bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling plant interspecific interactions from experiments with perennial crop mixtures to predict optimal combinations
Authors: Halty Virginia , Valdés Matías , Tejera Mauricio , Picasso Valentín , Fort Hugo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe contribution of plant species richness to productivity and ecosystem functioning is a longstanding issue in ecology, with relevant implications for both conservation and agriculture. Both experiments and quantitative modeling are fundamental to the design of sustainable agroecosystems and the optimization of crop production. We modeled communities of perennial crop mixtures by using a generalized Lotka‐Volterra model, i.e., a model such that the interspecific interactions are more general than purely competitive. We estimated model parameters ‐carrying capacities and interaction coefficients‐ from, respectively, the observed biomass of monocultures and bicultures measured in a large diversity experiment of seven perennial forage species in Iowa, United States. The sign and absolute value of the interaction coefficients showed that the biological interactions between species pairs included amensalism, competition, and parasitism (asymmetric positive‐negative interaction), with various degrees of intensity. We tested the model fit by simulating the combinations of more than two species and comparing them with the polycultures experimental data. Overall, theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experiments. Using this model, we also simulated species combinations that were not sown. From all possible mixtures (sown and not sown) we identified which are the most productive species combinations. Our results demonstrate that a combination of experiments and modeling can contribute to the design of sustainable agricultural systems in general and to the optimization of crop production in particular.
Carbon and nitrogen allocation shifts in plants and soils along aridity and fertility gradients in grasslands of China
Authors: Luo Wentao , Li Mai‐He , Sardans Jordi , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Wang Chao , Peñuelas Josep , Wang Zhengwen , Han Xing‐Guo , Jiang Yong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPlant carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stoichiometry play an important role in the maintenance of ecosystem structure and function. To decipher the influence of changing environment on plant C and N stoichiometry at the subcontinental scale, we studied the shoot and root C and N stoichiometry in two widely distributed and dominant genera along a 2,200‐km climatic gradient in China's grasslands. Relationships between C and N concentrations and soil climatic variables factors were studied. In contrast to previous theory, plant C concentration and C:N ratios in both shoots and roots increased with increasing soil fertility and decreased with increasing aridity. Relative N allocation shifted from soils to plants and from roots to shoots with increasing aridity. Changes in the C:N ratio were associated with changes in N concentration. Dynamics of plant C concentration and C:N ratios were mainly caused by biomass reallocation and a nutrient dilution effect in the plant‐soil system. Our results suggest that the shifted allocation of C and N to different ecosystem compartments under a changing environment may change the overall use of these elements by the plant‐soil system.
How shrub encroachment under climate change could threaten pollination services for alpine wildflowers: A case study using the alpine skypilot,Polemonium viscosum
Authors: Kettenbach Jessica A. , Miller‐Struttmann Nicole , Moffett Zoë , Galen Candace 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUnder climate change, shrubs encroaching into high altitude plant communities disrupt ecosystem processes. Yet effects of encroachment on pollination mutualisms are poorly understood. Here, we probe potential fitness impacts of interference from encroachingSalix(willows) on pollination quality of the alpine skypilot,Polemonium viscosum. Overlap in flowering time ofSalixandPolemoniumis a precondition for interference and was surveyed in four extant and 25 historic contact zones. Pollinator sharing was ascertained from observations of willow pollen on bumble bees visitingPolemoniumflowers and onPolemoniumpistils. We probed fitness effects of pollinator sharing by measuring the correlation betweenSalixpollen contamination and seed set in naturally pollinatedPolemonium. To ascertain whetherSalixinterference occurred during or after pollination, we compared seed set under natural pollination, conspecific pollen addition, andSalixpollen addition. In current and past contact zonesPolemoniumandSalixoverlapped in flowering time. After accounting for variance in flowering date due to latitude,SalixandPolemoniumshowed similar advances in flowering under warmer summers. This trend supports the idea that sensitivity to temperature promotes reproductive synchrony in both species.Salixpollen is carried by bumble bees when visitingPolemoniumflowers and accounts for up to 25% of the grains onPolemoniumpistils.Salixcontamination correlates with reduced seed set in nature and when applied experimentally. Postpollination processes likely mediate these deleterious effects as seed set in nature was not limited by pollen delivery. Synthesis: As willows move higher with climate change, we predict that they will drive postpollination interference, reducing the fitness benefits of pollinator visitation forPolemoniumand selecting for traits that reduce pollinator sharing.
The estimation of growth dynamics for Pomacea maculata from hatchling to adult
Authors: Sutton Karyn L. , Zhao Lihong , Carter Jacoby 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPomacea maculata is a relatively new invasive species to the Gulf Coast region and potentially threatens local agriculture (rice) and ecosystems (aquatic vegetation). The population dynamics of P. maculata have largely been unquantified, and therefore, scientists and field‐workers are ill‐equipped to accurately project population sizes and the resulting impact of this species. We studied the growth of P. maculata ranging in weights from 6 to 105 g, identifying the sex of the animals when possible. Our studied population had a 4:9 male:female sex ratio. We present the findings from initial analysis of the individual growth data of males and females, from which it was apparent that females were generally larger than males and that small snails grew faster than larger snails. Since efforts to characterize the male and female growth rates from individual data do not yield statistically supported estimates, we present the estimation of several parameterized growth rate functions within a population‐level mathematical model. We provide a comparison of the results using these various growth functions and discuss which best characterizes the dynamics of our observed population. We conclude that both males and females exhibit biphasic growth rates, and thus, their growth is size‐dependent. Further, our results suggest that there are notable differences between males and females that are important to take into consideration in order to accurately model this species' population dynamics. Lastly, we include preliminary analyses of ongoing experiments to provide initial estimates of growth in the earliest life stages (hatchling to ≈6 g).
On the controls of abundance for soil‐dwelling organisms on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Ke , Jing Xin , Sanders Nathan J. , Chen Litong , Shi Yu , Flynn Dan F. B. , Wang Yonghui , Chu Haiyan , Liang Wenju , He Jin‐Sheng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAfter decades of research, we are starting to understand more about why the number of species varies from place to place on the planet. However, little is known about spatial variation in abundance, especially for soil‐dwelling organisms. In this study, we aimed to disentangle the relative influences of climatic factors, soil properties, and plant diversity on the abundance of soil‐dwelling invertebrates (i.e., nematodes and soil arthropods) at 48 alpine grassland sites on the Tibetan Plateau. We found that the abundance of these two groups of soil organisms was negatively correlated with soil pH and temperature seasonality, and was positively correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC), mean annual precipitation, and plant species richness; there was no effect of mean annual temperature or seasonality in precipitation on the abundance of nematodes or soil‐dwelling arthropods. When we considered only the nematodes, we found that soil pH, mean annual precipitation, temperature seasonality, and SOC were the best predictors of abundance. However, plant species richness was the best predictor of the abundance of soil‐dwelling arthropods. Different orders within the arthropods responded differently to the suite of factors we examined. Taken together, our results suggest that increases in temperature alone might not alter the abundances of soil organisms in these alpine grasslands. Instead, altered precipitation regimes and increases in intra‐annual variation in temperature, changes in plant community diversity, and the resulting changes in soil characteristics (e.g., pH and organic carbon) could reshape soil communities in the Tibetan grassland ecosystems, and likely elsewhere on the planet.
Amperometric L‐cysteine Sensor Using a Gold Electrode Modified with Thiolated Catechol
Authors: Xu Haitao , Li Chaorong , Song Dongcheng , Xu Xiaolin , Zhao Yan , Liu Xiaoying , Su Zhaohong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA thiolated catechol (CA) consisting of 1,6‐Hexanedithiol (HDT) and CA was modified on a gold (Au) electrode to obtain an amperometric L‐cysteine sensor with detection limit of 60.6 nM. The preparation of thiolated CA was conducted via a thiol addition between HDT and electro‐oxidized CA (EOCA). Briefly, the thiol addition reaction was accomplished by potential cycling of HDT/Au electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (PB, pH 7.2) containing CA, and an EOCA‐HDT/Au electrode was produced. The obtained EOCA‐HDT/Au electrode exhibits a pair of well‐defined redox peaks (at 0.22/0.10 V) of o‐quinone moiety, which effectively mediates the oxidation of L‐cysteine in a 0.1 M PB (pH 7.2), with an over‐potential decrease by ca. 0.12 V (versus bare Au electrode). Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, cyclic voltammetry and surface‐enhanced Raman spectra were used to study relevant processes and/or film properties. The amperometric L‐cysteine sensor has good anti‐interferent ability and reproducibility. It also has acceptable recovery for detection of L‐cysteine in urine samples.
Assessment of Heat Exchangers for the Integration of Concentrated Solar Energy into the Catalytic Hydrothermal Gasification of Biomass
Authors: Viereck Sebastian , Keller Jonas , Haselbacher Andreas , Jovanovic Zoran R. , Steinfeld Aldo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUsing concentrated solar energy to power a hydrothermal gasification (HTG) of biomass requires thermal energy storage (TES) to compensate for the inherent intermittence of solar irradiation. The energy transfer from the TES to the HTG process is accomplished through a heat‐transfer fluid (HTF) passing through a heat exchanger (HX) incorporated into the salt‐separation step of the HTG process. The HX performance determines the temperature profile inside the salt separator, thereby influencing the removal of the salts from the feedstock. In this work, we compare the performances of three HX types based on exploiting fluidized beds, porous media, and axially finned tubes. The effect of the HX configuration on the temperature profile inside the salt separator is assessed through CFD simulations considering pure water as the model feed to the separator. We find that all considered HX types could provide the desired temperature profile within the separator. However, the estimate for the power required to pump the HTF through the fluidized‐bed HX is roughly two orders of magnitude higher than those for the axially finned tubular and porous‐media HXs.
Social Rank and Rejection Sensitivity as Mediators of the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Disordered Eating
Authors: De Paoli Tara , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Halliwell Emma , Puccio Francis , Krug Isabel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimThe current study assessed a new interpersonal model for eating disorders (EDs), in which interpersonal rejection sensitivity (RS), appearance‐based RS and social rank were hypothesised to mediate the relationship between insecure attachment and disordered eating.MethodThe sample comprised a clinical ED group (N = 122) and a control group (N = 622). Participants were asked to complete a number of self‐report measures related to the variables of interest.ResultsInvariance testing indicated that the model was structurally non‐invariant (different across groups). For the ED group, appearance‐based RS and social rank were significant mediators of the relationship between insecure attachment and disordered eating. For the controls, the relationship between insecure attachment and disordered eating was mediated through multiple pathways involving interpersonal RS, appearance‐based RS and social rank.ConclusionThese findings may inform existing therapies such as interpersonal psychotherapy for EDs, by emphasising the role of sensitivity to rejection in the development and maintenance of disordered eating. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Spectrum and immunophenotyping of 653 patients with B‐cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders in China: A single‐centre analysis
Authors: Miao Yi , Cao Lei , Sun Qian , Li Xiao‐Tong , Wang Yan , Qiao Chun , Wang Li , Wang Rong , Qiu Hai‐Rong , Xu Wei , Li Jian‐Yong , Wu Yu‐Jie , Fan Lei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe incidence of B‐cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B‐CLPDs) is significantly lower in China than that in western countries. There have been studies involving small cohorts with conflicting results regarding the spectrum of B‐CLPDs in China, and the types and immunophenotyping of B‐CLPDs in China remain largely unexplored. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 653 cases of B‐CLPDs seen in our centre from 2011 to 2015. Four‐colour flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of each immunological marker, and the diagnostic values of the immunological markers were also investigated. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was the most common type of B‐CLPD, which was consistent with that in west countries. However, the proportions of CLL (55.9%), follicular lymphoma (2.6%), and hairy cell leukaemia (0.2%) were lower, while the proportion of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/WaldenstrÖm macroglobulinaemia (5.4%) was higher in China, as compared with western countries. With respect to immunophenotypic characteristics, CD23 (31.7%) was more frequently expressed in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in our cohort than that in western countries. Immunophenotyping was useful in differentiating MCL from CLL or B‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/WaldenstrÖm macroglobulinaemia from splenic marginal zone lymphoma. CD200 was of better diagnostic performance (accuracy: 94.6%) in differentiating CLL from MCL compared with CD23 (accuracy: 93.3%). Some cases of B‐CPLDs, however, had no definite diagnoses, which were diagnosed as CD5+B‐CPLDs unclassified (7.7%) and CD5−B‐CPLDs unclassified (15.8%). This is the largest study that systematically explores the spectrum and immunophenotyping of B‐CLPDs in Asia, confirming that spectrum of B‐CLPDs in China was different from that in western countries. The immunophenotypic features of B‐CLPDs were similar between China and western countries, although a few disparities exist. Cases with no definite diagnoses warrant further studies in the future.
A systematic review of the impact of mindfulness on the well‐being of healthcare professionals
Authors: Lomas Tim , Medina Juan Carlos , Ivtzan Itai , Rupprecht Silke , Eiroa‐Orosa Francisco José 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveAmong efforts to improve the well‐being of healthcare professionals are initiatives based around mindfulness meditation. To understand the value of such initiatives, we conducted a systematic review of empirical studies pertaining to mindfulness in healthcare professionals.MethodDatabases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016. Eligibility criteria included empirical analyses of mindfulness and well‐being outcomes acquired in relation to practice. 81 papers met the eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 3,805 participants. Studies were principally examined for outcomes such as burnout, distress, anxiety, depression, and stress.ResultsMindfulness was generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures (although results were more equivocal with respect to some outcomes, most notably burnout).ConclusionOverall, mindfulness does appear to improve the well‐being of healthcare professionals. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly high‐quality randomized controlled trials.
Aberrant astrocytic expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan receptors in a rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shijo Tomomi , Warita Hitoshi , Suzuki Naoki , Kitajima Yasuo , Ikeda Kensuke , Akiyama Tetsuya , Ono Hiroya , Mitsuzawa Shio , Nishiyama Ayumi , Izumi Rumiko , Aoki Masashi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Progressive and systemic loss of motor neurons with gliosis in the central nervous system (CNS) is a neuropathological hallmark of ALS. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are the major components of the extracellular matrix of the mammalian CNS, and they inhibit axonal regeneration physically by participating to form the glial scar. Recently, protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ) and leukocyte common antigen‐related protein were discovered as CSPG receptors that play roles in inhibiting regeneration. Here we examined the expression of CSPG receptors in transgenic female rats overexpressing an ALS‐linked mutant cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1). In contrast to controls, multiple immunofluorescence analyses revealed aberrant expression of CSPG receptors dominantly in reactive astrocytes, while PTPσ expression in neurons decreased in the spinal ventral horns of ALS transgenic rats. The aberrant and progressive astrocytic expression of CSPG receptors and reactive astrocytes themselves may be therapeutic targets for reconstructing a regeneration‐supportive microenvironment under neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS.
Development of resurgent and persistent sodium currents in mesencephalic trigeminal neurons
Authors: Enomoto Akifumi , Seki Soju , Tanaka Susumu , Ishihama Kohji , Yamanishi Tadashi , Kogo Mikihiko , Hamada Suguru 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSodium channels play multiple roles in the formation of neural membrane properties in mesencephalic trigeminal (Mes V) neurons and in other neural systems. Mes V neurons exhibit conditional robust high‐frequency spike discharges. As previously reported, resurgent and persistent sodium currents (INaR and INaP, respectively) may carry small currents at subthreshold voltages that contribute to generation of spike firing. These currents play an important role in maintaining and allowing high‐frequency spike discharge during a burst. In the present study, we investigated the developmental changes in tetrodotoxin‐sensitive INaR and INaP underlying high‐frequency spike discharges in Mes V neurons. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings showed that both current densities increased one and a half times from postnatal day (P) 0–6 neurons to P7–14 neurons. Although these neurons do not exhibit subthreshold oscillations or burst discharges with high‐frequency firing, INaR and INaP do exist in Mes V neurons at P0–6. When the spike frequency at rheobase was examined in firing Mes V neurons, the developmental change in firing frequency among P7–14 neurons was significant. INaR and INaP density at −40 mV also increased significantly among P7–14 neurons. The change to an increase in excitability in the P7–14 group could result from this quantitative change in INaP. In neurons older than P7 that exhibit repetitive firing, quantitative increases in INaR and INaP density may be major factors that facilitate and promote high‐frequency firing as a function of age in Mes V neurons.
Enhanced Raman and photoluminescence response in monolayer MoS2 due to laser healing of defects
Authors: Bera Achintya , Muthu D. V. S. , Sood A. K. 
Published: July 2017

Bound quasiparticles, negatively charged trions and neutral excitons are associated with the direct optical transitions at the K‐points of the Brillouin zone for monolayer MoS2. The change in the carrier concentration, surrounding dielectric constant, and defect concentration can modulate the photoluminescence and Raman spectra. Here, we show that exposing the monolayer MoS2 in air to a modest laser intensity for a brief period of time enhances simultaneously the photoluminescence intensity associated with both trions and excitons, together with ∼3 to 5 times increase of the Raman intensity of first‐order and second‐order modes. The simultaneous increase of photoluminescence from trions and excitons cannot be understood based only on known scenario of depletion of electron concentration in MoS2 by adsorption of O2 and H2O molecules. This is explained by laser‐induced healing of defect states resulting in reduction of nonradiative Auger processes. This laser healing is corroborated by an observed increase of intensity of both the first‐order and second‐order longitudinal acoustic Raman modes at the M‐point of Brillouin zone by a factor of ∼3 to 5. The A1g mode hardens by ∼1.4 cm−1, whereas the
mode softens by ∼1 cm−1. The second‐order longitudinal acoustic Raman mode at the M‐point of Brillouin zone at ∼440 cm−1 shows an increase in wavenumber by ∼8 cm−1 with laser exposure. These changes are a combined effect of change in electron concentrations and oxygen‐induced lattice displacements. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of polyvinyl toluene under laser‐driven shock compression and comparison with hydrostatic experiments
Authors: Rastogi Vinay , Chaurasia S. , Rao Usha , Sijoy C. D. , Poswal H. K. , Mishra V. , Kumar Manmohan , Deo M. N. 
Published: July 2017

Shock wave‐induced changes in intra‐molecular vibrations of polyvinyl toluene (PVT) in a confined geometry target assembly are studied over the pressure range of 0–2.25 GPa. A comparative study of the behavior of PVT in the dynamic and quasi‐hydrostatic compression is performed. A 1D radiation hydrodynamic simulation has been performed to calculate the equation of state of the PVT. In present study, the fundamental modes, ν12 mode at 1001 cm−1, ν18a mode at 1031 cm−1 and ν8a mode at 1602 cm−1, of PVT are extensively analyzed. At a pressure of 1.58 GPa, peak shift of 4.24, 5.16 and 6.41 cm−1 for the modes 1001, 1031 and 1602 cm−1, respectively, are observed and are in good agreement with the hydrostatic measurement. Grüneisen parameters are calculated for each modes, which indicates that the primarily volume changes (below 1 GPa) are due to free volume and compression of the inter‐chain bonds, and not because of changes in intermolecular bond lengths. The shock velocity in the sample at pressure 2.25 GPa is calculated as 3.6 ±0.46 km/s by measuring the ratios of the experimental shocked volume to total volume of the sample measured in the time‐resolved measurement and is in good agreement with the simulation result. A comparative study of shock pressure on PVT and polystyrene molecules is also done. These materials are of great interest as they are widely being used as a host material in scintillator detectors, which are used for the measurement of high‐frequency electromagnetic radiation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.