bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes and consequences of ontogenetic dietary shifts: a global synthesis using fish models
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Javier , Nunn Andy D. , Adams Colin E. , Amundsen Per‐Arne 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTOntogenetic dietary shifts (ODSs), the changes in diet utilisation occurring over the life span of an individual consumer, are widespread in the animal kingdom. Understanding ODSs provides fundamental insights into the biological and ecological processes that function at the individual, population and community levels, and is critical for the development and testing of hypotheses around key concepts in trophic theory on model organisms. Here, we synthesise historic and contemporary research on ODSs in fishes, and identify where further research is required. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors can directly or indirectly influence ODSs, but the most influential of these may vary spatially, temporally and interspecifically. Within the constraints imposed by prey availability, we identified competition and predation risk as the major drivers of ODSs in fishes. These drivers do not directly affect the trophic ontogeny of fishes, but may have an indirect effect on diet trajectories through ontogenetic changes in habitat use and concomitant changes in prey availability. The synthesis provides compelling evidence that ODSs can have profound ecological consequences for fish by, for example, enhancing individual growth and lifetime reproductive output or reducing the risk of mortality. ODSs may also influence food‐web dynamics and facilitate the coexistence of sympatric species through resource partitioning, but we currently lack a holistic understanding of the consequences of ODSs for population, community and ecosystem processes and functioning. Studies attempting to address these knowledge gaps have largely focused on theoretical approaches, but empirical research under natural conditions, including phylogenetic and evolutionary considerations, is required to test the concepts. Research focusing on inter‐individual variation in ontogenetic trajectories has also been limited, with the complex relationships between individual behaviour and environmental heterogeneity representing a particularly promising area for future research.
Cognitive‐motor interference during goal‐directed upper‐limb movements
Authors: Bank Paulina J. M. , Marinus Johan , van Tol Rosanne M. , Groeneveld Iris F. , Goossens Paula H. , de Groot Jurriaan H. , van Hilten Jacobus J. , Meskers Carel G. M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractResearch and clinical practice have focused on effects of a cognitive dual‐task on highly automated motor tasks such as walking or maintaining balance. Despite potential importance for daily life performance, there are only a few small studies on dual‐task effects on upper‐limb motor control. We therefore developed a protocol for assessing cognitive‐motor interference (CMI) during upper‐limb motor control and used it to evaluate dual‐task effects in 57 healthy individuals and two highly prevalent neurological disorders associated with deficits of cognitive and motor processing (57 patients with Parkinson's disease [PD], 57 stroke patients). Performance was evaluated in cognitive and motor domains under single‐ and dual‐task conditions. Patterns of CMI were explored to evaluate overall attentional capacity and attention allocation. As expected, patients with neurological deficits showed different patterns of CMI compared to healthy individuals, depending on diagnosis (PD or stroke) and severity of cognitive and/or motor symptoms. Healthy individuals experienced CMI especially under challenging conditions of the motor task. CMI was greater in PD patients, presumably due to insufficient attentional capacity in relation to increased cognitive involvement in motor control. Although no general increase of CMI was observed in stroke patients, correlation analyses suggested that especially patients with severe motor dysfunction experienced CMI. Clinical ratings of cognitive and motor function were weakly associated with CMI, suggesting that CMI reflects a different construct than these unidimensional clinical tests. It remains to be investigated whether CMI is an indicator of difficulties with day‐to‐day activities.
Subjectivism, instrumentalism, and prudentialism about reasons: On the normativity of instrumental transmission
Authors: Abizadeh Arash 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAccording to a subjectivist theory, normative reasons are grounded in facts about our desires. According to an instrumentalist theory, reasons are grounded also in facts about the relevant means to desired objects. These are distinct theories. The widespread tendency to conflate the normativity of subjective and instrumentalist precepts obscures two facts. First, instrumentalist precepts incorporate a subjective element with an objective one. Second, combining these elements into a single theory of normative reasons requires explaining how and why they are to be combined. I argue that the most plausible justification for combining the two elements—which appeals to a theory of well‐being—exposes the inadequacy of the instrumentalist theory: The grounds required to justify the instrumentalist combination are also grounds for the normativity of prudential precepts and with them practical reasons that may have no internal connection to an agent's conative, motivational states.
Size‐by‐environment interactions: a neglected dimension of species' responses to environmental variation
Authors: Tredennick Andrew T. , Teller Brittany J. , Adler Peter B. , Hooker Giles , Ellner Stephen P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn both plant and animal systems, size can determine whether an individual survives and grows under different environmental conditions. However, it is unclear whether and when size‐dependent responses to exogenous environmental fluctuations affect population dynamics. Size‐by‐environment interactions create pathways for environmental fluctuations to influence population dynamics by allowing for negative covariation between sizes within vital rates (e.g. small and large individuals have negatively covarying survival rates) and/or size‐dependent variability in a vital rate (e.g. survival of large individuals varies less than small individuals through time). Whether these phenomena affect population dynamics depends on how they are mediated by elasticities (they must affect the sizes and vital rates that matter) and their projected impacts will depend on model functional form (the impact of reduced variance depends on the relationship between the environment and vital rate). We demonstrate these ideas with an analysis of fifteen species from five semiarid plant communities. We find that size‐by‐environment interactions are common but do not impact long‐term population dynamics. Size‐by‐environment interactions may yet be important for other species. Our approach can be applied to species in other ecosystems to determine if and how size‐by‐environment interactions allow them to cope with, or exploit, fluctuating environments.
Aquatic insects rich in omega‐3 fatty acids drive breeding success in a widespread bird
Authors: Twining Cornelia Wingfield , Shipley Jeremy Ryan , Winkler David W. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEcologists studying bird foraging ecology have generally focused on food quantity over quality. Emerging work suggests that food quality, in terms of highly unsaturated omega‐3 fatty acids (HUFA), can have equally important effects on performance.HUFA, which are present in aquatic primary producers, are all but absent in vascular plants, andHUFAcontent is also correspondingly higher in aquatic insects. Here, we show that Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) chicks rapidly accumulateHUFAfrom food during the nestling period. Using data sampled over 24 years, we also show that Tree Swallow breeding success is positively associated with the availability ofHUFA‐rich aquatic insects. Variation in aquatic insect biomass during chick development was a strong predictor of fledging success, whereas variation in terrestrial insects had little effect on fledging success. Our results highlight the potential for nutritional mismatches between insectivores and high‐quality prey to affect avian reproductive performance.
Getting it right or getting it cursed: Auction prices in a residential real estate bubble
Authors: Branigan Clare , Muckley Cal , Ryan Paul 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis is the first study to test for a winner's curse in a bubble market. Our hand‐collected sample comprises the sequence of bids and the experience of the winning bidder at Irish residential real estate auctions, prior to the collapse of the bubble. Portfolios of practitioner‐ and hedonic pricing model‐selected self‐similar properties provide benchmark property price estimates. We show neither real estate investors nor owner occupiers shade auction bids to avoid the winner's curse and both raise bids in line with competition. Winning investor bidders pay more for properties, ride the wave of a property bubble, and potentially exacerbate it.
Genomic clustering of fitness‐affecting mutations favors the evolution of chromosomal instability
Authors: Raynes Yevgeniy , Weinreich Daniel M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMost solid cancers are characterized by chromosomal instability (CIN)—an elevated rate of large‐scale chromosomal aberrations and ploidy changes. Chromosomal instability may arise through mutations in a range of genomic integrity loci and is commonly associated with fast disease progression, poor prognosis, and multidrug resistance. However, the evolutionary forces promoting CIN‐inducing alleles (hereafter, CIN mutators) during carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a stochastic, individual‐based model of indirect selection experienced by CIN mutators via genomic associations with fitness‐affecting mutations. Because mutations associated with CIN affect large swaths of the genome and have the potential to simultaneously comprise many individual loci, we show that indirect selection on CIN mutators is critically influenced by genome organization. In particular, we find strong support for a key role played by the spatial clustering of loci with either beneficial or deleterious mutational effects. Genomic clustering of selected loci allows CIN mutators to generate favorable chromosomal changes that facilitate their rapid expansion within a neoplasm and, in turn, accelerate carcinogenesis. We then examine the distribution of oncogenic and tumor‐suppressing loci in the human genome and find both to be potentially more clustered along the chromosome than expected, leading us to speculate that human genome may be susceptible to CIN hitchhiking. More quantitative data on fitness effects of individual mutations will be necessary, though, to assess the true levels of clustering in the human genome and the effectiveness of indirect selection for CIN. Finally, we use our model to examine how therapeutic strategies that increase the deleterious burden of genetically unstable cells by raising either the rate of CIN or the cost of deleterious mutations affect CIN evolution. We find that both can inhibit CIN hitchhiking and delay carcinogenesis in some circumstances, yet, in line with earlier work, we find the latter to be considerably more effective.
Characterization of stable ductile crack propagation by CTOA: Review of theory and applications
Authors: Tyson William R. , Newman Jim C. , Xu Su 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFracture toughness is a crucial material property in structural design with metallic materials. For resistance against crack initiation, the crack‐tip opening displacement (CTOD) (or, equivalently, the J integral) is well established. For resistance against crack extension, the “resistance curve” (J as a function of crack size) may be used for limited amounts of crack growth. However, for crack increments much larger than the material thickness, the most useful criterion for toughness characterization is the crack‐tip opening angle (CTOA). During the past three decades, standards have been introduced to enable reproducible measurement of CTOA. Simultaneously, improved computer‐aided photographic methods have been developed to measure surface CTOA during the fracture process, and analysis of the mechanics of bend specimens has enabled deduction of the CTOA from load and displacement. Elastic‐plastic finite‐element analyses using a constant‐CTOA fracture criterion have been used to simulate fracture of laboratory specimens and structural components and to transfer the properties measured from laboratory‐scale specimens to structural applications. This paper reviews the state of the art in measurement and application of CTOA.
Global‐local fatigue assessment of an ancient riveted metallic bridge based on submodelling of the critical detail
Authors: Liu Z. , Correia J. , Carvalho H. , Mourão A. , de Jesus A. , Calçada R. , Berto F. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIncreasing traffic demands (ie, load intensity and operational life) on ancient riveted metallic bridges and the fact that these bridges were not explicitly designed against fatigue make the fatigue performance assessment and fatigue life prediction of riveted bridges a concern. This paper proposes a global‐local fatigue analysis method that integrates beam‐to‐solid submodeling, elastoplastic of material in local region, and local fatigue life prediction approach. The proposed beam‐to‐solid submodeling can recognize accuracy local stress/strain information accompanying with the global structural effect on the fatigue response of local riveted joints. The fatigue life is predicted based on cumulative damage rule, local strains, and number of cycles with consideration of traffic data, where the relation between the fatigue life and local strain is derived according to the Basquin and Manson‐Coffin law. Besides, the elastoplastic of material is considered. The proposed methodology for fatigue life prediction based on local strain parameter and the Palmgren‐Miner linear damage hypothesis is implemented in a case study of an ancient riveted bridge.
Dimensions of ant diversity on a small tropical island
Authors: Agavekar Gaurav , Agashe Deepa , Economo Evan P. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Recent appreciation of the multidimensional nature of biodiversity has prompted biologists to examine the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic attributes of natural communities. Simultaneous consideration of such multiple diversity dimensions provides valuable insights into various community assembly processes.

We studied the alpha and beta components of ant diversity on a simple island landscape dominated by adjacent but abiotically distinct evergreen (humid & dense canopy) and littoral (dry & sparse canopy) forest habitats. We sought to (i) describe and examine interrelationships of ant diversity dimensions, and (ii) identify potential processes structuring ant communities by comparing the diversity patterns of observed and randomly generated communities.

We found that the drier littoral habitat had lower ant species richness and non‐random community composition, but had similar functional diversity as evergreen forests. This result is in contrast with previous studies comparing intact and human‐altered habitats that reported severe loss of ant functional diversity with reduced richness. In our study, the functional similarity between habitats was maintained because communities in littoral forests were functionally overdispersed than expected by chance. We suggest that competition and/or thermal tolerance of ants may drive overdispersion of littoral ant communities.

At the small spatial scale of our island, phylogenetic diversity was a poor predictor of habitat differences despite significant phylogenetic signal in functional traits and non‐random functional diversity patterns. Our work highlights the need for a broad range of studies comparing multidimensional diversity in adjacent habitats that would provide a baseline for interpreting community‐level changes due to anthropogenic pressures.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF UNCERTAINTY IN COORDINATION GAMES
Authors: Ioannou Christos A. , Makris Miltiadis 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGlobal games and Poisson games have been proposed to address equilibrium indeterminacy in Common Knowledge Coordination games. The present study investigates in a controlled setup, using as controls Common Knowledge games, whether idiosyncratic uncertainty about economic fundamentals (Global games) or uncertainty about the number of actual players (Poisson games) may influence subjects' behavior. We find that uncertainty about the number of actual players has more influence on subjects' behavior than idiosyncratic uncertainty about economic fundamentals. Furthermore, subjects' behavior under Poisson population‐size uncertainty is closer to the respective theoretical prediction than subjects' behavior under idiosyncratic uncertainty about economic fundamentals.
Fabrication of hydroxyapatite blended cyclic type polylactic acid and poly (ε‐caprolactone) tissue engineering scaffold
Authors: Yong Leng Chuan , Abdul Malek Nur Farihah , Se Yong Eh Noum , Yap Wei Hsum , Nobuyuki Mase , Yoshitaka Nakaya 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe ultimate goal of tissue engineering serves to repair, restore damaged tissue or organ due to accident or disease. In this research, we are aimed at investigating the feasibility of processing cyclic type polylactic acid (PDLLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) biomaterial into tissue engineering scaffold (TES) with variable mechanical properties, well interconnected pore architecture, and controlled hydrophilicity. For this, an in‐house built bone scaffold 3D printing (BS3P) system was applied to two biomaterials, namely PDLLA‐PCL and HA‐PCL. These two biomaterials were produced by optimizing the robotic control system. Morphological investigation by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed both TES formed by new materials able to show honeycomb‐like architectures, excellent fusion at the filament junctions, high uniformity, complete interconnectivity, and controlled channel characteristics of the TES. Compression tests align with the typical behavior of a porous material undergoing deformation. In vitro cell culture study and confocal laser microscopy (CLM) showed enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. The results demonstrated the eligibility of the BS3P system to produce TES, and the suitability of the new biomaterial scaffolds in enhancing cell biocompatibility.
Curvature dependence of the surface tension and crystal nucleation in liquids
Authors: Schmelzer Jürn W. P. , Abyzov Alexander S. , Ferreira Eduardo B. , Fokin Vladimir M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo achieve a quantitative agreement of experimental data with theoretical predictions, in classical nucleation theory a curvature‐ or size‐dependence of the surface tension of critical clusters has to be accounted for. For its description, frequently the Tolman equation is chosen. Tolman derived his relation originally in application to droplets or bubbles in one‐component fluids assuming that nucleation is caused by variations of pressure. As shown here his approach and the resulting basic relations are applicable also to the description of crystal nucleation in multi‐component fluids if either pressure or temperature is changed. Estimates of the Tolman parameter in application to crystallization are advanced for both the mentioned cases. The Tolman parameter is shown to depend on the surface tension for a planar interface, the number of components in the liquid, the bulk properties of both the liquid and crystal phases, and the way the metastable state is generated. In addition, we develop a method of improving the precision in the specification of the curvature dependence of the surface tension in melt crystallization going beyond the Tolman equation in its original form. The results are applied successfully to the description of crystal nucleation in silicate glass‐forming melts.
Experiences of pharmacy staff during the introduction of the checking technician role in New Zealand
Authors: Napier Patti , Norris Pauline , Green James , Braund Rhiannon 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the experiences of the participants in a study introducing a Pharmacy Accuracy Checking Technician (PACT) role, and specifically their perceptions of any advantages and disadvantages.

Methods
Self-administered surveys were distributed during the introduction of a checking technician role in eight community and four hospital pharmacy sites. Surveys were conducted at three time points; at baseline, at mid-point and a final data collection. Questions covered staff perceptions on; technicians’ ability to take on this role, impact on workflow, impact on pharmacists’ time spent with patients and any perceived advantages or disadvantages.

Key findings
Three hundred and fifty-five responses were received from participants. There was significant support for the introduction of this new role, and the greatest advantage identified was an increase in time available to pharmacists to increase potential clinical activities. Many staff felt that this role could easily fit into their current workplace and workflow with minor adjustments. There was a perception that this new role would increase safety and decrease errors as a result of the separation of clinical and checking tasks. Respondents identified a need for more technicians; however, conversely concern was expressed of a negative impact on the number of pharmacists’ jobs.

Conclusions
Despite the disruption caused by the training process, the respondents believed this new role to be beneficial to both staff and patients, and that the new model would allow for increased error identification and enhanced safety.
Impact of vulvovaginal atrophy on pelvic floor muscle strength in healthy continent women
Authors: Sartori Dulcegleika VB , Gameiro Monica O , Kawano Paulo R , Yamamoto Hamilto A , Guerra Rodrigo , Domingues Maria AC , Leitão Victor ASS , Amaro João L 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the correlation between hormonal status and pelvic floor muscle strength.MethodsA total of 140 continent women were prospectively evaluated, and divided into four groups according to age: group 1 (n = 34) aged 30–40 years; group 2 (n = 38) aged 41–50 years; group 3 (n = 35) aged 51–60; and group 4 (n = 33) aged >60 years. The following parameters were evaluated: demographic data using clinical questionnaire; hypermobility of the bladder neck using swab test; vaginal trophism by gynecological examination; hormonal status of the vagina by cytology; and pelvic floor muscle strength using a perineometer and electromyography.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between pelvic floor muscle strength, demographic characteristics, vaginal trophism and hypermobility of the bladder neck between groups (P > 0.05). There was a larger number of women with vaginal atrophy among those aged >60 years. Vaginal trophism assessed by pelvic examination was highly consistent with the findings of colpocytology (kappa test = 0.888). Electromyography showed that women with hypermobility had lower muscle resistance (endurance) when compared with those without hypermobility.ConclusionsAlthough vaginal atrophy is more intense in women aged >60 years, no difference can be found in the pelvic floor muscle strength during the physiological aging process in continent women. As a consequence, trophism is not the only factor related to pelvic floor muscle strength, and it should not preclude the selection of patients who are referred to prophylaxis.