bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and abundance of macro‐invertebrates on abandoned cattle kraals in a semi‐arid savanna
Authors: Muvengwi Justice , Chikorowondo Gift , Mbiba Monicah , Gandiwa Edson 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAbandoned cattle (Bos taurus) kraals are sources of habitat heterogeneity in dystrophic semi‐arid African savannas with a strong positive effect on soil nutrients and plant productivity. However, little is known regarding how macro‐invertebrate assemblages vary between abandoned kraals and the surrounding savanna matrix. We tested whether herbaceous biomass and basal and aerial covers and soil nutrients have an effect on aboveground and belowground macro‐invertebrate assemblages. Twelve abandoned kraals were contrasted with their paired control plots for soil characteristics, herbaceous productivity, and macro‐invertebrate assemblages in Save Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe. Abandoned kraals had significantly higher concentrations of soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) as well as herbaceous biomass and basal and aerial covers than control plots. Both aboveground and belowground macro‐invertebrate species richness were higher on abandoned kraals. However, only belowground macro‐invertebrate diversity (Shannon H′ and Hill number 1) was significantly higher on abandoned kraals. Soil nutrients and herbaceous productivity had positive and significant correlations with the dominant taxa (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, and Myriapoda) on abandoned kraals. These results add to the growing body of evidence that abandoned kraals exert significant effects on savanna spatial heterogeneity years later, with implications on ecosystem processes and functioning.
Power, pitfalls, and potential for integrating computational literacy into undergraduate ecology courses
Authors: Farrell Kaitlin J. , Carey Cayelan C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEnvironmental research requires understanding nonlinear ecological dynamics that interact across multiple spatial and temporal scales. The analysis of long‐term and high‐frequency sensor data combined with simulation modeling enables interpretation of complex ecological phenomena, and the computational skills needed to conduct these analyses are increasingly being integrated into graduate student training programs in ecology. Despite its importance, however, computational literacy—that is, the ability to harness the power of computer technologies to accomplish tasks—is rarely taught in undergraduate ecology classrooms, representing a major gap in training students to tackle complex environmental challenges. Through our experience developing undergraduate curricula in long‐term and high‐frequency data analysis and simulation modeling for two environmental science pedagogical initiatives, Project EDDIE (Environmental Data‐Driven Inquiry and Exploration) and Macrosystems EDDIE, we have found that students often feel intimidated by computational tasks, which is compounded by the lack of familiarity with software (e.g., R) and the steep learning curves associated with script‐based analytical tools. The use of prepackaged, flexible modules that introduce programming as a mechanism to explore environmental datasets and teach inquiry‐based ecology, such as those developed for Project EDDIE and Macrosystems EDDIE, can significantly increase students’ experience and comfort levels with advanced computational tools. These types of modules in turn provide great potential for empowering students with the computational literacy needed to ask ecological questions and test hypotheses on their own. As continental‐scale sensor observatory networks rapidly expand the availability of long‐term and high‐frequency data, students with the skills to manipulate, visualize, and interpret such data will be well‐prepared for diverse careers in data science, and will help advance the future of open, reproducible science in ecology.
A new tool for studying waterfowl immune and metabolic responses: Molecular level analysis using kinome profiling
Authors: Pagano Giovanni , Johnson Casey , Hahn D. Caldwell , Arsenault Ryan J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHere, we describe the design of an Anas‐specific kinome peptide array that can be used to study the immunometabolic responses of mallard and American black duck to pathogens, contaminants, and environmental stress. The peptide arrays contain 2,642 unique phosphorylate‐able peptide sequences representing 1,900 proteins. These proteins cover a wide array of metabolic and immunological processes, and 758 Gene Ontology Biological processes are statistically significantly represented on the duck peptide array of those 164 contain the term “metabolic” and 25 “immune.” In addition, we conducted a comparison of mallard to American black duck at a genetic and proteomic level. Our results show a significant genomic and proteomic overlap between these two duck species, so that we have designed a cross‐reactive peptide array capable of studying both species. This is the first reported development of a wildlife species‐specific kinome peptide array.
Sharing the same slope: Behavioral responses of a threatened mesocarnivore to motorized and nonmotorized winter recreation
Authors: Olson Lucretia E. , Squires John R. , Roberts Elizabeth K. , Ivan Jacob S. , Hebblewhite Mark 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWinter recreation is a widely popular activity and is expected to increase due to changes in recreation technology and human population growth. Wildlife are frequently negatively impacted by winter recreation, however, through displacement from habitat, alteration of activity patterns, or changes in movement behavior. We studied impacts of dispersed and developed winter recreation on Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) at their southwestern range periphery in Colorado,USA. We usedGPScollars to track movements of 18 adult lynx over 4 years, coupled withGPSdevices that logged 2,839 unique recreation tracks to provide a detailed spatial estimate of recreation intensity. We assessed changes in lynx spatial and temporal patterns in response to motorized and nonmotorized recreation, as well as differences in movement rate and path tortuosity. We found that lynx decreased their movement rate in areas with high‐intensity back‐country skiing and snowmobiling, and adjusted their temporal patterns so that they were more active at night in areas with high‐intensity recreation. We did not find consistent evidence of spatial avoidance of recreation: lynx exhibited some avoidance of areas with motorized recreation, but selected areas in close proximity to nonmotorized recreation trails. Lynx appeared to avoid high‐intensity developed ski resorts, however, especially when recreation was most intense. We conclude that lynx in our study areas did not exhibit strong negative responses to dispersed recreation, but instead altered their behavior and temporal patterns in a nuanced response to recreation, perhaps to decrease direct interactions with recreationists. However, based on observed avoidance of developed recreation, there may be a threshold of human disturbance above which lynx cannot coexist with winter recreation.
Coping with intrasexual behavioral differences: Capture–recapture abundance estimation of male cheetah
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Fischer Manuela , Wachter Bettina , Melzheimer Joerg 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Population estimates are a fundamental requirement of ecology and conservation. While capture–recapture models are an established method for producing such estimates, their assumption of homogeneous capture probabilities is problematic given that heterogeneity in individual capture probability is inherent to most species. Such variation must be accounted for by abundance models; otherwise, biased estimates are risked.

Here, we investigate the performance of four types of heterogeneity models for estimating abundance of male cheetah Acinonyx jubatus, a species with two distinct spatial tactics of territorial and nonterritorial (floater) males. The differences in spatial movements of territory holders and floaters are expected to result in intrasexual heterogeneous capture probabilities. Four heterogeneity models were used to model male abundance at five territories in central Namibia; (a) a spatial tactic model, (b) a finite mixture model, both run in program MARK, (c) a floater‐only model, and (d) a heterogeneity Mh model, both run in the program CAPTURE. Camera trap data of cheetah, taken at frequently visited marking trees, were used to derive true abundance. Model results were compared to the true abundance to assess the accuracy of estimates.

Only models (a), (b), and (c) were able to consistently produce accurate results. Mixture models do not require prior knowledge regarding spatial tactic of males, which might not always be available. Therefore, we recommend such models as the preferred model type for cheetahs.

Results highlight the potential for mixture models in overcoming the challenges of capture probability heterogeneity and in particular their use with species where intrasexual behavioral differences exist.
High Capacity and Fast Charge‐Discharge Li4Ti5O12 Nanoflakes/TiO2 Nanotubes Composite Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Bon Chris Yeajoon , Isheunesu Phiri , Kim Sangjun , Manasi Mwemezi , Kim Yong Il , Lee Yun Jung , Ko Jang Myoun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLi4Ti5O12 nanoflakes (LTO‐NF) and TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) are synthesized and mechanically mixed to form a composite anode material with high specific capacitance, fast charge‐discharge capability, and long cycle life for lithium ion batteries. The LTO‐NF have a thin morphology and smaller grain size which increases grain boundaries for increased capacitance and faster lithiation and delithiation. TNT are included as part of the composite to help increase specific capacitance as well as facilitate ion and electron transport for fast charge transfer kinetics. To analyze the morphological and chemical characteristics of the composite, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Braun‐Emmett‐Teller method are conducted. The charge‐discharge tests show that the composite LTO‐NF/TNT has increased specific capacitance and cycling performance with a 98.3 % capacitance retention and specific capacitance of 160 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 5 C, which translates to higher energy and power density for various energy storage applications including automotive use.
Power control of variable speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator using indirect field‐oriented control with fuzzy logic controllers for performance optimization
Authors: Zamzoum Othmane , El Mourabit Youness , Errouha Mustapha , Derouich Aziz , El Ghzizal Abdelaziz 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to improve the energy quality extracted by variable speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator. First, the dynamic modeling of different parts of the system is presented. The electrical machine is modeled in PARK reference frame. Thereafter, the control technique is detailed. Indirect field‐oriented control with fuzzy logic controllers (FLC) is used to control the rotor currents and consequently the real and reactive powers of the stator generator. Then, the design of FLC is detailed by tuning its most significant parameters, which are scaling factor rules base and membership functions. Finally, a simulation using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment is carried out to prove the validation of the control strategy using a 2 MW wind turbine. The results show a satisfactory performance in terms of rapidity, stability, and precision under variable wind speed conditions.
Zum besonderen Quellverhalten von Tarrastonen
Authors: Steding Svenja , Bürkner Göta , Törzs Tom , Grabe Jürgen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIm Rahmen der derzeit stattfindenden Variantenuntersuchung zur Erneuerung der Fehmarnsundquerung wurde in verschiedenen Tiefen Tarraston angetroffen. Wie schon bei den Baumaßnahmen vor 50 Jahren stellt dieser eine ernste Herausforderung dar. Insbesondere das Quell‐ und Schwellverhalten des Tons sowie seine geringe Scherfestigkeit im Bereich von Harnischflächen könnten beim Bau der neuen Brücke bzw. des Tunnels Probleme bereiten. Dieser Artikel vergleicht verschiedene als Tarraston eingestufte Proben im Hinblick auf ihre Zusammensetzung, ihre Mikrostruktur und ihr Quellverhalten und zeigt dabei Zusammenhänge auf. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Kornverteilung der untersuchten Proben des Tarrastons keine sichere Aussage über deren Quellverhalten zulässt, während Plastizität oder Wasseraufnahmevermögen zuverlässige Anhaltspunkte bieten. Zwei Tone, die sich in granulometrischer und tonmineralogischer Zusammensetzung sowie Setzungsverhalten kaum unterscheiden, wiesen beim Quellverhalten deutliche Unterschiede auf. Der Artikel diskutiert die Ursachen und geht dabei auch auf die Mikrostruktur des Tarrastons ein. Ferner werden die Versuchsergebnisse mit Literaturwerten des besser erforschten London Clay verglichen.
Hypermethylation of endoplasmic reticulum disulfide oxidase 1α leads to trophoblast cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress in preeclampsia
Authors: Xiong Jiantuan , Ding Ning , Gao Tingting , Wang Yanhua , Guo Wei , Zhang Hui , Ma Xiaoli , Li Fan , Sun Jianmin , Yang Xiaoling , Wu Kai , Zhang Huiping , Jiang Yideng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAbnormal trophoblast cell apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of pregnancy‐related disorders including preeclampsia (PE), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been considered as a novel pathway in the regulation of cell apoptosis. In this study, we observed that both apoptosis and ER stress are triggered in trophoblast cells under hypoxia as well as in the placenta of PE rats. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of endoplasmic reticulum disulfide oxidase 1α (ERO1α) is suppressed in trophoblast cells under hypoxia due to the hypermethylation of the ERO1α promoter region, and the inhibition of ERO1α expression plays an important role in ER stress and trophoblast cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is a key methyltransferase for DNA methylation in the regulation of ERO1α expression, and the binding level of DNMT1 to the ERO1α promoter is markedly elevated under hypoxia although DNMT1 expression is inhibited by hypoxia, suggesting that the binding level of DNMT1 to the ERO1α promoter region rather than the DNMT1 expression level contributes to the hypermethylation of ERO1α. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the hypermethylation of ERO1α mediated by increased binding of DNMT1 to the ERO1α promoter leads to trophoblast cell apoptosis through ER stress in the placenta of PE rats, which shed insight into the etiology of PE and might present a validated therapeutic target for the treatment of PE.
Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound: Does it Affect Scores on Standardized Assessment Tests Used Within the Preclinical Curriculum?
Authors: Liu Rachel B. , Suwondo David N. , Donroe Joseph H. , Encandela John A. , Weisenthal Karrin S. , Moore Christopher L. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesAn increasing number of medical schools are incorporating point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) into preclinical and clinical curricula. The ultimate effect of this teaching is unclear, and there has been no distinct link between ultrasound (US) learning and existing standardized student assessments. Additionally, neither optimal timing nor methods of POCUS integration have been established. We aimed to demonstrate the effect of US teaching on standardized objective assessments that already exist within the curriculum and, in doing so, discern a route for POCUS curricular integration.MethodsA longitudinal POCUS pilot curriculum was started in 2013, with the class of 2017. We collected basic science course results, standardized objective structured clinical examination scores, and United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 scores from both the pilot group (n = 34) and matched control participants (n = 34) from the classes of 2017 and 2018. Scores between POCUS students and controls were analyzed by Student t tests.ResultsStudents participating in the longitudinal POCUS program scored significantly higher on the physical examination portion of their clinical skill objective structured clinical examination assessment than the control group (mean score, 89.2 versus 85.7; P < .05). This parameter was the only area with a statistically significant difference.ConclusionsPoint‐of‐care US program implementation may improve students' overall physical examination understanding and performance, even when US performance itself is not being tested. Introducing a POCUS curriculum may work best when designed in conjunction with the physical examination thread of a medical school curriculum.
Acute Cardiovascular Adaptation to Strenuous Exercise: An Integrative Ultrasound Study
Authors: Bianchini Elisabetta , Bruno Rosa Maria , Di Lascio Nicole , Vezzoli Alessandra , Mrakic‐Sposta Simona , Corciu Anca Irina , Comassi Mario , Pratali Lorenza 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of participation in an Ironman distance triathlon competition on arterial function by ultrasound, in relation to cardiac function and body water content.MethodsTwenty‐eight male triathletes participating in an Ironman distance competition underwent carotid, femoral, and cardiac ultrasound examinations. Moreover, the presence of extravascular lung water was identified by lung echo B‐lines (echogenic coherent wedge‐shaped signal with a narrow origin from the hyperechoic pleural line) at rest and within 20 minutes of arrival.ResultsAt the end of the competition, athletes showed an increased heart rate (mean ± SD, from 60.2 ± 13.1 to 82.8 ± 15.6 beats/min; P < .0001) and unchanged mean blood pressure (from 93 ± 14 to 91 ± 10 mm Hg; P > .05) in the presence of negligible dehydration (total body water from 48.0 ± 4.0 to 46.5 ± 3.9 kg; P > .05). Cardiac output increased (from 5.5 ± 1.2 to 6.7 ± 2.4 L/min; P < .05) in the presence of an unchanged stroke volume (from 64 ± 14 to 59 ± 16 mL; P > .05) and unchanged left ventricular elastance (from 1.52 ± 0.48 to 1.39 ± 0.48 mm Hg/mL/m2; P > .05). The mean carotid diameter increased (from 7.19 ± 0.65 to 7.61 ± 0.76 mm; P < .05), whereas the mean femoral diameter was unchanged at the end of the competition (from 10.41 ± 0.83 to 10.49 ± 0.82 mm; P > .05). Carotid intima‐media thickness was significantly reduced (from 537 ± 70 to 495 ± 70 μm; P < .05), whereas B‐lines increased significantly after the competition (from 1 [0–4] to 12 [5–23]; P < .0001).ConclusionsThese data suggest different acute functional adaptation in central arteries with respect to peripheral leg vessels.
The Principle and Value of the European Multi Lake Survey
Authors: Mantzouki Evanthia , Ibelings Bas W. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOn‐going global warming and eutrophication are expected to promote cyanobacterial dominance worldwide. Although increased lake temperature and nutrients are well‐established drivers of blooms, the mechanisms that determine cyanobacterial biomass are complex, with potentially direct, indirect, and interactive effects. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that constitute a considerable risk for animal and human health and thus a substantial economic cost if we are to ensure safe drinking water. Such global range phenomena should be studied at a wide spatial scale, to directly compare phytoplankton response in different lake types across contrasting climatic zones. The European Multi Lake Survey (EMLS) sought to harness the power of group science in order to sample lakes across Europe and disentangle the effect of environmental stressors on potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms. The first EMLS results showed that the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins and the toxic potential in lakes will be highly dependent on direct and indirect effects of temperature. If nutrients are not regulated, then they may interact synergistically with increased lake temperatures to promote cyanobacterial growth more than that of other phytoplankton taxa. Providing continental scale evidence is highly significant for the development of robust models that could predict cyanobacterial or algal response to environmental change.
Chirality of Symmetric Resonant Heterostructures
Authors: Nechayev Sergey , Woźniak Paweł , Neugebauer Martin , Barczyk René , Banzer Peter 
Published: July 2018

AbstractChiroptical effects arising in mirror‐symmetric geometrically achiral resonant heterostructures are investigated. It is shown that coalescence of extrinsic chirality, heterogeneous morphology, and substrate‐induced break of symmetry leads to pronounced circular dichroism and circular birefringence. The physics of the involved phenomena is elucidated by studying spin‐splitting in scattering and hybridized dipolar modes of a heterodimer made of gold and silicon nanoparticles of the same shape and size. The work sheds new light on the optical properties of heterogeneous nanostructures and paves the way for designing polarization‐controlled tunable heterogeneous optical elements.
Serotonin uptake is required for Rac1 activation in Kras‐induced acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia in the pancreas
Authors: Saponara Enrica , Visentin Michele , Baschieri Francesco , Seleznik Gitta , Martinelli Paola , Esposito Irene , Buschmann Johanna , Chen Rong , Parrotta Rossella , Borgeaud Nathalie , Bombardo Marta , Malagola Ermanno , Caflisch Amedeo , Farhan Hesso , Graf Rolf , Sonda Sabrina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is the primary cause of pancreatic cancer mortality, is poorly responsive to currently available interventions. Identifying new targets that drive PDAC formation and progression is critical for developing alternative therapeutic strategies to treat this lethal malignancy. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we investigated in vivo and in vitro whether uptake of the monoamine serotonin [5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)] is required for PDAC development. We demonstrated that pancreatic acinar cells have the ability to readily take up 5‐HT in a transport‐mediated manner. 5‐HT uptake promoted activation of the small GTPase Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), which is required for transdifferentiation of acinar cells into acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia (ADM), a key determinant in PDAC development. Consistent with the central role played by Rac1 in ADM formation, inhibition of the 5‐HT transporter Sert (Slc6a4) with fluoxetine reduced ADM formation both in vitro and in vivo in a cell‐autonomous manner. In addition, fluoxetine treatment profoundly compromised the stromal reaction and affected the proliferation and lipid metabolism of malignant PDAC cells. We propose that Sert is a promising therapeutic target to counteract the early event of ADM, with the potential to stall the initiation and progression of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.