bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incubation behavior adjustments, driven by ambient temperature variation, improve synchrony between hatch dates and caterpillar peak in a wild bird population
Authors: Simmonds Emily G. , Sheldon Ben C. , Coulson Tim , Cole Ella F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFor organisms living in seasonal environments, synchronizing the peak energetic demands of reproduction with peak food availability is a key challenge. Understanding the extent to which animals can adjust behavior to optimize reproductive timing, and the cues they use to do this, is essential for predicting how they will respond to future climate change. In birds, the timing of peak energetic demand is largely determined by the timing of clutch initiation; however, considerable alterations can still occur once egg laying has begun. Here, we use a wild population of great tits (Parus major) to quantify individual variation in different aspects of incubation behavior (onset, duration, and daily intensity) and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the causes and consequences of this variation. Using a 54‐year dataset, we demonstrate that timing of hatching relative to peak prey abundance (synchrony) is a better predictor of reproductive success than clutch initiation or clutch completion timing, suggesting adjustments to reproductive timing via incubation are adaptive in this species. Using detailed in‐nest temperature recordings, we found that postlaying, birds improved their synchrony with the food peak primarily by varying the onset of incubation, with duration changes playing a lesser role. We then used a sliding time window approach to explore which spring temperature cues best predict variance in each aspect of incubation behavior. Variation in the onset of incubation correlated with mean temperatures just prior to laying; however, incubation duration could not be explained by any of our temperature variables. Daily incubation intensity varied in response to daily maximum temperatures throughout incubation, suggesting female great tits respond to temperature cues even in late stages of incubation. Our results suggest that multiple aspects of the breeding cycle influence the final timing of peak energetic demand. Such adjustments could compensate, in part, for poor initial timing, which has significant fitness impacts.
Biological soil crusts determine the germination and growth of two exotic plants
Authors: Song Guang , Li Xinrong , Hui Rong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn arid and semiarid ecosystems, the potential threats of exotic invasive species are enhanced due to increasing human activities. Biological soil crusts (BSCs), acting as arid ecosystem engineers, may play an important role in preventing the establishment of exotic invasive plants. Our goal was to examine whether BSCs could inhibit the establishment of probable exotic plant species originating from adjacent grasslands located along the southeast edge of the Tengger Desert. In our study, we investigated the effects of three BSC types (cyanobacteria, lichen, and moss crusts) under two disturbance conditions (intact and disturbed) on the establishment of two exotic plant species (Ceratoides latens and Setaria viridis) using indoor experiments. We found both negative and positive effects of BSCs on the establishment of the two exotic plant species. Compared with the disturbed BSCs, the germination percentages of C. latens and S. viridis were reduced by 54% to 87% and 89% to 93%, respectively, in intact BSCs. In contrast, BSCs significantly promoted the height growth and aboveground biomass of the two exotic plant species (p < .05) by enhancing the soil water and nutrient availability for the exotic plants. Our results confirm that BSCs strongly suppress the rapid expansion of exotic plant populations by inhibiting germination of seed with big size or appendages and have a weak inhibitory effect on exotic plant with small and smooth seeds. This may decrease the threat of propagation of exotic species. In the meantime, BSCs promote the growth of a few successful engraftment seedlings, which increased the beta diversity. Our work suggests that better understanding the two opposing effects of BSCs on the establishment of exotic plant species in different growth stages (germination and growth) is important for maintaining the health and stability of revegetated regions.
Bi‐dimensional null model analysis of presence‐absence binary matrices
Authors: Strona Giovanni , Ulrich Werner , Gotelli Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractComparing the structure of presence/absence (i.e., binary) matrices with those of randomized counterparts is a common practice in ecology. However, differences in the randomization procedures (null models) can affect the results of the comparisons, leading matrix structural patterns to appear either “random” or not. Subjectivity in the choice of one particular null model over another makes it often advisable to compare the results obtained using several different approaches. Yet, available algorithms to randomize binary matrices differ substantially in respect to the constraints they impose on the discrepancy between observed and randomized row and column marginal totals, which complicates the interpretation of contrasting patterns. This calls for new strategies both to explore intermediate scenarios of restrictiveness in‐between extreme constraint assumptions, and to properly synthesize the resulting information. Here we introduce a new modeling framework based on a flexible matrix randomization algorithm (named the “Tuning Peg” algorithm) that addresses both issues. The algorithm consists of a modified swap procedure in which the discrepancy between the row and column marginal totals of the target matrix and those of its randomized counterpart can be “tuned” in a continuous way by two parameters (controlling, respectively, row and column discrepancy). We show how combining the Tuning Peg with a wise random walk procedure makes it possible to explore the complete null space embraced by existing algorithms. This exploration allows researchers to visualize matrix structural patterns in an innovative bi‐dimensional landscape of significance/effect size. We demonstrate the rational and potential of our approach with a set of simulated and real matrices, showing how the simultaneous investigation of a comprehensive and continuous portion of the null space can be extremely informative, and possibly key to resolving longstanding debates in the analysis of ecological matrices.
Epoxidation of Methyl Oleate and Subsequent Ring‐Opening Catalyzed by Lipase from Candida sp. 99–125
Authors: Lv Niuniu , He Wei , Fang Zheng , Sun Qin , Qiu Chuanhong , Guo Kai 
Published: October 2017

A green method for chemo‐enzymatic epoxidation of methyl oleate is developed, resulted in epoxidized methyl oleate. Subsequently, excessive hydrogen peroxide and extended reaction time led to polyols through ring‐opening reaction catalyzed by immobilized lipase from Candida sp. 99–125. The corresponding reaction conditions are systematically investigated. High epoxy number is obtained at 70 °C for 5 h when 1.5 wt% immobilized lipase and 1.5 equivalent of hydrogen peroxide are used. Interestingly, no hydrolysis reaction of epoxidized methyl oleate is observed. Moreover, epoxidized methyl oleate generated shows good plasticizing effect on PVC resin. On the basis of epoxidation reaction, more hydrogen peroxide and extended reaction time are employed in the ring‐opening reaction, resulting in more polyols. Polyurethane rigid foams with good thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, and compress strength can be successfully prepared through the use of polyols acquired by ring‐opening reaction of epoxidized soybean oil. In addition, the enzyme shows good reusability toward epoxidation and ring‐opening reaction.Practical Applications: The epoxides can be widely used as stabilizers for plasticizers, ingredients of lubricants, and the intermediates for surfactants. The bio‐based polyols are the potential alternative petrochemicals in polyurethane industry. Furthermore, successful achievement of this study can provide a powerful technical support for the application of enzyme catalysis in organic synthesis.An NMR‐based metabolomic approach,using “one‐to‐one” OPLS‐DA models, allows to identify biomarkers of different production zones in “Bosana” Sardinian EVOO.
A One‐Step Approach to the Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Titania Nanoflakes
Authors: Brown Scott , El‐Shall Hassan , Lee Yang‐Yao 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHigh aspect ratio TiO2 nanoflakes are synthesized by a one‐step modified surface hydrolysis method. Surface morphology and physical dimensions are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Microsized flakes having a thickness ≈40 nm are successfully synthesized by spreading an oil phase consisting of titanium tetraisopropoxide and a low surface tension hydrocarbon on the surface of water. Pure anatase phase crystalline titania nanoflakes are obtained by calcining at 400 °C without changing the shape and thickness of flakes. Relatively higher specific surface area (2–6 times) and less crystal defects enhance photocatalytic activities of nanoflakes due to more surface reaction sites and the suppression of fast recombination. By performing dye degradation under ultraviolet illumination, titania nanoflakes exhibit the higher photocatalytic efficiency over the commercial photocatalyst, Degussa P25. As far as it is known, this method is the most efficient and cost effective process for making low‐dimensional nanomaterials in a continuous manner. These titania flakes can be easily separated from the treated water by simply sedimentation or filtration and therefore is very suitable for water purification application.
Prevalence of delusions in drug‐naïve Alzheimer disease patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lai Leo , Lee Philip E. , Chan Peter , Fok Mark C. , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek R. , Sepehry Amir A. 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionNeuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common at all stages of Alzheimer disease (AD). Delusions in AD are associated with negative clinical consequences and may signal rapid disease progression. Hence, we sought to determine the prevalence of delusions in drug‐naïve (no cholinesterase inhibitor or neuroleptic medications) AD patients.MethodsIn this meta‐analysis, a search of the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases was performed. We selected studies reporting delusion prevalence measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) in drug‐naïve AD patients. An aggregate delusion event rate with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The I2 statistic was used to assess the magnitude of between‐study heterogeneity. Single variable meta‐regressions allowed examination of the effect of moderating factors and heterogeneity. Quantitative measures were used to appraise for publication bias.ResultsWe identified 6 studies with 591 participants allowing calculation of the aggregate delusional prevalence rate. Irrespective of dementia severity, the aggregate event rate for delusions was 29.1% (95% CI: 20–41%; I2 = 84.59). No publication bias was observed.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis calculates a 29.1% prevalence rate of delusions in AD patients. There is a trend towards increasing delusion prevalence in concordance with increasing severity of dementia. Given delusions are associated with poorer outcomes, the obtained prevalence should motivate clinicians to screen carefully for delusions. Current literature limitations warrant future studies, with sub‐analyses on dementia severity, and other neurobiological factors known to influence the presence of delusions.
Chimeric thoracoacromial artery perforator flap for one‐staged reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal defects: A single unit experience
Authors: Song Dajiang , Pafitanis Georgios , Pont Luis Eduardo Parra , Yang Peng , Koshima Isao , Zhang Yixin , Iida Takuya , Zhou Xiao , Li Zan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundCircumferential hypopharyngeal defects with anterior neck skin loss often require double‐stacked or chimeric flaps to achieve good surgical outcomes. The thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap is a simple and reliable method for hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction.MethodsFrom March 2012 to February 2015, 19 male patients with an average age of 62 years (range 42‐81 years) underwent complex pharyngoesophageal defect reconstruction with chimeric TAAP flaps.ResultsAll 19 male patients who underwent reconstruction with TAAP flaps achieved optimal functional outcomes. All donor sites were closed primarily. The average length of hospital stay was 12.5 days (range 10‐19 days). All patients returned back to normal nutrition after 8 weeks postoperatively. The average follow‐up period was 19.3 months (range 14‐48 months).ConclusionThe chimeric TAAP flap is an innovative local alternative solution for reconstruction of complex circumferential hypopharyngeal defects when free tissue transfer is contraindicated or neck vessels are depleted.
Expected versus experienced neck comfort
Authors: Bouwens Joyce M. A. , Schultheis Udo W. , Hiemstra‐van Mastrigt Suzanne , Vink Peter 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThere is certainly room for economy‐class travelers to make their trips more pleasant. A travel pillow might improve comfort. In this study, the comfort expectations and experience of travel pillows were examined. Comparing these 2 aspects indicated that it is not always possible to predict the comfort experience associated with a product based on a picture, and that there is a discrepancy between expected and experienced comfort. Experienced comfort is highest for travel pillows that restrict head movements in all directions in order to maintain a neutral posture. The results of this study also support earlier studies that suggested that discomfort experience can be predicted by observing the number of participants’ in‐seat movements; more movements result in higher experienced discomfort.
Guest‐responsive, Non‐proteolytic Harvest of a Cell‐sheet using Controllable Host‐guest Chemistry
Authors: Park Kyeng Min , Shrinidhi Annadka , Murray James , Kim Kimoon 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA new non‐proteolytic method to harvest a cell‐sheet was demonstrated using controllable host‐guest interactions which can be dissociated by treating a strong guest on demand. Fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) were grown to confluence on a 1,6‐diammoniumhexane conjugated hyaluronic acid (DAH‐HA) polymer which was anchored to a cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) surface using the host‐guest interaction between DAH and CB[7]. Treating with a strong guest allowed the cultured cells to be detached from the surface as a free standing sheet. This approach demonstrated the great potential of controllable host‐guest chemistry as a novel tool for non‐proteolytic harvesting of cell‐sheets useful for regenerative therapy.
Non‐invasive detection of bladder cancer via expression‐targeted gene delivery
Authors: Fang Yunlan , Wolfson Benjamin , Godbey W T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundBecause of the time and expense associated with the procedures and possible distress to the patient, cystoscopy or other imaging techniques are typically not used for bladder cancer detection before symptoms become present. Alternatively, commercial assays for urinary tumor markers exist but are marred by low sensitivity and high cost. There is a need for a simple and sensitive means of tumor detection, such as via the analysis of urine.MethodsPlasmids encoding the secretable reporter Gaussia Luciferase (G.LUC), under the control of cmv, cox2 or opn promoters, were delivered via polyethylenimine into bladder tumor cells in culture and into the bladders of mice. Expression profiles of the reporter were recorded, the optimal times for reporter detection were determined and the relationship of reporter expression with tumor size was calculated.ResultsIn vitro results showed that both the cox2 and opn promoters can drive significant expression of G.LUC in bladder carcinoma cells in a targeted fashion. In vivo results demonstrated that the cox2 promoter caused expression of G.LUC at detectable levels in the urine, with local signal maxima occurring at 48 and 72 h post‐transfection. G.LUC levels in the urine had a 24‐h periodicity, with the periodicity partly being the result of an agent secreted by tumor cells that served to mask the luciferase signal.ConclusionsHaving shown tumor specificity and having been calibrated with respect to circadian expression patterns, the detection system shows great promise for future investigation of tumor presence both in the urinary bladder and other models of cancer.
Organic amendments and mulches modify soil porosity and infiltration in semiarid mine soils
Authors: Luna Lourdes , Vignozzi Nadia , Miralles Isabel , Solé‐Benet Albert 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe restoration of soils affected by mining activities depends on the improvement of soil physical quality. This study aimed to determine the medium‐term effects of organic amendments and mulches on soil physical properties and soil hydrological response. The experimental restoration was conducted in a homogeneous slope using a factorial design (organic amendments × mulches). The organic amendments consisted of compost from domestic organic residues, sewage sludge from an urban water treatment facility, and a control without amendment. The mulches consisted of gravel, woodchips, and a control without mulch. Modifications of the soil structure induced by the combinations of techniques were quantified by micromorphometric analysis of 2D porosity. Undisturbed soil cores were collected to determine the soil bulk density. Soil hydrological behaviour was determined by rainfall simulations. Samples from natural undisturbed soils surrounding the quarry were also taken as a reference. Restored soils with organic amendments have a higher total porosity than did nonamended substrates. Each restoration treatment combination resulted in a different pore system with very diverse hydrological responses. Organic amendments resulted in infiltration improvement and water erosion reduction. The woodchip mulch was more effective at trapping runoff and sediment, although this type of mulch did not favour vertical water movement towards deeper horizons. Therefore, the use of organic amendments should be encouraged in mine soil restoration and should be strongly recommended for its proven environmental benefits (enhancement of soil structure and infiltration and reduction of soil losses). However, the mulches did not produce the expected results in the tested arid–semiarid area.
Thinking outside the classical chain reaction box of lipid oxidation: Evidence for alternate pathways and the importance of epoxides
Authors: Schaich Karen M. , Xie Jia , Bogusz Brandon A. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryLipid oxidation has always been viewed as a simple free radical chain reaction with straightforward sequence of radicals → hydroperoxides → products. The first paper in this series proposed that alternate reactions of lipid peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals compete with hydrogen abstraction to make the process much more complex. This article provides experimental evidence for formation of epoxides as major products and shows how monitoring a broad spectrum of products is critical for accurate assessment of the extent of lipid oxidation, elucidating reaction pathways, and anticipating potential toxicity.
MRI assessment of treatment delivery for interstitial photodynamic therapy of high‐grade glioma in a preclinical model
Authors: Leroy Henri‐Arthur , Vermandel Maximilien , Leroux Bertrand , Duhamel Alain , Lejeune Jean‐Paul , Mordon Serge , Reyns Nicolas 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundHigh‐grade gliomas are primary brain tumors that have shown increasing incidence and unfavorable outcomes. Local control is crucial to the management of this pathology. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), based on the light‐induced activation of a photosensitizer (PS), achieves local treatment by inducing selective lesions in tumor tissue.ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported the outcomes of PDT for glioblastoma via immunohistological data. Our study aimed to evaluate MRI findings, including diffusion, and perfusion sequences, compared with immunohistological data from the same population to address the efficiency of light fractionation.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐six “nude” rats grafted with human U87 cells into the right putamen underwent PDT. After PS precursor (5‐ALA) intake, an optical fiber was introduced into the tumor. The rats were randomized into the following groups: those without illumination and those that received two or five fractions of light. Treatment effects were assessed with early high‐field MRI to measure the volume of necrosis and edema using diffusion and perfusion sequences; the MRI results were compared with immunohistology results, including necrosis and apoptosis markers.ResultsElevated diffusion values were observed on MRI in the centers of the tumors of the treated animals, especially in the 5‐fraction group (P < 0.01). Perfusion was decreased around the treatment site, especially in the 5‐fraction group (P = 0.024). The MRI findings were consistent with previously published histological data. The median volume of necrosis was significantly different between the sham group and treated groups, 0 mm3 versus 2.67 mm3, P < 0.001. The same trend was previously observed in histology data when grading the absence or presence of necrosis and when the presence of necrosis was significantly more predominant for the treated group than for the untreated group (P < 001). Additionally, cell death represented by apoptosis marker data (TUNEL method) was significantly higher in the 5‐fraction group than in the 2‐fraction group (P = 0.01).ConclusionDiffusion and perfusion MRI revealed histological lesions. Interstitial PDT (iPDT) induced specific lesions in the tumor tissue, which were observed with MRI and confirmed by histopathological analysis. Thus, MRI may provide a non‐invasive and reliable tool to assess treatment outcomes after PDT. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:460–468, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrically Insulated Epoxy Nanocomposites Reinforced with Synergistic Core–Shell SiO2@MWCNTs and Montmorillonite Bifillers
Authors: Wu Zijian , Gao Sheng , Chen Lei , Jiang Dawei , Shao Qian , Zhang Bing , Zhai Zhaohui , Wang Chen , Zhao Min , Ma Yingyi , Zhang Xiaohong , Weng Ling , Zhang Mingyan , Guo Zhanhu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWith unique physicochemical properties, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have enabled major achievement in polymer composites as reinforcing fillers. Nevertheless, high conductivity of raw MWCNTs (R‐MWCNTs) limits their wider applications in certain fields, which require outstanding thermal conductivity, mechanical, and insulation properties simultaneously. In this article, silica (SiO2) coated MWCNTs core–shell hybrids (SiO2@MWCNTs) and organically modified montmorillonite (O‐MMT) are employed to modify epoxy (EP) simultaneously. The epoxy‐clay system is cured by using anhydride curing agent. The impact strength and flexural strength of final nanocomposites are greatly improved. Meanwhile, the final composites remain in high electrical insulation. Compared to mixed acid treated MWCNTs (C‐MWCNTs) (0.5 wt%)/EP nanocomposites, the volume resistivity of the O‐MMT(4 wt%)/SiO2@MWCNTs(0.5 wt%)/EP nanocomposites increases more than six orders of magnitude. Synergistic toughening effect occurs when using core–shell SiO2@MWCNTs and MMT bifillers. The electrical insulation is attributed to the suppressed electron transport effect by SiO2layer on the CNTs surface, and the blocked conductive CNTs network by the buried 2D structural O‐MMT. The SiO2@MWCNTs core–shell hybrids also benefit to decrease the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of CNTs/EP composites. This work provides guidance to using CNTs as reinforcement fillers to toughen the polymers for electric insulating applications.