bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seismic resonances of spherical acoustic cavities
Authors: Schneider F.M. , Esterhazy S. , Perugia I. , Bokelmann G. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTWe study the interaction of a seismic wavefield with a spherical acoustic gas‐ or fluid‐filled cavity. The intention of this study is to clarify whether seismic resonances can be expected, a characteristic feature that may help in detecting cavities in the subsurface. This is important for many applications, in particular the detection of underground nuclear explosions, which are to be prohibited by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. To calculate the full seismic wavefield from an incident plane wave that interacts with the cavity, we considered an analytic formulation of the problem. The wavefield interaction consists of elastic scattering and the wavefield interaction between the acoustic and elastic media. Acoustic resonant modes caused by internal reflections in the acoustic cavity show up as spectral peaks in the frequency domain. The resonant peaks coincide with the eigenfrequencies of the un‐damped system described by the particular acoustic medium bounded in a sphere with stiff walls. The filling of the cavity could thus be determined by the observation of spectral peaks from acoustic resonances. By energy transmission from the internal oscillations back into the elastic domain, the oscillations experience damping, resulting in a frequency shift and a limitation of the resonance amplitudes. In case of a gas‐filled cavity, the impedance contrast is still high, which means low damping of the internal oscillations resulting in very narrow resonances of high amplitude. In synthetic seismograms calculated in the surrounding elastic domain, the acoustic resonances of gas‐filled cavities show up as persisting oscillations. However, due to the weak acoustic–elastic coupling in this case, the amplitudes of the oscillations are very low. Due to a lower impedance contrast, a fluid‐filled cavity has a stronger acoustic–elastic coupling, which results in wide spectral peaks of lower amplitudes. In the synthetic seismograms derived in the surrounding medium of fluid‐filled cavities, acoustic resonances show up as strong but fast decaying reverberations.
Development of resistance to serotonin‐induced itch in bile duct ligated mice
Authors: Ostadhadi Sattar , Haddadi Nazgol‐Sadat , Foroutan Arash , Azimi Ehsan , Elmariah Sarina , Dehpour Ahmad‐Reza 
Published: March 2017

SummaryCholestatic itch can be severe and significantly impair the quality of life of patients. The serotonin system is implicated in cholestatic itch; however, the pruritogenic properties of serotonin have not been evaluated in cholestatic mice. Here, we investigated the serotonin‐induced itch in cholestatic mice which was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Serotonin, sertraline or saline were administered intradermally to the rostral back area in BDL and sham operated (SHAM) mice, and the scratching behaviour was videotaped for 1 hour. Bile duct ligated mice had significantly increased scratching responses to saline injection on the seventh day after surgery. Additionally, serotonin or sertraline significantly induced scratching behaviour in BDL mice compared to saline at day 7 after surgery, while it did not induce itch at day 5. The scratching behaviour induced by serotonin or sertraline was significantly less in BDL mice compared to SHAM mice. Likewise, the locomotor activity of BDL or SHAM mice was not significantly different from unoperated (UNOP) mice on the fifth and seventh day, suggesting that the scratching behaviour was not affected by motor dysfunctions. Our data suggest that despite the potentiation of evoked itch, a resistance to serotonin‐induced itch is developed in cholestatic mice.
Cardiac fibrosis in the ageing heart: Contributors and mechanisms
Authors: Lu Lu , Guo Jingbin , Hua Yue , Huang Kevin , Magaye Ruth , Cornell Jake , Kelly Darren J. , Reid Christopher , Liew Danny , Zhou Yingchun , Chen Aihua , Xiao Wei , Fu Qiang , Wang Bing Hui 
Published: March 2017

SummaryCardiac fibrosis refers to an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cardiac tissue. Fibrotic tissue is stiffer and less compliant, resulting in subsequent cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Cardiac fibrosis in the ageing heart may involve activation of fibrogenic signalling and inhibition of anti‐fibrotic signalling, leading to an imbalance of ECM turnover. Excessive accumulation of ECM such as collagen in older patients contributes to progressive ventricular dysfunction. Overexpression of collagen is derived from various sources, including higher levels of fibrogenic growth factors, proliferation of fibroblasts and cellular transdifferentiation. These may be triggered by factors, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, cellular senescence and cell death, contributing to age‐related fibrotic cardiac remodelling. In this review, we will discuss the fibrogenic contributors in age‐related cardiac fibrosis, and the potential mechanisms by which fibrogenic processes can be interrupted for therapeutic intent.
Prompting the Benefit of the Doubt: The Joint Effect of Auditor‐Client Social Bonds and Measurement Uncertainty on Audit Adjustments
Authors: KACHELMEIER STEVEN J. , VAN LANDUYT BEN W. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTWe design an incentivized experiment to test whether measurement uncertainty elevates the risk that social bonds between auditors and reporters compromise audit adjustments. Results indicate that, when audit evidence is characterized by some residual uncertainty, the adjustments our auditor‐participants require are sensitive to whether auditors have an opportunity to form a modest but friendly social bond with reporters. In contrast, although auditors do not adjust fully even when misstatements are known with certainty, social bonding has no effect in this scenario. Accordingly, our experiment contributes beyond the main effects of social bonding and measurement uncertainty demonstrated in prior research by showing that these forces interact. A practical implication is that regulators and practitioners should consider both the technical and the social challenges facing audits of complex estimates.
Evaluation of potential RNA‐interference‐target genes to control cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcuidae)
Authors: Khan Arif M. , Ashfaq Muhammad , Khan Azhar A. , Naseem Muhammad T. , Mansoor Shahid 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) of vital insect genes is a potential tool for targeted pest control. However, selection of the right target genes is a challenge because the RNAi efficacy is known to vary among insect species. Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, is a phloem‐feeding economically important crop pest. We evaluated the RNAi of 2 vital genes, Bursicon (PsBur) and V‐ATPase (PsV‐ATPase) as potential targets in P. solenopsis for its control. PCR fragments of PsBur and PsV‐ATPase were amplified using cDNA synthesized from the total RNA. The PCR amplicons were cloned into Potato virus X (PVX) to develop recombinant PVX for the inoculation of Nicotiana tabacum plants for bioassays with healthy P. solenopsis. Reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to validate the expression of transgenes in the recombinant‐PVX‐inoculated plants (treated), and suppression of the target genes in the mealybugs exposed to them. The RT‐PCR confirmed the expression of transgenes in the treated plants. Mealybug individuals on treated plants either died or showed physical deformities. Further, the population of mealybug was significantly reduced by feeding on N. tabacum expressing RNAi triggers against PsBur and PsV‐ATPase. The results conclude that RNAi is activated in P. solenopsis by feeding on N. tabacum expressing RNAi triggering elements of PsBur and PsV‐ATPase genes through recombinant PVX vector. Further, V‐ATPase and Bursicon genes are potential targets for RNAi‐mediated control of P. solenopsis.
Tea Polyphenols as Inhibitors of Furan Formed in the Maillard Model System and Canned Coffee Model
Authors: Bi K.H. , Zhang L. , Qiao X.G. , Xu Z.X. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this article, the effects of sugars and amino acids on furan formation via the Maillard reaction in low‐moisture model systems were investigated. Glucose and alanine are important furan precursors, and the effects of the heating temperature, heating time, and molar ratio of glucose to alanine on furan formation were studied in glucose/alanine model system by response surface methodology. The heating temperature greatly affected furan formation. The maximum furan concentration was obtained with a glucose‐to‐alanine molar ratio of 0.83:1.00, by heating at 151 °C for 41 min. Tea polyphenols effectively inhibited furan formation in the glucose/alanine model and a canned coffee model. A high inhibition rate of 42.4% ± 1.5% was obtained in the canned coffee model during sterilization procedure with addition of 84 mg (the mass fraction is 12.1%) of tea polyphenols (99%). However, the content of aromatic components in the canned coffee model was significantly reduced at the same time. This study provides evidence for a good furan inhibitor that can be used in food processing.
Accuracy and bias of methods used for root length measurements in functional root research
Authors: Delory Benjamin M. , Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , Meder Leonie , Lütje Anna , van Duijnen Richard , Weidlich Rafael , Temperton Vicky M. 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Functional root traits are becoming a key measure in plant ecology, and root length measurements are needed for the calculation of root traits. Several methods are used to estimate the total root length (TRL) of washed root samples [e.g. modified line intersect (LI) method, WinRHIZOTM and IJ_Rhizo], but no standardized comparison of methods exists.

We used a set of digital images of unstained root samples to compare measurements given by the LI method and automated methods provided by WinRHIZOTM and IJ_Rhizo. Linear regression models were used to detect bias. Both linear regression models and the Bland‐Altman`s method of differences were used to evaluate the accuracy of eight methods (1 manual, 2 semi‐automated and 5 automated) in comparison with a reference method that avoided root detection errors.

Length measurements were highly correlated, but did not exactly agree with each other in 11 of 12 method comparisons. All tested methods tended to underestimate the TRL of unstained root samples. The accuracy of WinRHIZOTM was influenced by the thresholding method and the root length density (RLD) in the pictures. For the other methods, no linear relationship was found between accuracy and RLD. With WinRHIZOTM (global thresholding + pixel reclassification; RLD = 1 cm cm−2), the Regent's method and the Tennant's method underestimated the TRL by 7·0 ± 6·2% and 4·7 ± 7·9%, respectively. The LI method gave satisfactory results on average (underestimation: 4·2 ± 6·0%), but our results suggest that it can lead to inaccurate estimations for single images. In IJ_Rhizo, the Kimura method was the best and underestimated the TRL by 5·4 ± 6·1%.

Our results showed that care must be taken when comparing measurements acquired with different methods because they can lead to different results. When acquiring root images, we advise to (i) increase the contrast between fine roots and background by staining the roots, and (ii) avoid overlapping roots by not exceeding a RLD of 1 cm cm−2. Under these conditions, good length estimates can be obtained with WinRHIZOTM (global thresholding + pixel reclassification). The Kimura method in IJ_Rhizo can be an alternative to WinRHIZOTM.
A guide to null models for animal social network analysis
Authors: Farine Damien R. 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Null models are an important component of the social network analysis toolbox. However, their use in hypothesis testing is still not widespread. Furthermore, several different approaches for constructing null models exist, each with their relative strengths and weaknesses, and often testing different hypotheses.

In this study, I highlight why null models are important for robust hypothesis testing in studies of animal social networks. Using simulated data containing a known observation bias, I test how different statistical tests and null models perform if such a bias was unknown.

I show that permutations of the raw observational (or ‘pre‐network’) data consistently account for underlying structure in the generated social network, and thus can reduce both type I and type II error rates. However, permutations of pre‐network data remain relatively uncommon in animal social network analysis because they are challenging to implement for certain data types, particularly those from focal follows and GPS tracking.

I explain simple routines that can easily be implemented across different types of data, and supply R code that applies each type of null model to the same simulated dataset. The R code can easily be modified to test hypotheses with empirical data. Widespread use of pre‐network data permutation methods will benefit researchers by facilitating robust hypothesis testing.
Modelling the probability of microhabitat formation on trees using cross‐sectional data
Authors: Courbaud Benoit , Pupin Cyrille , Letort Anthony , Cabanettes Alain , Larrieu Laurent 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Context: Tree‐related microhabitats (TreMs), such as trunk cavities, peeled bark, cracks or sporophores of lignicolous fungi, are essential to support forest biodiversity because they are used as substrate, foraging, roosting or breeding places by bryophytes, fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates. Biodiversity conservation requires the continuous presence of TreMs in a forest. However, little is known about their dynamics. Moreover, we usually have only cross‐sectional TreM data (observations of many trees at a single time), making it difficult to estimate TreM formation rates.

Method: This study adapted the methods of survival and reliability analysis to model the rate of TreM formation per unit of diameter increment as a function of tree diameter at breast height (DBH). We tested three variants of this model: the TreM formation rate independent of, proportional to or increasing nonlinearly with DBH. We calculated the likelihood of the models, considering cross‐sectional observations either of TreM presence/absence or TreM number on trees of different sizes. We calibrated the models in six subnatural montane forests dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and silver fir (Abies alba) – in the French Pyrenees. Assuming an annual DBH increment value, the annual formation rate of TreMs was predicted both at the level of the tree and at the level of the forest stand.

Results: This method provides a coherent framework to model the probability that a TreM forms on a tree during a unit growth step and produces realistic predictions of TreM accumulation on trees. TreM formation accelerated as trees grew for A. alba but not for F. sylvatica. The TreM formation rate was twice as fast on F. sylvatica as on A. alba. We estimated a formation of 0·82–1·28 TreMs/ha per year and 0·5–0·9 TreM‐bearing trees/ha per year in the subnatural forests studied.

Synthesis and applications: This method makes rigorous modelling of the formation of TreMs possible during the growth of trees and forest stands. The quantitative evaluation of TreM fluxes will help to design forest biodiversity conservation strategies favouring the development and temporal continuity of TreMs.
Public‐private differences in short‐term neonatal outcomes following birth by prelabour caesarean section at early and full term
Authors: Adams Nicole , Gibbons Kristen S. , Tudehope David 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPrelabour caesarean section (CS) at early term (370–386 weeks) is associated with higher rates of adverse short‐term neonatal outcomes and higher costs than those performed at full term (390–406 weeks). Prelabour CS is more common in private than in public hospitals in Australia, particularly at early term.AimsTo evaluate the impact of hospital sector (public or private) and timing of delivery on short‐term neonatal outcomes following prelabour CS at term.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study of 22 954 viable singleton prelabour CS births at term (370–406 weeks) at a single centre encompassing co‐located public and private hospitals during 1998–2013 was undertaken. Propensity score analysis was used to adjust for confounding differences between sectors. The primary outcome was Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) admission with serious morbidity. Secondary outcomes included respiratory distress, vigorous resuscitation and jaundice.ResultsThe private hospital performed prelabour CS at over double the rate of the public hospital (33.7% of all private births vs 14.7% public) and more private than public prelabour CSs occurred at early term (66.8% vs 47.9%). Public babies were more than twice as likely as private babies to require admission to NCCU with serious morbidity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.54, 95% CI 1.77–3.65) but were less likely to need vigorous resuscitation (AOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.45–0.62). Disparities in outcomes between public and private cohorts were accentuated at full term.ConclusionDespite early‐term prelabour CSs occurring more often in the private hospital, public babies had more adverse outcomes and treatment escalations.
Ovulation monitoring and fertility knowledge: Their relationship to fertility experience in a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Righarts Antoinette , Dickson Nigel P. , Parkin Lianne , Gillett Wayne R. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundVarious aspects of fertility knowledge, including the timing of the fertile window, have consistently been found to be poor. Limited evidence also suggests ovulation monitoring to time intercourse could be common. However, there have been no studies that compare these two aspects of fertility and women's fertility/infertility experiences.AimTo examine the frequency of ovulation monitoring and its relationship with fertility knowledge and experience.MethodA cross‐sectional study of women aged 25–50 years resident in southern New Zealand was undertaken in 2011. Randomly selected women were asked to complete a fertility questionnaire. Outcome prevalence measures were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and associations investigated using χ2 tests and Poisson regression.ResultsOvulation monitoring was common, having ever been undertaken by 31.4% (95% CI: 28.5–34.3%) of the 1034 participants. However, knowledge was poor, particularly regarding the fertile window. More women who had ever monitored ovulation correctly identified the fertile window, although the proportion was still very low (18.4 vs 13.1% in those who had not, P = 0.027). Regression modelling showed ovulation monitoring was independently associated with seeking medical help to conceive, education and fertility experience, but not with knowledge.ConclusionThis study confirms ovulation monitoring was commonly undertaken. However, many women, including those who had monitored their ovulation, had poor fertility knowledge and failed to identify the fertile window. Poor fertility knowledge needs to be addressed, especially among women intending to conceive.
Neurophysiological assessment of acute pain in infants: a scoping review of research methods
Authors: Benoit B , Martin‐Misener R , Newman A , Latimer M , Campbell‐Yeo M 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA systematic scoping search to describe the neurophysiological methods used in infant acute pain assessment research was conducted. Of the 2411 abstracts screened, 19 articles were retained. Nine studies utilised near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), two utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and eight utilised electroencephalography (EEG). There was methodological variability in studies utilising NIRS, whereas EEG and fMRI studies reported consistent methods. Of the eight EEG studies, six identified a nociceptive‐specific event‐related potential. Conclusion: While more methodologically rigorous studies are needed, ERPs appear to hold some promise as indicators of infant nociception during clinical procedures to supplement existing measures.
Mowing influences community‐level variation in resource‐use strategies and flowering phenology along an ecological succession on Mediterranean road slopes
Authors: Bouchet Diane C. , Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier , Munoz François 
Published: March 2017

AbstractQuestionsHow do species composition, resource‐use strategy and flowering phenology change and relate to each other in road slope plant communities along an ecological succession after construction work? How does recurrent mowing influence resource‐use successional trajectory and flowering phenology in communities? Does intraspecific variation contribute to these community‐level functional responses?LocationRoad slopes in Mediterranean southern France.MethodsWe designed a chronosequence of 25 road slopes, each including both unmown and yearly mown parts. We analysed the influence of age and mowing on community‐level trait values (CWM) of LDMC, SLA, onset of flowering Date (OFD), end of flowering date (EFD) and flowering duration (FDur). We tested for contribution of intraspecific variation of traits to these functional variations. We also tested for relationship between changes in taxonomic composition, environmental parameters and functional responses.ResultsWe found slower successional variation of resource‐use strategies in communities undergoing recurrent mowing, compared to unmown vegetation. Onset of flowering was earlier in mown communities. End of flowering and flowering duration did not directly depend on successional stage or mowing but related to resource‐use strategies. Species turnover was an important driver of functional variation and the major components of plant taxonomic variation were primarily related to environmental and functional changes.ConclusionsOn road slopes, successional changes in functional and taxonomic composition were influenced by mowing, which did not totally prevent vegetation changes. Disturbance by mowing impacted resource‐use strategy and indirectly influenced flowering phenology by limiting plant investment into resource conservation in aerial parts. Community‐level relationship between resource‐use strategy and flowering phenology suggests a consistent trade‐off between vegetative growth and flowering phenology among plant species within communities. Our findings help to understand how recurrent disturbances can influence successional trajectories in mediterranean ecosystems.
Teachers' perceptions of digital badges as recognition of professional development
Authors: Jones W. Monty , Hope Samantha , Adams Brianne 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis mixed methods study examined teachers' perceptions and uses of digital badges received as recognition of participation in a professional development program. Quantitative and qualitative survey data was collected from 99 K‐12 teachers who were awarded digital badges in Spring 2016. In addition, qualitative data was collected through semi‐structured interviews with a smaller sample. An analysis of the data suggests that teachers had a favorable view of receiving digital badges and many shared their badges through digital media. This paper also describes how the digital badges were shared, the impact digital badges may have on teachers' choices for professional development, and teachers' perspectives on current and future uses of digital badges.