bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal evolution offsets the elevated toxicity of a contaminant under warming: A resurrection study in Daphnia magna
Authors: Zhang Chao , Jansen Mieke , De Meester Luc , Stoks Robby 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSynergistic interactions between temperature and contaminants are a major challenge for ecological risk assessment, especially under global warming. While thermal evolution may increase the ability to deal with warming, it is unknown whether it may also affect the ability to deal with the many contaminants that are more toxic at higher temperatures. We investigated how evolution of genetic adaptation to warming affected the interactions between warming and a novel stressor: zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) in a natural population of Daphnia magna using resurrection ecology. We hatched resting eggs from two D. magna subpopulations (old: 1955–1965, recent: 1995–2005) from the sediment of a lake that experienced an increase in average temperature and in recurrence of heat waves but was never exposed to industrial waste. In the old “ancestral” subpopulation, exposure to a sublethal concentration of nZnO decreased the intrinsic growth rate, metabolic activity, and energy reserves at 24°C but not at 20°C, indicating a synergism between warming and nZnO. In contrast, these synergistic effects disappeared in the recent “derived” subpopulation that evolved a lower sensitivity to nZnO at 24°C, which indicates that thermal evolution could offset the elevated toxicity of nZnO under warming. This evolution of reduced sensitivity to nZnO under warming could not be explained by changes in the total internal zinc accumulation but was partially associated with the evolution of the expression of a key metal detoxification gene under warming. Our results suggest that the increased sensitivity to the sublethal concentration of nZnO under the predicted 4°C warming by the end of this century may be counteracted by thermal evolution in this D. magna population. Our results illustrate the importance of evolution to warming in shaping the responses to another anthropogenic stressor, here a contaminant. More general, genetic adaptation to an environmental stressor may ensure that synergistic effects between contaminants and this environmental stressor will not be present anymore.
A novel approach for palatal cyst ablation in a horse
Authors: Sinovich M. , Kelly P. G. , Archer D. C. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAn 18‐month‐old Welsh Cob was referred to a university teaching hospital for investigation of abnormal respiratory noise at rest. Video‐endoscopy revealed persistent displacement of the soft palate with bilateral 2–3 cm diameter raised areas on either side of the midline. Neither trans‐nasal nor oral approaches allowed sufficient visualisation of the caudal soft palate for diagnosis or treatment. Latero‐lateral radiographs showed a blunted, thickened caudal edge of the soft palate consistent with a palatal cyst. Two palatal cysts were thermally ablated with a transendoscopic diode laser via temporary tracheotomy. The horse recovered uneventfully and resolution of the displacement was evident on follow‐up endoscopy 11 months later. This report documents a novel surgical approach to the caudal aspect of the soft palate.
PD‐L1 expression in tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes is a poor prognostic factor for primary acral melanoma patients
Authors: Ren Min , Dai Bo , Kong Yun‐Yi , Lv Jiao‐Jie , Cai Xu 
Published: April 2018

AimsProgrammed cell death protein 1–programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) blockade immunotherapy has shown notable therapeutic benefit in metastatic melanoma, but the clinical relevance of PD‐L1 expression remains unclear in melanoma, especially in acral melanoma, which is the most common subtype in Asians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of PD‐L1 expression in primary acral melanoma.Methods and resultsWe used immunohistochemistry to evaluate PD‐L1 expression in tumour cells and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and analysed its associations with clinicopathological features and survival in 78 primary acral melanoma patients. We found that expression of PD‐L1 in tumour cells and TILs occurred exclusively in a tumour–stroma interface pattern, consistent with the predominant pattern of TIL distribution. The presence of peritumoral TILs was also associated with high PD‐L1 expression in tumour cells. Furthermore, PD‐L1 expression in tumour cells and that in TILs showed a close relationship (Spearman's rho = 0.381, P = 0.001). However, neither PD‐L1 expression in tumour cells nor that in TILs was significantly correlated with clinicopathological features. In univariate analysis, cases with PD‐L1‐positive TILs had significantly poorer survival than those with PD‐L1‐negative TILs (median disease‐specific survival of 40.7 months versus 78.0 months; P = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, PD‐L1 expression in TILs was an independent factor for poor prognosis (P = 0.032), whereas PD‐L1 expression in tumour cells was not significantly correlated with survival in univariate analysis (P = 0.378) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.354).ConclusionThis is the first study to demonstrate that PD‐L1 expression in TILs, but not that in tumour cells, is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in acral melanoma.
Bone Regeneration in rat using a gelatin/bioactive glass nanocomposite scaffold along with endothelial cells (HUVECs)
Authors: Kazemi Mansure , Azami Mahmoud , Johari Behrooz , Ahmadzadehzarajabad Maryam , Nazari Bahareh , Kargozar Saeid , Hajighasemlou Saieh , Mozafari Masoud , Soleimani Mansooreh , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Farajollahi Mohammad 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn our previous study, a three‐dimensional gelatin/bioactive glass nanocomposite scaffold with a total porosity of about 85% and pore sizes ranging from 200 to 500 μm was prepared through layer solvent casting combined with lamination technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro biocompatibility and in vivo bone regeneration potential of these scaffolds with and without endothelial cells when implanted into a critical‐sized rat calvarial defect. MTT assay, SEM observation, and DAPI staining were used to evaluate cell viability and adhesion in macroporous scaffolds and results demonstrated that the scaffolds were biocompatible enough to support cell attachment and proliferation. To investigate the in vivo osteogenesis of the scaffold, blank scaffolds and endothelial/scaffold constructs were implanted in critical‐sized defects, whereas in control group defects were left untreated. Bone regeneration and vascularization were evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks postsurgery by histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric analysis. It was shown that both groups facilitated bone growth into the defect area but improved bone regeneration was seen with the incorporation of endothelial cells. The data showed that the porous Gel/BaG nanocomposite scaffolds could well support new bone formation, indicating that the proposed strategy is a promising alternative for tissue‐engineered bone defects.
Are You A Terrorist? Comparing Security Screening for Iraqi Asylum Seekers in the United States and Sweden
Authors: Micinski Nicholas R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHow can countries balance demands for national security while remaining committed to humanitarian protection? In 2016, the United States and European Union agreed to resettle significant numbers of refugees. Some politicians, including President Trump, argued that refugees are a security threat, even though there are few refugees connected to terrorism. This article investigates how the United States and Sweden screened for terrorism with Iraqi asylum seekers from 2003‐2013, in order to discover how states balance protection and security. This study finds significant policy convergence in three areas (security checks and databases, interagency cooperation, and safety valve programmes), but retains different definitions of terrorism. Policy convergence was driven by international law, UNHCR guidance notes, and international conferences. The study concludes by discussing the policy implications for “extreme vetting” and the use of future safety valve programmes.
Policy Implications

From 2003‐2013, both the US and Sweden added new security checks, databases, and interagency cooperation. One lesson is that in response to perceived security threats, states often add new layers of bureaucracy and technologies, resulting in slower, more burdensome processes.

To overcome these barriers, both the US and Sweden created safety value immigration programmes to relieve the pressure from overwhelming demand from Iraqi asylum‐seekers. Policymakers should consider the strategic use of safety valve programmes to speed up processing, allocate additional resources, and provide temporary protection without revising the wider immigration systems.
Entrepreneurial Motivations and Capabilities of Migrant Entrepreneurs in Australia
Authors: Rametse Nthati , Moremong‐Nganunu Topoyame , Ding Ming Juan , Arenius Pia 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article presents findings on immigrant entrepreneurship in Australia. The relationship between the entrepreneurial start‐up motivation, co‐ethnic preferences and entrepreneurial capabilities of established immigrant businesses are explored. We analyse data collected with a self‐administered survey questionnaire from 157 immigrant entrepreneurs in Melbourne's suburbs. Our findings show that immigrant entrepreneurs who report a high level of individual achievement as their start‐up motivation also report high levels of entrepreneurial capabilities in terms of opportunity recognition, managerial innovativeness and proactiveness. Immigrant entrepreneurs who are highly influenced by co‐ethnic preferences on staff employment and customer targeting report higher opportunity recognition than those who have a co‐ethnic preference on suppliers. We provide important insights and explanations for these findings and their implications for Australian immigrant entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Impacts of microbiome metabolites on immune regulation and autoimmunity
Authors: Haase Stefanie , Haghikia Aiden , Wilck Nicola , Müller Dominik N. , Linker Ralf A. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryA vast number of studies have demonstrated a remarkable role for the gut microbiota and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS, have revealed that modifying certain intestinal bacterial populations may influence immune cell priming in the periphery, resulting in dysregulation of immune responses and neuroinflammatory processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Conversely, some commensal bacteria and their antigenic products can protect against inflammation within the CNS. Specific components of the gut microbiome have been implicated in the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and subsequent generation of Th17 cells. Similarly, commensal bacteria and their metabolites can also promote the generation of regulatory T‐cells (Treg), contributing to immune suppression. Short‐chain fatty acids may induce Treg either by G‐protein‐coupled receptors or inhibition of histone deacetylases. Tryptophan metabolites may suppress inflammatory responses by acting on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in T‐cells or astrocytes. Interestingly, secretion of these metabolites can be impaired by excess consumption of dietary components, such as long‐chain fatty acids or salt, indicating that the diet represents an environmental factor affecting the complex crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the immune system. This review discusses new aspects of host–microbiota interaction and the immune system with a special focus on MS as a prototype T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune disease of the CNS.
Microstructure and thermal conductivity of fully ceramic microencapsulated fuel fabricated by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Cao Fangcheng , Fan Xiaohui , Liu Bing , Zhao Xiaofeng , Guo Fangwei , Xiao Ping 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFully ceramic microencapsulated pellet (FCM), consisting of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles embedded in silicon carbide (SiC) matrix, was fabricated using spark plasma sintering. The parameters affecting the densification of SiC matrix were first investigated, and then FCM pellets were prepared using TRISO particles with/without outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer. Effects of thermal exposure on the TRISO particles during SPS were evaluated. In addition, the thermal condcutvitities of FCM pellet, as well as the SiC matrix, were measured using laser flash. It was revealed that the TRISO particles with OPyC layers significantly lower the thermal conductivity of FCM pellet. Based on Maxwell‐Eucken model, the predicted effective thermal conductivities of TRISO particles with/without OPyC layers were 14.4 W/m K and 25.2 W/m K, respectively. Finite elements simulation indicated that the SiC layer in TRISO particle plays a dominant role on the thermal conductivity of FCM. The presence of OPyC layers would generate gaps/porous SiC near the interface and resist the heat flows, leading to a lower thermal conductivity of FCM.
Automated 3D assembly of periodic alumina‐epoxy composite structures
Authors: Biggemann Jonas , Diepold Benedikt , Pezoldt Marc , Stumpf Martin , Greil Peter , Fey Tobias 
Published: April 2018

AbstractModular composites with a 3D periodic structure, consisting of a major brittle inorganic phase (building blocks) and a minor viscoelastic organic matrix, offer great potentials for improved fracture toughness and failure probability in polymer‐ceramic composites. Alumina building blocks with dimensions of 1500 μm were assembled by a novel placing system equipped with an automatic optical inspection (AOI) system. The AOI system coupled with shape recognition enables simultaneous dimensional characterization, tolerance sorting, and flexible placing of different shaped building blocks. 3D periodic structures with cubic, monoclinic, and triclinic unit cells were fabricated by high accuracy placing of cubic building blocks enabling near‐net shape manufacturing. The placing precision of the assembled structures was determined by μCT to have a maximum deviation of ±78 μm. The structures were afterward infiltrated with a soft epoxy resin to fabricate epoxy‐alumina composites. The brick‐and‐mortar like building block arrangements of the monoclinic and triclinic structures exhibited improved bending strength, fracture toughness, and failure probability compared to monolithic epoxy, due to crack deflection and pull‐out toughening mechanisms. A maximum bending strength of 35.1 ± 7.5 MPa, a work‐of‐fracture of 814.7 ± 255.1 J/m² and a calculated fracture toughness of 4.8 ± 0.8 MPa for the triclinic structures was achieved.
Multiple Pleistocene refugia and repeated phylogeographic breaks in the southern Caspian Sea region: Insights from the freshwater crab Potamon ibericum
Authors: Parvizi Elaheh , Naderloo Reza , Keikhosravi Alireza , Solhjouy‐Fard Samaneh , Schubart Christoph D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimPhylogeographic studies on a number of Western Palaearctic taxa imply that the southern Caspian Sea region served as a refugium during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Nevertheless, the LGM biogeography of the terrestrial and freshwater organisms in this region is poorly understood. By studying phylogeography of a species of freshwater crab, we unravel the location of probable local refugia and colonization patterns across this topographically complex landscape.LocationSouthern Caspian Sea region.TaxonThe freshwater crab Potamon ibericum.MethodsWe inferred the demographic history of Potamon ibericum using 163 mtDNA Cox1 sequences from 16 localities. For a subset of specimens, we amplified mtDNA 16S and four nuclear markers (28S, Histone3, Enolase, NaK) to confirm the phylogeographic structure. We tested Pleistocene expansion–contraction dynamics, using species distribution modelling (SDM) and assessed morphological variability by geometric–morphometric methods.ResultsMitochondrial markers revealed the existence of three parapatrically distributed lineages in the western, central and eastern parts of the region. The more conserved nuclear markers did not reflect this. The SDM revealed the fundamental niche expansion of P. ibericum along the southern Caspian Sea during the LGM, agreeing with results from the Cox1 data of demographic expansions. Despite strong morphological resemblance, geometric–morphometrics elucidated clinal carapace shape variation.Main ConclusionsConsidering the Caspian Sea level fluctuations during the late Pleistocene, we hypothesize a scenario of demographic contraction during interglacial/warmer conditions, due to the Caspian Sea transgression and latitudinal range shift within the narrow distribution of the species between the southern Caspian Sea and northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. During the glacial periods, the sea regressed and moist and warm conditions, characterizing glacial refugia, became prevalent in the region and caused isolated populations to expand. Our study confirms the deep transverse phylogeographic break, previously identified for Darevskia lizards in the region, and adds support to the presence of several LGM refugia in the southern Caspian Sea region.
Historical stability promoted higher functional specialization and originality in Neotropical stream fish assemblages
Authors: Rodrigues‐Filho Carlos A.S. , Leitão Rafael P. , Zuanon Jansen , Sánchez‐Botero Jorge I. , Baccaro Fabricio B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimDisturbances are events that influence the structure of biological assemblages, yet how historical disturbances have affected the functional structure of recent assemblages is still poorly known. We used species functional traits to investigate the effects of historical disturbances, such as past climate change (aridification), on the current structure of stream fish assemblages.LocationAmazon Basin and Brazilian Northeast streams.MethodsWe used measures of functional specialization and originality to assess the effects of historical disturbances on the structure of fish assemblages in streams with similar local environmental conditions in each biome (Amazonia and Caatinga). For this, we measured 15 traits related to locomotion, feeding and habitat use for each species sampled. We then compared the functional structure of each assemblage expressed as functional richness (FRic) and evenness (FEve) between biomes. We also used structured and random simulations of species extinctions to identify the influence of the loss of original and specialized species due to historical disturbance.ResultsWe found high levels of functional specialization in Amazonia (historically more stable) and redundancy in Caatinga (higher frequency of historical disturbances) regional assemblages, regardless of the inter‐biome differences in species richness. These results were also detected in local assemblages, suggesting that the effect of historical disturbances influences the structure of fish assemblages, both at small and large spatial scales.Main conclusionsThe historical stability in Amazonian fish assemblages may have favoured a higher taxonomic and FRic, as well as greater functional specialization and originality, compared to Caatinga assemblages. Our results reinforce the importance of understanding and evaluating the evolutionary history of ecosystems in order to describe the current functional structure of species assemblages.
Global patterns of dead fine root stocks in forest ecosystems
Authors: Wang Cunguo , Chen Zhao , Brunner Ivano , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Xianjin , Li Jiandong , Yin Hong , Guo Wei , Zhao Tianhong , Zheng Xingbo , Wang Shuqi , Geng Zhenzhen , Shen Si , Jin Daming , Li Mai‐He 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimDead fine roots are crucial components of the carbon cycle in global forest ecosystems. Despite their importance, knowledge concerning geographical patterns of dead fine root pools (necromass) and factors influencing their dynamics remain scarce across the globe.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe analysed 136 published case studies covering 169 forest sites located throughout the world to identify broad patterns of necromass and biomass (living fine root pools) and to determine the responses to climate, edaphic gradients and stand properties.ResultsW‐shaped pattern of forest necromass with latitude, from the Southern Hemisphere via the equator to the Northern Hemisphere, was observed. Specifically, more necromass was found at both low (tropical forests) and high latitudes (boreal forests), whereas less necromass was found at mid latitudes (temperate forests), which is in line with patterns of carbon stocks in soils at the global scale. Broad‐leaf forests had greater necromass than needle‐leaf forests, and fine root necromass of the two forest types showed opposing trends in response to shifts in mean annual precipitation and different sensitivities to changes in mean annual temperature and edaphic properties (e.g. soil carbon/nitrogen ratio and pH). Necromass increased with soil organic layer thickness and stand age for both forest types.Main conclusionsThe hemispheric symmetrical necromass distribution is likely determined by changes in environmental conditions across latitudes. Different responses of dead fine roots in broad‐leaf and needle‐leaf forests may be caused by their distinct allocation and accumulation of carbon in relation to climate and to edaphic and forest characteristics at the global scale. Our results have important implications for accurate quantification and modelling of forest ecosystem carbon stocks and cycles and for assessments of their sensitivity and stability in a changing climate.
Phylogeography of the widespread spider Nephila clavipes (Araneae: Araneidae) in South America indicates geologically and climatically driven lineage diversification
Authors: Bartoleti Luiz Filipe de Macedo , Peres Elen Arroyo , Fontes Fernanda von Hertwig Mascarenhas , da Silva Márcio José , Solferini Vera Nisaka 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimAmazonia and Atlantic Rain Forests share a common biogeographical origin and have an interconnected history that includes the drier biomes between them. It is not clear if the establishment of the South American Dry Diagonal promoted isolation between these forests or if connections between them have occurred after this event. We sought to investigate biotic diversification and geographical evolution in these biomes with a phylogeographical study of Nephila clavipes, a rain forest dwelling spider.LocationSouth America.MethodsWe collected 320 individuals from 49 sites and sequenced one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA regions. We analysed the genetic diversity, structure and demography, did phylogenetic inferences, estimated divergence times, inferred ancestral areas and applied a model‐based approach to test competitive hypotheses on the species’ evolution.ResultsAn ancient split, coincident with the Central Cordillera final uplift, segregated a Trans‐Andean Colombian lineage from the others. Four lineages occur in Brazil, with a Pleistocene divergence: one in Amazonia, one in the northern and southern Atlantic Forest and two associated with the Dry Diagonal, but also reaching the Southern Atlantic Forest and Amazonia. The biogeographical analysis indicated that some lineages have expanded their ranges along the Pleistocene.Main conclusionsPleistocene connections of Amazonia and Atlantic rain forests through the central part of the Cerrado were supported. No phylogeographical break was detected along the Atlantic Forest. Geological and climatic events contributed to lineage diversification in N. clavipes. Studying widely distributed species is primary in unveiling evolutionary patterns in highly complex regions.