulators in the effective management of risk taking in markets. We also suggest that there may be a need to consider carefully the nature and role of “break‐even points” associated with a broader range of nonfinancially‐focused risk‐taking activities, such as smoking and substance abuse.