bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships among climate, stem growth, and biomass δ13C in the giant saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
Authors: Hultine K. R. , Dettman D. L. , Williams D. G. , Puente R. , English N. B. , Butterfield B. J. , Búrquez A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGiant saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the longest‐lived and massive cacti species in the Americas. They occur throughout the Sonoran Desert region with a distribution spanning a five‐fold gradient in mean annual precipitation. Relationships between fitness traits, including stem growth, and spatio‐temporal climate patterns are still poorly understood in saguaro, but are assumed to be largely coupled to summer precipitation. To better understand patterns of climate sensitivity in giant saguaro, annual stem growth, carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in spine tissues, and seasonal variation in stem volume, a proxy for stem water storage, were evaluated over a single growing season (2014) in six widely distributed populations in the northern Sonoran Desert, and over four consecutive growing seasons (2013–2016) in two populations with differences in mean annual precipitation and site moisture (Mi), defined as precipitation amount divided by mean atmospheric vapor pressure deficit. We hypothesized that saguaro growth and δ13C would be coupled to a complex suite of climate conditions that include winter precipitation and aridity. Annual stem growth of all populations was generally better correlated to Mi than precipitation alone and was best correlated with Mi measured over the hydrologic year, October 2013–September 2014 (F = 39.8, P < 0.0001). Likewise, mean δ13C increased with Mi, with the highest correlation with Mi calculated for July 2013–August 2014 (F = 38.4.0, P < 0.0001). Annual stem growth measured across all populations was well correlated to δ13C in spines produced during the current year of growth (F = 36.3, P < 0.0001). Annual variation in stem growth appeared to reflect annual variation in mean stem volume measured monthly from the summer of the previous year to the summer of the current year of growth. Results suggest that stem growth and photosynthetic physiology recorded by δ13C are coupled to a complex suite of climate conditions with a strong legacy effect from the previous summer and winter. These findings provide new insight on the effects of summer and winter drought and a warming climate on the photosynthesis, growth, and fitness of giant saguaro.
Dry conditions and disturbance promote liana seedling survival and abundance
Authors: Umaña María Natalia , Forero‐Montaña Jimena , Nytch Christopher J. , Thompson Jill , Uriarte María , Zimmerman Jess , Swenson Nathan G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSpecies composition and community structure in Neotropical forests have been severely affected by increases in climate change and disturbance. Among the most conspicuous changes is the proliferation of lianas. These increases have affected not only the carbon storage capacity of forests but also tree dynamics by reducing tree growth and increasing mortality. Despite the importance of lianas in Neotropical forests, most of the studies on lianas have focused on adult stages, ignoring dynamics at the seedlings stage. Here, we asked whether observed increases in liana abundance are associated with a demographic advantage that emerges early in liana ontogeny and with decreased precipitation and increased disturbance. To test this, we compared patterns of growth and survival between liana seedlings and tree seedlings using a long‐term data set of seedling plots from a subtropical wet forest in Puerto Rico, USA. Then, we examined the effect of precipitation and land use history on these demographic variables. We found evidence for liana seedling survival advantage over trees, but no growth advantages. This survival advantage exhibited significant temporal variation linked with patterns of rainfall, as well as differences associated with land‐use history in the study area. Furthermore, we found that neighborhood density has a negative effect on liana survival and growth. Our results indicate that liana proliferation is likely related to a survival advantage that emerges in early stages and is influenced by climatic conditions and past disturbance. Predicted climatic changes in rainfall patterns, including more frequent and severe droughts, together with increases in disturbance, could have a significant effect on seedling tropical communities by favoring lianas.
Validated numerical fluid simulation of a thin‐layer cascade photobioreactor in OpenFOAM
Authors: Severin Timm Steffen , Brück Thomas , Weuster‐Botz Dirk 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecently, microalgae have been considered as a promising alternative for the production of biofuels from CO2. For the efficient cultivation of these microalgae, several types of photobioreactors have been designed and Pilot scale photobioreactors have been used to assess the performance of these reactors. Therein the primarily investigated reactor type is the Raceway Pond. However, the less researched Thin‐Layer Cascade Photobioreactor (TLC) shows a high potential for efficient production processes. Unfortunately, for low‐value products like biofuels costs must be kept to a minimum for an economic operation. To facilitate this, 3D Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations can be employed to estimate performance of reactor variants e.g. with respect to power input and mixing. Since up to now little effort has been put into the modelling of TLC reactors, this report aims to present a simulation approach for these reactors types that allows simple adaptation to different geometric or operational boundary conditions. All models have been generated for a two‐phase mixture in OpenFOAM. To demonstrate its applicability, validation measurements with a physical unit have been performed and were compared to the simulation results. With errors in the order of 10 % a successful simulation of the reactor geometry could be proven.
Biological applications of phytosynthesized gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi
Authors: Chahardoli Azam , Karimi Naser , Fattahi Ali , Salimikia Iraj 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this work, biosynthesis potentials of Dracocephalum kotschyi leaf extract for the production of gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) were studied, and the biological (catalytic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer) activities of studied AuNPs were evaluated. Different analytical techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of AuNPs. Moreover, Different testing methods were used for evaluating biological activities of biosynthesized AuNPs. The formation of AuNPs was confirmed by color change and UV–visible spectroscopic analysis. Field emission (FE)‐SEM and TEM images were used to characterize phytosynthesized AuNPs which were predominantly spherical in shape with size in the range of 5–21 nm. These spherical NPs were found to be 39.79 ± 5 nm in size as determined by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer. XRD pattern confirms the crystalline nature of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The phytoconstituents involved in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles have been identified using FTIR spectra. The phytosynthesized AuNPs showed effective antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic reduction activities. Furthermore, they have inhibited H1229 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. These results have supported that D. kotschyi leaf extract was very efficient for the synthesis of AuNPs, and synthesized NPs showed enhanced biological activities which make them suitable for biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 621–630, 2019.
Evaluating the effectiveness of intensive versus non‐intensive image interpretation education for radiographers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Neep Michael J. , Steffens Tom , Eastgate Patrick , McPhail Steven M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this randomised controlled trial was to compare the effectiveness of intensive and non‐intensive formats of delivery of image interpretation education for radiographers.MethodsA multi‐centre, stratified (by years of experience) two group parallel arm, single blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Participants (n = 48) were allocated to one of two groups to receive image interpretation education: (1) intensive format (13.5 h over two consecutive days) (2) non‐intensive (sequential 90‐min tutorials delivered 1 week apart). Participants undertook x‐ray interpretation tests before education, at 1‐week post‐education completion and at 12‐week post‐education completion.ResultsImage interpretation performance was not significantly different between groups at baseline. A generalised linear model indicated that participants who received intensive education format improved image interpretation performance by a greater margin than the group that received non‐intensive education at 1‐week (P = 0.002) and 12‐week (P < 0.001) follow‐up assessments.ConclusionsAlthough both formats of education delivery may be beneficial, the findings of this study have indicated that the intensive format of delivery was more effective at improving radiographers’ ability to interpret trauma radiographs in the weeks after completion of the image interpretation program.
Serological evidence of human infection by bat orthoreovirus in Singapore
Authors: Uehara Anna , Tan Chee Wah , Mani Shailendra , Chua Kaw Bing , Leo Yee Sin , Anderson Danielle E , Wang Lin‐Fa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo determine whether Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) exposure has occurred in Singapore, we tested 856 individuals from an existing serum panel collected from 2005‐2013. After an initial screen with luciferase immunoprecipitation system and secondary confirmation with virus neutralization test, we identified at least seven individuals with specific antibodies against PRV in both assays. Our findings confirm that PRV spillover into human populations is relatively common in this region of the world.
The impact of the peer review of literature search strategies in support of rapid review reports
Authors: Spry Carolyn , Mierzwinski‐Urban Monika 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the peer review of literature search strategies prepared in support of rapid reviews.MethodsA sample of 200 CADTH rapid reviews was selected. For each rapid review meeting the inclusion criteria, the pre–peer‐reviewed and corresponding post–peer‐reviewed search strategies were run, and the search results were compared. Bibliographic records retrieved solely by the post–peer‐reviewed search strategy and included in the rapid review report were identified as representing “included studies.” The publication type of each included study was determined, and the attributes of the corresponding record were analyzed to determine the reason for its retrieval by the post–peer‐reviewed search.ResultsThe peer review of search strategies resulted in the retrieval of one or more additional records for 75% of the searches investigated, but only a small proportion of these records (4%) represented included studies. The main publication types of the included studies were nonrandomized studies (60%) and narrative reviews (20%). The principal changes to search strategies that resulted in the retrieval of additional included studies were the inclusion of more keywords or subject headings or a change in the way concepts were combined.ConclusionsThe peer review of literature search strategies aids in the retrieval of relevant records particularly those representing nonrandomized studies. The scrutiny of keywords, subject headings, and the relation between search concepts are key components of the peer review process.
Image features and DUS testing traits for peanut pod variety identification and pedigree analysis
Authors: Deng Limiao , Han Zhongzhi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDDUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) testing of new varieties is an important method for peanut germplasm evaluation and identification of varieties. In order to verify the feasibility of variety identification for peanut DUS testing based on image processing, 2000 peanut pod images from 20 varieties were obtained by a scanner. Initially, six DUS testing traits were quantified using a mathematical method based on image processing technology, and then, size, shape, color and texture features (total 31) were also extracted. Next, the Fisher algorithm was used as a feature selection method to select ‘good’ features from the extracted features to expand the DUS testing traits set. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) and K‐means algorithm were respectively used as recognition model and clustering method for variety identification and pedigree clustering.RESULTSBy the Fisher selection method, a number of significant candidate features for DUS testing were selected which can be used in the DUS testing further; using the top half of these features (about 18) ordered by Fisher discrimination ability, the recognition rate of SVM model was found to be more than 90%, which was better than unordered features. In addition, a pedigree clustering tree of 20 peanut varieties was built based on the K‐means clustering method, which can be used in deeper studies of the genetic relationship of different varieties.CONCLUSIONThis article can provide a novel reference method for future DUS testing, peanut varieties identification and study of peanut pedigree. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Transient heat stress during tuber development alters post‐harvest carbohydrate composition and decreases processing quality of chipping potatoes
Authors: Busse James S , Wiberley‐Bradford Amy E , Bethke Paul C 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAdverse air and soil temperatures are abiotic stresses that occur frequently and vary widely in duration and magnitude. Heat stress limits productivity of cool‐weather crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum) and may degrade crop quality. Stem‐end chip defect is a localized discoloration of potato chips that adversely affects finished chip quality. The causes of stem‐end chip defects are poorly understood.RESULTSChipping potatoes were grown under controlled environmental conditions to test the hypothesis that stem‐end chip defect is caused by transient heat stress during the growing season. Heat stress periods with 35 °C days and 29 °C nights were imposed approximately 3 months after planting and lasted for 3, 7 or 14 days. At harvest and after 1, 2 and 3 months of storage at 13 °C, potato tubers were evaluated for glucose, fructose, sucrose and dry matter contents at the basal and apical ends. Chips were fried and rated for defects at the same sampling times. Differences in responses to heat stress were observed among four varieties of chipping potatoes. Heat stress periods of 7 and 14 days increased reducing sugar content in the tuber basal and apical ends, decreased dry matter content, and increased the severity of stem‐end chip defects.CONCLUSIONTransient heat stress during the growing season decreased post‐harvest chipping potato quality. Tuber reducing sugars and stem‐end chip defects increased while dry matter content decreased. Planting varieties with tolerance to transient heat stress may be an effective way to mitigate these detrimental effects on chipping potato quality. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Capillary electrophoresis, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and thin‐layer chromatography analyses of phenolic compounds from rapeseed plants and evaluation of their antioxidant activity
Authors: Huang Yang , Jansen Olivia , Frédérich Michel , Mouithys‐Mickalad Ange , Nys Gwenaël , Servais Anne‐Catherine , Crommen Jacques , Jiang Zhengjin , Fillet Marianne 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRapeseed plants, known for oil production, are also known to contain phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, with potential antioxidant and anticancer activities. The separation and identification of 11 phenolic acids in rapeseed extracts (including leaves, flowers, Chinese seeds, Belgian seeds, and cake) by capillary electrophoresis were investigated. The results were compared with those obtained with high‐performance liquid chromatography and thin‐layer chromatography and showed that the capillary electrophoresis technique offers several advantages for the identification of phenolic compounds in various rapeseed extracts. The antioxidant activity of rapeseed extracts and reference compounds was evaluated using four different approaches, namely, 2,2′‐azinobis‐ (3‐ethylbenzohiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid assay, free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and the measurement of the total polyphenol content. The contents of total polyphenols in the tested extracts were ranging between 5.4 and 21.1% m/m and ranked as follows: Chinese seeds ˃ Belgian seeds ˃ Flowers ˃ Cake ˃ Leaves.
Mobile applications in otolaryngology for patients: An update
Authors: Casale Manuele , Costantino Andrea , Rinaldi Vittorio , Forte Antonio , Grimaldi Marta , Sabatino Lorenzo , Oliveto Giuseppe , Aloise Fabio , Pontari Domenico , Salvinelli Fabrizio 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveRecently smartphones and tablets have spread in developed countries, and healthcare‐related apps are growing incredibly in different specialties. The aim of this study is to provide an up‐to‐date review of the current OtoHNS (otolaryngology–head and neck surgery) apps developed for patients.MethodsThis mobile applications review was conducted in September 2017. Relevant apps about OtoHNS were searched in the Apple Store and in the Google Play using various keywords. We included helpful apps for OtoHNS patients. Apps for medical students, physician (95 apps) and non‐English apps (6 apps) were excluded.ResultsAt the end of our selection process, 216 apps have been included for mobile applications review. The number of apps published per year in OtoHNS has increased each year. The most common apps were about hearing, in particular 63 of 216 (29%) were hearing test; 75 of 216 (35%) for tinnitus treatment; 10 of 216 (5%) for sounds measurement around the patients; and 7 of 216 (3%) to treat vertigo. One hundred thirty‐seven of 216 (63%) apps were free of charge. Physicians were clearly involved in the app's development in only 73 of 216 (34%) apps. One hundred sixty‐three of 216 (75%) had no user ratings.ConclusionsApps are increasingly and easily accessible, although their use in clinical practice is not yet totally accepted. Our review showed that most apps have been created with no guidance from otolaryngologist. Further steps are needed to regulate apps’ development. Hoping an “App Board,” such as editorial board for scientific journal, to assess app quality, validity, and effectiveness before they can be fully incorporated into clinical practice and medical education.Level of EvidenceN/A
Patterns of iron and siderophore distributions across the California Current System
Authors: Boiteau Rene M. , Till Claire P. , Coale Tyler H. , Fitzsimmons Jessica N. , Bruland Kenneth W. , Repeta Daniel J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCoastal upwelling of nutrients and metals along eastern boundary currents fuels some of the most biologically productive marine ecosystems. Although iron is a main driver of productivity in many of these regions, iron cycling and acquisition by microbes remain poorly constrained, in part due to the unknown composition of organic ligands that keep bioavailable iron in solution. In this study, we investigated organic ligand composition in discrete water samples collected across the highly productive California Coastal upwelling system. Siderophores were observed in distinct nutrient regimes at concentrations ranging from 1 pM to 18 pM. Near the shallow continental shelf, ferrioxamine B was observed in recently upwelled, high chlorophyll surface waters while synechobactins were identified within nepheloid layers at 60–90 m depth. In offshore waters characterized by intermediate chlorophyll, iron, and nitrate concentrations, we found amphibactins and an unknown siderophore with a molecular formula of C33H58O8N5Fe. Highest concentrations were measured in the photic zone, however, amphibactins were also found in waters as deep as 1500 m. The distribution of siderophores provides evidence for microbial iron deficiency across a range of nutrient regimes and indicates siderophore production and acquisition is an important strategy for biological iron uptake in iron limited coastal systems. Polydisperse humic ligands were also detected throughout the water column and were particularly abundant near the benthic boundary. Our results highlight the fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity of metal ligand composition in an upwelling environment and elucidate distinct sources that include biological production and the degradation of organic matter in suboxic waters.
On contraction of nonlinear difference equations with time‐varying delays
Authors: Ngoc Pham Huu Anh , Trinh Hieu , Hieu Le Trung , Huy Nguyen Dinh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGeneral nonlinear difference equations with time‐varying delays are considered. Explicit criteria for contraction of such equations are presented. Then some simple sufficient conditions for global exponential stability of equilibria and for stability of invariant sets are derived. Furthermore, explicit criteria for existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of periodic solutions are derived. Finally, the obtained results are applied to time‐varying discrete‐time neural networks with delay.
Small-Scale Fisheries at an Albanian Marine Protected Area: A Collaborative Attitude is Associated with Higher Catches
Authors: Bakiu Rigers , Cakalli Marko , Korro Kastriot , Di Franco Antonio , Guidetti Paolo 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
When properly managed, marine protected areas (MPAs) serve as tools that are potentially able to deliver both conservation and fisheries benefits. This is particularly true for small-scale fisheries (SSFs) when fishermen are engaged in management and collaborate with MPA managers and scientists. Small-scale fisheries are widespread along Mediterranean coasts, and in Albania, they have developed remarkably since the 1990s. In 2010, the area of Karaburun and Sazani was declared as the first MPA in Albania. Two fishing communities located in different harbors operate locally, fishing outside the MPA and in its buffer zone. One fishing community is more willing to collaborate with scientists and managers, whereas the other is more reluctant to collaborate. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare catch composition, total catches, and CPUE between the two fishing fleets under the general hypothesis that fishermen engagement and a more collaborative attitude can lead to larger catches. Results showed that on average, fishermen from the more collaborative fishing community usually deployed shorter nets within the MPA but obtained higher total catches and CPUEs than fishermen from the less-collaborative community. These findings—despite being inconclusive due to the limited sample size, reduced sampling period, and correlative approach—highlight the potential benefits delivered by the adoption of a collaborative approach and specifically provide a baseline for building sound management plans for SSFs in Albania in the future.