bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invisible but consequential: root endophytic fungi have variable effects on belowground plant–insect interactions
Authors: Gan Huijie , Churchill Alice C. L. , Wickings Kyle 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEndophytic fungi are ubiquitous in nature and can play important roles in regulating plant–herbivore interactions. While some aboveground obligate symbionts are considered defensive mutualists of host plants, the importance of root endophytes in plant defense, especially against root‐feeding insects, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of root fungal endophytes on plant resistance against belowground herbivores and the recovery of host plants from damage. We grew the common grassFestuca arundinacea(tall fescue) semi‐aeroponically in the laboratory and inoculated roots with one of five fungal endophytes isolated from field‐collected tall fescue or meadow soil. Endophyte‐inoculated and uninoculated control plants were subjected to feeding by larvae of the generalist root herbivoreRhizotrogus majalis(European chafer). Herbivory intensity was quantified after eight days, and regrowth of roots and shoots following root herbivory and mechanical shoot damage was measured thereafter for each treatment. Fungal identifications byDNAsequence analysis were conducted after completion of the herbivory experiments and revealed that the five endophytes included the decomposer fungiTrametes versicolorandMortierella alpina, the entomopathogenic fungiIsaria fumosoroseaandBeauveria bassiana, and a potential plant pathogen/entomopathogenFusariumcf.equiseti. The effects of these root endophytes on plant defense against root‐feeding insects were species‐specific. While four endophytes had few effects on plant resistance, endophyticB. bassianasignificantly reduced herbivore damage to roots. In comparison, plant tolerance to damage was impaired after colonization by all endophyte species exceptT. versicolorandM. alpina. The contrasting effects of endophytes on plant resistance and plant tolerance suggest that research solely evaluating plant resistance is likely to overestimate the benefits conferred by endophytes without accounting for potential negative effects on plant tolerance. We propose a conceptual framework to include both plant resistance and tolerance as two dimensions of a defensive strategy and show that plant associations with different root endophytes may shift the relative importance of resistance and tolerance for plant defense.
Estimating population size of fishers (Pekania pennanti) using camera stations and auxiliary data on home range size
Authors: Furnas B. J. , Landers R. H. , Callas R. L. , Matthews S. M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEstimating density and population size is often more challenging than measuring indices of abundance because of uncertainty about the effective area of surveys. We combined hierarchical modeling of detection/non‐detection data from camera stations with auxiliary information on home range sizes to address this issue. We used this approach to estimate the total population size of fishers (Pekania pennanti) throughout the largest remaining native range (Northern California and Southern Oregon [NCSO], 48,760 km2) of this species in the Pacific States of the United States. After controlling for various habitat, gender, and survey factors affecting detection probability, local abundance, and home range size, we estimated an average density of 6.6 fishers per 100 km2(95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1–8.6) and a total of 3196 fishers (95% CI: 2507–4184). We mapped how fisher density varied throughout the range and demonstrated spatial autocorrelation in density at lag distances up to 40 km. These findings represent the first robust estimate of fisher population size for the range in NCSO. They are important for setting a baseline against which to monitor changes in population status and spatial distribution of fishers which are a species of conservation concern at federal and state levels. However, we note that our estimate of population size is very sensitive to assumptions about the effective area of camera surveys. Our methods could likely be applied to other forest carnivores and highlight the benefits of coordination between researchers to collect and share comparable survey and telemetry data.
The roles of habitat and intraguild predation by coyotes on the spatial dynamics of kit foxes
Authors: Lonsinger Robert C. , Gese Eric M. , Bailey Larissa L. , Waits Lisette P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntraguild predation (IGP) by a dominant predator can drive the spatial dynamics of a subordinate predator and may explain space‐use patterns that deviate from theoretical predictions that species will use areas that maximize the availability of limited resources (resource availability hypothesis). Intraguild predation may suppress the distribution and abundance of mesopredators, but spatial resource partitioning may facilitate coexistence, with the subordinate carnivore utilizing suboptimal habitats. In arid systems, free‐standing water was historically scarce, limiting the distribution of larger‐bodied predators and offering large areas of refugia for smaller, arid‐adapted species, such as the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis). In these systems, the development of artificial water sources may facilitate an increase in the distribution and abundance of larger carnivores (e.g., coyotes [Canis latrans]), perhaps to the detriment of kit foxes. We coupled noninvasive genetic sampling and dynamic occupancy models to evaluate the spatial dynamics of kit foxes and their intraguild predators, coyotes, in western Utah, United States. We evaluated the influence of habitat characteristics on coyote occupancy patterns, and then investigated the role of habitat and coyotes on kit fox space use at multiple scales. Coyote occupancy was unrelated to water availability, but was positively related to the proportion of shrubland and woodland cover, a pattern consistent with predictions of the resource availability hypothesis. Supporting predictions of IGP theory, kit fox occupancy was negatively related to shrubland and woodland cover, minimizing overlap with land‐cover types favoring coyote occupancy. Furthermore, kit fox probability of local extinction was positively related to coyote activity. Interestingly, kit fox detection was positively related to coyote activity (i.e., kit fox detection was higher on spatial surveys with greater coyote sign), suggesting that at finer scales, kit foxes utilized riskier habitats to secure sufficient resources. Our results identified two alternative states predicted by IGP theory (i.e., intraguild predator dominated and coexistence of intraguild predator and intraguild prey) in a single system and elucidated the importance of considering dynamic processes and scale when investigating IGP.
Heart failure awareness survey in Germany: general knowledge on heart failure remains poor
Authors: Zelenak Christine , Radenovic Sara , Musial‐Bright Lindy , Tahirovic Elvis , Sacirovic Mesud , Lee Chong‐Bin , Jahandar‐Lashki Diana , Inkrot Simone , Trippel Tobias Daniel , Busjahn Andreas , Hashemi Djawid , Wachter Rolf , Pankuweit Sabine , Störk Stefan , Pieske Burkert , Edelmann Frank , Düngen Hans‐Dirk 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimsPrevious studies demonstrated poor public awareness of heart failure (HF) compared with myocardial infarction and stroke. With respect to several activities to improve HF awareness in recent years, we present data on the development of HF awareness and information sources in Germany over 8 years.Methods and resultsIn 2007, 2012, and 2015, respectively, 2531, 359, and 171 respondents answered questions about causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment of HF from a survey developed by the German Competence Network HF. Relationships between respondents' sociodemographic data and their HF knowledge were explored and changes in knowledge and use of information sources analysed. Sixty‐eight per cent of respondents knew HF as ‘weakness of the heart’. Seventy‐nine per cent knew shortness of breath, 74% reduced exercise tolerance, and 52% knew leg edema as symptoms. Only 40% knew all three symptoms. Although up to 34% of the respondents were directly or indirectly affected by HF, they demonstrated poor knowledge about severity and prognosis. Between 2007 and 2015, overall HF awareness has not changed; awareness about treatment has dropped significantly. Younger respondents used all media, especially internet, for information about health; older respondents preferred printed/verbal media and their physician.ConclusionsWe found rather insufficient public knowledge on HF etiology and symptoms but especially about management, severity, and prognosis, which is essential for good self‐care and adherence of patients. Heart failure awareness has not improved even though awareness campaigns were held over the years. It seems that especially older patients should be much more approached by their family physicians.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Solar Methane Reforming through the Nonstoichiometric Ceria Redox Cycle
Authors: Warren Kent J. , Reim Julie , Randhir Kelvin , Greek Benjamin , Carrillo Richard , Hahn David W. , Scheffe Jonathan R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe dry reforming of methane through the nonstoichiometric ceria (CeO2–CeO2−δ) redox cycle was examined theoretically and experimentally for converting high‐temperature, solar process heat to syngas. The aforementioned cycle is composed of: (1) endothermic reduction of ceria and simultaneous partial oxidation of methane and (2) exothermic oxidation of the reduced ceria and simultaneous reduction of CO2. In both steps, chemical equilibrium calculations indicate that isothermal operation is thermodynamically favorable under a wide range of conditions. The influence of the total amount of reactive gas, the operating temperature, and the inclusion of gas‐ or solid‐phase heat exchangers on the cycle performance was determined through a holistic process model. A theoretical solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency, defined as the ratio of the difference between the calorific value of syngas (H2 and CO) produced and methane converted to the total solar radiative input energy, of more than 45 % was predicted with no heat recuperation. Experimental validation was subsequently demonstrated in a packed‐bed‐type solar reactor using the high‐flux solar simulator at the University of Florida at three discrete isothermal temperatures, namely, 950, 1035, and 1120 °C. Upon the completion of the reduction at each temperature, the bed‐averaged oxygen nonstoichiometry equaled 0.07, 0.21, and 0.24, which yielded methane conversions of 9, 41, and 51 %, respectively. At 1120 °C, the extrapolated solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency was 9.82 %.
Using passive sampling and zebrafish to identify developmental toxicants in complex mixtures
Authors: Bergmann Alan J. , Tanguay Robert L. , Anderson Kim A. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Using effects-directed analysis, we investigated associations previously observed between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and embryotoxicity in field-deployed low-density polyethylene (LDPE). We conducted effects-directed analysis using a zebrafish embryo assay and iterative fractionation of extracts of LDPE that were deployed in the Portland Harbor superfund megasite, Oregon (USA). Whole extracts induced toxicity including mortality, edema, and notochord distortion at 20% effect concentration (EC20) values of approximately 100, 100, and 10 mg LDPE/mL, respectively. Through fractionation, we determined that PAHs at concentrations similar to previous research did not contribute markedly to toxicity. We also eliminated pesticides, phthalates, musks, and other substances identified in toxic fractions by testing surrogate mixtures. We identified free fatty acids as lethal components of LDPE extracts and confirmed their toxicity with authentic standards. We found chromatographic evidence that dithiocarbamates are responsible for notochord and other sublethal effects, although exact matches were not obtained. Fatty acids and dithiocarbamates were previously unrecorded components of LDPE extracts and likely contribute to the toxicity of the whole mixture. The present study demonstrates the success of effects-directed analysis in nontargeted hazard identification using the zebrafish embryo test as a self-contained battery of bioassays that allows identification of multiple chemicals with different modes of action. This is the first effects-directed analysis to combine LDPE and zebrafish, approaches that are widely applicable to identifying developmental hazards in the bioavailable fraction of hydrophobic organic compounds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2290–2298. © 2017 SETAC
Evaluating the performance of BSBL methodology for EEG source localization on a realistic head model
Authors: Saha Sajib , Rana Rajib , Nesterets Yakov , Tahtali Murat , de Hoog Frank , Gureyev Timur 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we evaluate the performance of block sparse Bayesian learning (BSBL) method for EEG source localization. By exploiting the internal block structure, the BSBL method solves the ill‐posed inverse problem more efficiently than other methods that do not consider block structure. Simulation experiments were conducted on a realistic head model obtained by segmentation of MRI images of the head. Two definitions of blocks were considered: Brodmann areas and automated anatomical labeling (AAL). The experiments were performed both with and without the presence of noise. Six different noise levels were considered having SNR values from 5 dB to 30 dB with 5dB increment. The evaluation reveals several potential findings—first, BSBL is more likely to produce better source localization than sparse Bayesian learning (SBL), however, this is true up until a limited number of simultaneously active areas only. Experimental results show that for 71‐channel electrodes setup BSBL outperforms SBL for up to three simultaneously active blocks. From four simultaneously active blocks SBL turns out to be marginally better and the difference between them is statistically insignificant. Second, different anatomical block structures such as Brodmann areas or AAL does not seem to produce any significant difference in EEG source localization relying on BSBL. Third, even when the block partitions are not known exactly BSBL ensures better localization than SBL as soon as block structure persists in the signal. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 27, 46–56, 2017
Automated brain tumour segmentation techniques— A review
Authors: Angulakshmi M. , Lakshmi Priya G.G. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTAutomatic segmentation of brain tumour is the process of separating abnormal tissues from normal tissues, such as white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The process of segmentation is still challenging due to the diversity of shape, location, and size of the tumour segmentation. The metabolic process, psychological process, and detailed information of the images, are obtained using positron emission tomography (PET) image, Computer Tomography (CT) image and Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). Multimodal imaging techniques (such as PET/CT and PET/MRI) that combine the information from many imaging techniques contribute more for accurate brain tumour segmentation. In this article, a comprehensive overview of recent automatic brain tumour segmentation techniques of MRI, PET, CT, and multimodal imaging techniques has been provided. The methods, techniques, their working principle, advantages, their limitations, and their future challenges are discussed in this article. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 27, 66–77, 2017
Reproductive disorders in female rats after prenatal exposure to betamethasone
Authors: Borges Cibele S. , Pacheco Tainá L. , Guerra Marina T. , Barros Aline L. , Silva Patricia V. , Missassi Gabriela , da Silva Katiussia Pinho , Anselmo‐Franci Janete A. , Pupo André S. , Kempinas Wilma De G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBetamethasone is the drug of choice for antenatal treatment, promoting fetal lung maturation and decreasing mortality. Previous studies in rats reported male programming and alteration in sperm parameters and sexual behavior following intrauterine betamethasone exposure. The impact on the female reproductive development is not known. In this study, rat female offspring was assessed for sexual development, morphophysiology of the reproductive tract and fertility after maternal exposure to 0.1 mg kg−1of betamethasone or vehicle on gestational days 12, 13, 18 and 19. The treatment promoted reduction of litter weight on postnatal day 1, morphological masculinization in females, delay in the age of puberty onset, reduction in estrus number, increase in estrous cycle length and increase in luteinizing hormone serum levels and uterus weight. The females from the betamethasone group showed an increase of myometrial uterine area and decrease in endometrial uterine area. These animals also performed less lordosis during the sexual behavior test and showed impaired reproductive performance. The uterus showed higher contraction in the treated group as shown by a pharmacological assay. In conclusion, prenatal betamethasone exposure in rats promoted female masculinization, altered sexual development and reproductive parameters. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of Mg–Ca–Sr alloy degradation products on human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Berglund Ida S. , Dirr Elliott W. , Ramaswamy Vidhya , Allen Josephine B. , Allen Kyle D. , Manuel Michele V. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBiodegradable Mg alloys have the potential to replace currently used metallic medical implant devices, likely eliminating toxicity concerns and the need for secondary surgeries, while also providing a potentially stimulating environment for tissue growth. A recently developed Mg–Ca–Sr alloy possesses advantageous characteristics over other Mg alloys, having a good combination of strength and degradation behavior, while also displaying potentially osteogenic properties. To better understand the effect of alloy degradation products on cellular mechanisms, in vitro studies using human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were conducted. Ionic products of alloy dissolution were found to be nontoxic but changed the proliferation profile of stem cells. Furthermore, their presence changed the progress of osteogenic development, while concentrations of Mg in particular appeared to induce stem cell differentiation. The work presented herein provides a foundation for future alloy design where structures can be tailored to obtain specific implant performance. These potentially bioactive implants would reduce the risks for patients by shortening their healing time, minimizing discomfort and toxicity concerns, while reducing hospital costs. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 697–704, 2018.
Influence of steel implant surface microtopography on soft and hard tissue integration
Authors: Hayes J. S. , Klöppel H. , Wieling R. , Sprecher C. M. , Richards R. G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAfter implantation of an internal fracture fixation device, blood contacts the surface, followed by protein adsorption, resulting in either soft‐tissue adhesion or matrix adhesion and mineralization. Without protein adsorption and cell adhesion under the presence of micro‐motion, fibrous capsule formation can occur, often surrounding a liquid filled void at the implant–tissue interface. Clinically, fibrous capsule formation is more prevalent with electropolished stainless steel (EPSS) plates than with current commercially pure titanium (cpTi) plates. We hypothesize that this is due to lack of micro‐discontinuities on the standard EPSS plates. To test our hypothesis, four EPSS experimental surfaces with varying microtopographies were produced and characterized for morphology using the scanning electron microscope, quantitative roughness analysis using laser profilometry and chemical analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Clinically used EPSS (smooth) and cpTi (microrough) were included as controls. Six plates of each type were randomly implanted, one on both the left and right intact tibia of 18 white New Zealand rabbits for 12 weeks, to allow for a surface interface study. The results demonstrate that the micro‐discontinuities on the upper surface of internal steel fixation plates reduced the presence of liquid filled voids within soft‐tissue capsules. The micro‐discontinuities on the plate under‐surface increased bony integration without the presence of fibrous tissue interface. These results support the hypothesis that the fibrous capsule and the liquid filled void formation occurs mainly due to lack of micro‐discontinuities on the polished smooth steel plates and that bony integration is increased to surfaces with higher amounts of micro‐discontinuities. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 705–715, 2018.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Bone Strength From Childhood to Early Adulthood: A Mixed Longitudinal HR-pQCT study
Authors: Gabel Leigh , Macdonald Heather M , Nettlefold Lindsay , McKay Heather A 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Bone strength is influenced by bone geometry, density, and bone microarchitecture, which adapt to increased mechanical loads during growth. Physical activity (PA) is essential for optimal bone strength accrual; however, less is known about how sedentary time influences bone strength and its determinants. Thus, our aim was to investigate the prospective associations between PA, sedentary time, and bone strength and its determinants during adolescence. We used HR-pQCT at distal tibia (8% site) and radius (7% site) in 173 girls and 136 boys (aged 9 to 20 years at baseline). We conducted a maximum of four annual measurements at the tibia (n = 785 observations) and radius (n = 582 observations). We assessed moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time with accelerometers (ActiGraph GT1M). We aligned participants on maturity (years from age at peak height velocity) and fit a mixed-effects model adjusting for maturity, sex, ethnicity, leg muscle power, lean mass, limb length, dietary calcium, and MVPA in sedentary time models. MVPA was a positive independent predictor of bone strength (failure load [F.Load]) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) at the tibia and radius, total area (Tt.Ar) and cortical porosity (Ct.Po) at the tibia, and negative predictor of load-to-strength ratio at the radius. Sedentary time was a negative independent predictor of Tt.Ar at both sites and Ct.Po at the tibia and a positive predictor of cortical thickness (Ct.Th), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and cortical bone mineral density (Ct.BMD) at the tibia. Bone parameters demonstrated maturity-specific associations with MVPA and sedentary time, whereby associations were strongest during early and mid-puberty. Our findings support the importance of PA for bone strength accrual and its determinants across adolescent growth and provide new evidence of a detrimental association of sedentary time with bone geometry but positive associations with microarchitecture. This study highlights maturity-specific relationships of bone strength and its determinants with loading and unloading. Future studies should evaluate the dose-response relationship and whether associations persist into adulthood. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.