bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of state‐space modelling to identify ecological covariates associated with trends in pinniped demography
Authors: Caillat Marjolaine , Cordes Line , Thompson Paul , Matthiopoulos Jason , Smout Sophie 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Identifying and understanding ecological drivers that influence wildlife populations is challenging but critical for conservation. This typically requires integrating long‐term data on both the population and potential drivers within statistical models that are suitable for analysing these complex relationships. State‐space models offer one method for integrating such data. Once implemented within a Bayesian framework, these analyses can control for multifactorial influences on populations, allowing one to extract otherwise undetectable correlations between the environment and the underlying, inferred demography.
In the Moray Firth, Scotland, harbour seals have been counted annually for 30 years (1988–2018). A Bayesian state‐space model was used to explore whether patterns in vital rates were correlated to changes in prey abundance, inter‐specific competition (grey seal abundance), environmental variables [the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and sea‐surface temperature], or level of biotoxins (saxitoxin and domoic acid) in the Moray Firth waters.
The credible interval of the posterior distributions of three of these covariate coefficients (sandeel proxy, NAO and grey seal abundance) suggested that there was a relationship between those covariates and vital rates. Both the sandeel proxy and NAO showed a positive correlation with fecundity, whereas grey seal abundance had a negative impact on pup survival.
This work demonstrates how an integrated state‐space modelling approach can bring together diverse data sets and point to important interactions with prey, and with other predators in the system. This suggests that the wider‐scale management of UK harbour seal populations with their contrasting temporal trends needs to account for variation in the marine ecosystem at appropriate spatial scales, in line with current policy concerning spatial planning in the marine environment.
Site fidelity and movement patterns of short‐finned pilot whales within the Canary Islands: Evidence for resident and transient populations
Authors: Servidio Antonella , Pérez‐Gil Enrique , Pérez‐Gil Mónica , Cañadas Ana , Hammond Philip S. , Martín Vidal 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

The geographic location and oceanographic, physical, and chemical water properties make the Canary Islands one of the planet's biodiversity hotspots. The short‐finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) is one of the archipelago's most commonly encountered species and is potentially vulnerable to a range of anthropogenic pressures, including habitat degradation, acoustic pollution, fishing, whale‐watching operations, and shipping. Assessment of impact has not been possible because of a lack of even basic information about occurrence and distribution.
Spatial and temporal distributions, ranging behaviour, and residence patterns of short‐finned pilot whales were explored for the first time using survey and photo‐identification data collected in the Canary Islands between 1999 and 2012. In total, 1,081 pilot whale sightings were recorded during 70,620 km of search effort over 1,782 survey days.
Pilot whales were detected year round and distributed non‐uniformly within the archipelago, with greater densities concentrated in patchy areas mainly on the leeward side of the main islands. In total, 1,320 well‐marked individuals were identified, which exhibited a large degree of variability in site fidelity.
Different but not isolated subpopulations of pilot whales that share ranges and maintain social interactions were apparently present in the Canary Islands. Strong evidence of an island‐associated subpopulation was found, with a group of 50 ‘core resident’ individuals associated particularly with Tenerife. There were also ‘transient’ individuals or temporary migrants, which, probably driven by inter‐ and intra‐specific competition, may travel long distances whilst using the archipelago as part of a larger range.
These findings fill a major gap in the knowledge of this species’ occurrence, distribution, movements, and site fidelity in the archipelago and provide much needed data to allow the initiation of informed conservation assessments and management actions.
Fine‐scale population structure and connectivity of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in European waters and implications for conservation
Authors: Nykänen Milaja , Louis Marie , Dillane Eileen , Alfonsi Eric , Berrow Simon , O'Brien Joanne , Brownlow Andrew , Covelo Pablo , Dabin Willy , Deaville Rob , de Stephanis Renaud , Gally François , Gauffier Pauline , Ingram Simon N. , Lucas Tamara , Mirimin Luca , Penrose Rod , Rogan Emer , Silva Mónica A. , Simon‐Bouhet Benoit , Gaggiotti Oscar E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Protecting species often involves the designation of protected areas, wherein suitable management strategies are applied either at the taxon or ecosystem level. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) have been created in European waters under the Habitats Directive to protect bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, which forms two ecotypes, pelagic and coastal.
The SACs have been designated in coastal waters based on photo‐identification studies that have indicated that bottlenose dolphins have relatively high site fidelity. However, individuals can carry out long‐distance movements, which suggests potential for demographic connectivity between the SACs as well as with other areas.
Connectivity can be studied using genetic markers. Previous studies on the species in this area used different sets of genetic markers and therefore inference on the fine‐scale population structure and demographic connectivity has not yet been made at a large scale. A common set of microsatellite markers was used in this study to provide the first comprehensive estimate of genetic structure of bottlenose dolphins in European Atlantic waters.
As in previous studies, a high level of genetic differentiation was found between coastal and pelagic populations. Genetic structure was defined at an unprecedented fine‐scale level for coastal dolphins, leading to identification of five distinct coastal populations inhabiting the following areas: Shannon estuary, west coast of Ireland, English Channel, coastal Galicia, east coast of Scotland and Wales/west Scotland. Demographic connectivity was very low among most populations with <10% migration rate, suggesting no demographic coupling among them. Each local population should therefore be monitored separately.
The results of this study have the potential to be used to identify management units for bottlenose dolphins in this region and thus offer a significant contribution to the conservation of the species in European Atlantic waters. Future studies should prioritize obtaining biopsies from free‐living dolphins from areas where only samples from stranded animals were available, i.e. Wales, west Scotland and Galicia, in order to reduce uncertainty caused by sample origin doubt, as well as from areas not included in this study (e.g. Iroise Sea, France). Furthermore, future management strategies should include monitoring local population dynamics and could also consider other options, such as population viability analysis or the incorporation of genetic data with ecological data (e.g. stable isotope analysis) in the designation of management units.
H∞ switching fuzzy control of solar power generation systems with asymmetric input constraint
Authors: Nasri Mohamed , Saifia Dounia , Chadli Mohammed , Labiod Salim 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis paper aims at presenting a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for photovoltaic (PV) systems subject to asymmetric input constraint. Indeed, the output voltage of the DC‐DC converter used for adjusting the photovoltaic output power can be controlled by means of variation of duty ratio limited between 1 and 0. The control design goal is to improve the efficiency of PV systems under asymmetric saturation of duty ratio. To achieve this goal, first, a Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model is used to represent the nonlinear behavior of the PV system. A T–S reference model is employed to give the ideal state direction which must be followed. To achieve a good steady state tracking, the integral of the state tracking error is used to define an extended system state vector. Second, the input characteristic is partitioned into several regions. In each region, the asymmetric saturation function can be considered as a symmetric saturation function. Furthermore, H∞ stabilization conditions for the resulting switching fuzzy control of the PV system under actuator saturation are formulated in term of linear matrix inequalities (LMI) using the Lyapunov approach. Simulation results are exhibited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Prenatal treatment path for angelman syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Zylka Mark J. 
Published: September 2019

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation or deletion of the maternally inheritedUBE3Aallele. These pathogenic mutations lead to loss of maternalUBE3Aexpression in neurons. Antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapies are in development, which activate the intact but epigenetically silenced paternalUBE3Aallele. Preclinical studies indicate that treating during the prenatal period could greatly reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent AS from developing. Genetic tests can detect the chromosome 15q11‐q13 deletion that is the most common cause of AS. New, highly sensitive noninvasive prenatal tests that take advantage of single‐cell genome sequencing technologies are expected to enter the clinic in the coming years and make early genetic diagnosis of AS more common. Efforts are needed to identify fetuses and newborns with maternal 15q11‐q13 deletions and to phenotype these babies relative to neurotypical controls. Clinical and parent observations suggest AS symptoms are detectable in infants, including reports of problems with feeding and motor function. Quantitative phenotypes in the 0‐ to 1‐year age range will permit a more rapid assessment of efficacy when future treatments are administered prenatally or shortly after birth. Although prenatal therapies are currently not available for AS, prenatal testing combined with prenatal treatment has the potential to revolutionize how clinicians detect and treat babies before they are symptomatic. This pioneering prenatal treatment path for AS will lay the foundation for treating other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders.Autism Res2020, 13: 11–17. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay summaryPrenatal treatment could benefit expectant parents whose babies test positive for the chromosome microdeletion that causes Angelman syndrome (AS). Prenatal treatment is predicted to have better outcomes than treating after symptoms develop and may even prevent AS altogether. This approach could generally be applied to the treatment of other syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders.
The emotional psychologist: A qualitative investigation of norms, dilemmas, and contradictions in accounts of practice
Authors: Van Der Merwe Helen , Wetherell Margaret 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAlthough the psychologist's own emotional management is an integral part of psychological therapy, it is often assumed rather than discussed; the “feeling rules” for the profession are unarticulated. This research explores psychologists' accounts of emoting within the therapeutic relationship to explore the profession's norms and expectations for emotional expression and to look critically at their function. We use the affective practice theory of emotion to consider how emotions come to be patterned within the frames set by the occupational identity of the psychologist. Through analysing transcripts from interviews with practicing psychologists, we produce accounts of three interpretative repertoires and associated subject positions. We consider how psychologists have come to construct their emotions in dilemmatic ways and how this construction of emotions is part of what demarcates them as a social group.
Rheological properties of toasted bread using a modified American Association of Cereal Chemists method to determine compressive force values
Authors: Sato Yukinori 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesUsing a modified American Association of Cereal Chemists parameter for white bread crumb, CFV20, toasted bread firmness was investigated according to color changes on the surface of toasted bread.FindingsThe L* value decreased significantly with toasting level, compared with changes in both a* and b*. To characterize the relationship between color and the rheological properties of the bread surface, a rheological parameter for bread surface was proposed, Sin, which represents the slope of the force plotted against the plunger distance at a depth of <1 mm below the surface of the bread. The Sin value of the toasted bread corresponded well with toasting level and CFV20 when toasted at low levels, suggesting that the surface firmness reflects the inner firmness of the toasted bread. A tactility sensory evaluation also supported the change in the CFV20 of toasted bread. In addition, the sensory evaluation values did not seem to be intimately influenced by the panel number, at least between n = 5 and n = 12. The rheological property CFV20 increased with decreasing L*. Therefore, L* seems to be a simple tool for measuring the rheological properties of the inner toasted bread.ConclusionsColor determination using the L* value of the toasted bread surface can be used to estimate the inner firmness of the bread.Significance and noveltyThe texture of toasted bread has not been reported. The parameter Sin was proposed as a rheological parameter representing the surface of toasted bread. The firmness of toasted bread according to the change in surface color was investigated in this study.
Micro‐ and Nanoscopic Imaging of Enzymatic Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Zigah Dodzi , Lojou Elisabeth , de Poulpiquet Anne 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRedox enzymes, which catalyze electron transfer reactions in living organisms, can be used as selective and sensitive bioreceptors in biosensors, or as efficient catalysts in biofuel cells. In these bioelectrochemical devices, the enzymes are immobilized at a conductive surface, the electrode, with which they must be able to exchange electrons. Different physicochemical methods have been coupled to electrochemistry to characterize the enzyme‐modified electrochemical interface. In this Review, we summarize most efforts performed to investigate the enzymatic electrodes at the micro‐ and even nanoscale, thanks to microscopy techniques. Contrary to electrochemistry, which gives only a global information about all processes occurring at the electrode surface, microscopy offers a spatial resolution. Several techniques have been implemented; mostly scanning probe microscopies like atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and scanning electrochemical microscopy, but also scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. These studies demonstrate that various information can be obtained thanks to microscopy at different scales. Electrode imaging has been performed to confirm the presence of enzymes, to quantify and localize the biomolecules, but also to evaluate the morphology of immobilized enzymes, their possible conformation changes upon turnover, and their orientation at the electrode surface. Local redox activity has also been imaged and kinetics has been resolved.
Time‐Dependent Differential and Integral Quantum Yields for Wavelength‐Dependent [4+4] Photocycloadditions
Authors: Kislyak Anastasia , Frisch Hendrik , Gernhardt Marvin , Van Steenberge Paul H. M. , D'hooge Dagmar R. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe [4+4] photocycloaddition of anthracene is one of most relevant photoreactions and is widely applied in materials science, as it allows to remote‐control soft matter material properties by irradiation. However, highly energetic UV irradiation is commonly applied, which limits its application. Herein, the wavelength dependence of the photodimerization of anthracene is assessed for the first time, revealing that the reaction is induced just as effectively with mild visible light (410 nm). To fully establish [4+4] cycloadditions within defined chemical environments, a conceptual framework for the solution kinetics of the photo‐dimerization up to long reaction times is established by developing a novel photoreaction rate law that is dependent on individual rate coefficients of the key reaction steps. These coefficients can be determined based on low conversion photochemical experiments. Both differential and integral quantum yields can subsequently be predicted that are strongly time‐dependent, highlighting the need for a detailed reaction pathway analysis. The presented approach simplifies a complex photochemical scenario, making the photochemical anthracene dimerization, or potentially any other photochemical dimerization, amenable to a time‐dependent understanding at the elementary reaction level.
Diabetes in relation to Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinomas of the esophagus: A pooled study from the International Barrett’s and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium
Authors: Petrick Jessica L. , Li Nan , Anderson Lesley A. , Bernstein Leslie , Corley Douglas A. , El Serag Hashem B. , Hardikar Sheetal , Liao Linda M. , Liu Geoffrey , Murray Liam J. , Rubenstein Joel H. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Shaheen Nicholas J. , Thrift Aaron P. , van den Brandt Piet A. , Vaughan Thomas L. , Whiteman David C. , Wu Anna H. , Zhao Wei K. , Gammon Marilie D. , Cook Michael B. 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundDiabetes is positively associated with various cancers, but its relationship with tumors of the esophagus/esophagogastric junction remains unclear.MethodsData were harmonized across 13 studies in the International Barrett’s and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium, comprising 2309 esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) cases, 1938 esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJA) cases, 1728 Barrett's esophagus (BE) cases, and 16,354 controls. Logistic regression was used to estimate study‐specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for self‐reported diabetes in association with EA, EGJA, and BE. Adjusted ORs were then combined using random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsDiabetes was associated with a 34% increased risk of EA (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.80; I2 = 48.8% [where 0% indicates no heterogeneity, and larger values indicate increasing heterogeneity between studies]), 27% for EGJA (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.55; I2 = 0.0%), and 30% for EA/EGJA combined (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.58; I2 = 34.9%). Regurgitation symptoms modified the diabetes‐EA/EGJA association (P for interaction = .04) with a 63% increased risk among participants with regurgitation (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.22), but not among those without regurgitation (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.74‐1.43). No consistent association was found between diabetes and BE.ConclusionsDiabetes was associated with increased EA and EGJA risk, which was confined to individuals with regurgitation symptoms. Lack of an association between diabetes and BE suggests that diabetes may influence progression of BE to cancer.
Nonradiative Excited‐State Decay via Conical Intersection in Graphene Nanostructures
Authors: Chen Shunwei , Ullah Naeem , Zhao Yanling , Zhang Ruiqin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractChemical groups are known to tune the luminescent efficiencies of graphene‐related nanomaterials, but some species, including the epoxide group (−COC−), are suspected to act as emission‐quenching sites. Herein, by performing nonadiabatic excited‐state dynamics simulations, we reveal a fast (within 300 fs) nonradiative excited‐state decay of a graphene epoxide nanostructure from the lowest excited singlet (S1) state to the ground (S0) state via a conical intersection (CI), at which the energy difference between the S1 and S0 states is approximately zero. This CI is induced after breaking one C−O bond at the −COC− moiety during excited‐state structural relaxation. This study ascertains the role of epoxide groups in inducing the nonradiative recombination of the excited electron‐hole, providing important insights into the CI‐promoted nonradiative de‐excitations and the luminescence tuning of relevant materials. In addition, it shows the feasibility of utilizing nonadiabatic excited‐state dynamics simulations to investigate the photophysical processes of the excited states of graphene nanomaterials.
The Catalytic Mechanism of Human Transketolase
Authors: Prejanò Mario , Medina Fabiola Estefany , Fernandes Pedro Alexandrino , Russo Nino , Ramos Maria Joao , Marino Tiziana 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe have computationally determined the catalytic mechanism of human transketolase (hTK) using a cluster model approach and density functional theory calculations. We were able to determine all the relevant structures, bringing solid evidences to the proposed experimental mechanism, and to add important detail to the structure of the transition states and the energy profile associated with catalysis. Furthermore, we have established the existence of a crucial intermediate of the catalytic cycle, in agreement with experiments. The calculated data brought new insights to hTK′s catalytic mechanism, providing free‐energy values for the chemical reaction, as well as adding atomistic detail to the experimental mechanism.
A Selective Colorimetric and Fluorometric Chemosensor Based on Conjugated Polydiacetylenes for Cadmium Ion Detection
Authors: Pham Thanh Chung , Kim Yong Kyun , Park Jung Bin , Jeon Sumin , Ahn Juhyeon , Yim Yubin , Yoon Juyoung , Lee Songyi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn the current study, a polydiacetylene (PDA)‐based sensor, derived from a chelidamic acid‐picolylamine (CP)‐substituted diacetylene monomer, displayed a selective colorimetric and fluorometric change in the presence of cadmium (Cd2+) at pH 7.4. The PDA−CP solutions showed a colorimetric change from blue to violet in response to various amounts of Cd2+. The chemosensor also showed a rapid fluorescence turn‐on response and significant selectivity to Cd2+ compared with other metallic cations. The Cd2+‐selective PDA‐based sensor system facilitated the visual detection of Cd2+ in aqueous solution. The Cd2+ detection limit of PDA−CP was reduced to 1.85×10−5 M.
The perception of corporate social responsibility and employee engagement: Examining the underlying mechanism
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Sajid Muhammad , Lee Jason Wai Chow , Shahzad Imran Ahmed 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDespite the claims that corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a vital role in employee behavior, the empirical support of these claims is limited especially in the Pakistani context. Thus, this paper aims to fill this gap by investigating the relationship between employees' perception of CSR and employee engagement (EE) in Pakistan. In addition, the present research also looks at the role of gender differences in terms of CSR perception and EE. The data were collected from employees working in different industries of Pakistan, such as manufacturing, banking, electronics, and oil and gas. Structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The results revealed a significant positive impact of CSR perception on EE.Furthermore, the moderation effect of gender on the CSR‐EE relationship was investigated. The empirical evidence showed a stronger relationship between CSR and women than men. The current study attests the importance of CSR in nurturing employees' positive work behavior. This research suggests the incorporation of CSR in a business to the maximum possible capacity.