bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Familiarity modulates motor activation while other species' actions are observed: a magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Amoruso Lucia , Urgesi Cosimo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObserving other people's actions facilitates the observer's motor system as compared with observing the same individuals at rest. This motor activation is thought to result from mirror‐like activity in fronto‐parietal areas, which enhances the excitability of the primary motor cortex via cortico‐cortical pathways. Although covert motor activation in response to observed actions has been widely investigated between conspecifics, how humans cope with other species' actions has received less attention. For example, it remains unclear whether the human motor system is activated by observing other species' actions, and whether prior familiarity with the non‐conspecific agent modulates this activation. Here, we combined single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor‐evoked potential recording to explore the impact of familiarity on motor activation during the observation of non‐conspecific actions. Videos displaying actions performed either by a conspecific (human) or by a non‐conspecific (dog) were shown to individuals who had prior familiarity or no familiarity at all with the non‐conspecific agent. We found that, whereas individuals with long‐lasting familiarity showed similar levels of motor activation for human and canine actions, individuals who had no familiarity showed higher motor activation for human than for canine actions. These findings suggest that the human motor system is flexible enough to resonate with other species, and that familiarity plays a key role in tuning this ability.
Transport properties and pore‐network structure in variably‐saturated Sphagnum peat soil
Authors: Hamamoto S. , Dissanayaka S. H. , Kawamoto K. , Nagata O. , Komtatsu T. , Moldrup P. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryGas and water transport in peat soil are of increasing interest because of their potentially large environmental and climatic effects under different types of land use. In this research, the water retention curve (WRC), gas diffusion coefficient (Dg) and air and water permeabilities (ka and kw) of layers in peat soil from two profiles were measured under different moisture conditions. A two‐region Archie's Law (2RAL)‐type model was applied successfully to the four properties; the reference point was taken at −9.8 kPa of soil‐water matric potential where volume shrinkage typically started to occur. For WRC in the very decomposed peat soil, the 2RAL saturation exponents (n) obtained for both the wetter (nw) and drier regions (nd) were smaller than those for the less decomposed peat. For Dg, the saturation exponent in the wetter region was larger than that in the drier one for all layers, which indicated enhanced blocking effects of water on gas diffusion in the wetter region. For the peat layers within each soil, there was a linear relation between saturation exponents in the drier region for ka and Dg. The larger saturation exponent of the wetter region for kw in peat than in sand suggests a need for specific hydraulic functions for peat soil. The 2RAL model for Dg agreed well with measured data, and performed better than existing unimodal models. To facilitate use of the 2RAL for Dg, we developed a simple predictive expression for Dg at the reference point. The pore‐network tortuosity factor and equivalent pore diameter for gas transport confirmed very different pore structure and mass transport behaviour for peat soil and uniform sand.
Global patterns and predictors of stem CO2 efflux in forest ecosystems
Authors: Yang Jinyan , He Yujie , Aubrey Doug P. , Zhuang Qianlai , Teskey Robert O. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStem CO2 efflux (ES) plays an important role in the carbon balance of forest ecosystems. However, its primary controls at the global scale are poorly understood and observation‐based global estimates are lacking. We synthesized data from 121 published studies across global forest ecosystems and examined the relationships between annual ES and biotic and abiotic factors at individual, biome, and global scales, and developed a global gridded estimate of annual ES. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) Leaf area index (LAI) will be highly correlated with annual ES at biome and global scales; (2) there will be parallel patterns in stem and root CO2 effluxes (RA) in all forests; (3) annual ES will decline with forest age; and (4) LAI coupled with mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) will be sufficient to predict annual ES across forests in different regions. Positive linear relationships were found between ES and LAI, as well as gross primary production (GPP), net primary production (NPP), wood NPP, soil CO2 efflux (RS), and RA. Annual ES was correlated with RA in temperate forests after controlling for GPP and MAT, suggesting other additional factors contributed to the relationship. Annual ES tended to decrease with stand age. Leaf area index, MAT and MAP, predicted 74% of variation in ES at global scales. Our statistical model estimated a global annual ES of 6.7 ± 1.1 Pg C yr−1 over the period of 2000–2012 with little interannual variability. Modeled mean annual ES was 71 ± 43, 270 ± 103, and 420 ± 134 g C m2 yr−1 for boreal, temperate, and tropical forests, respectively. We recommend that future studies report ES at a standardized constant temperature, incorporate more manipulative treatments, such as fertilization and drought, and whenever possible, simultaneously measure both aboveground and belowground CO2 fluxes.
Quantifying heterogeneous responses of fish community size structure using novel combined statistical techniques
Authors: Marshall Abigail M. , Bigg Grant R. , van Leeuwen Sonja M. , Pinnegar John K. , Wei Hua‐Liang , Webb Thomas J. , Blanchard Julia L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTo understand changes in ecosystems, the appropriate scale at which to study them must be determined. Large marine ecosystems (LMEs) cover thousands of square kilometres and are a useful classification scheme for ecosystem monitoring and assessment. However, averaging across LMEs may obscure intricate dynamics within. The purpose of this study is to mathematically determine local and regional patterns of ecological change within an LME using empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). After using EOFs to define regions with distinct patterns of change, a statistical model originating from control theory is applied (Nonlinear AutoRegressive Moving Average with eXogenous input – NARMAX) to assess potential drivers of change within these regions. We have selected spatial data sets (0.5° latitude × 1°longitude) of fish abundance from North Sea fisheries research surveys (spanning 1980–2008) as well as of temperature, oxygen, net primary production and a fishing pressure proxy, to which we apply the EOF and NARMAX methods. Two regions showed significant changes since 1980: the central North Sea displayed a decrease in community size structure which the NARMAX model suggested was linked to changes in fishing; and the Norwegian trench region displayed an increase in community size structure which, as indicated by NARMAX results, was primarily linked to changes in sea‐bottom temperature. These regions were compared to an area of no change along the eastern Scottish coast where the model determined the community size structure was most strongly associated to net primary production. This study highlights the multifaceted effects of environmental change and fishing pressures in different regions of the North Sea. Furthermore, by highlighting this spatial heterogeneity in community size structure change, important local spatial dynamics are often overlooked when the North Sea is considered as a broad‐scale, homogeneous ecosystem (as normally is the case within the political Marine Strategy Framework Directive).
Powdered coconut water as a storage medium to preserve the viability of periodontal ligament cells: a laboratory study
Authors: Moura C. C. G. , Soares P. B. F. , Reis M. V. P. , Dechichi P. , Salgueiro C. C. M. , Sobral M. H. N. R. , Zanetta Barbosa D. , Soares C. J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the ability of newly developed powdered coconut water formulas (ACP) with different osmolarities to maintain the viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells over time compared with other solutions.MethodologyDogs teeth were extracted and stored for two periods, 3 h or 24 h, in the following media: long‐shelf life CW (CW), pH‐adjusted long‐shelf life CW (pH‐CW) and powdered CW that was pH and osmolality adjusted (ACP‐404‐I, 250 mOsm kg−1 H2O; pH 7.0; ACP‐404‐II, 372 mOsm kg−1 H2O; pH 7.0; ACP‐404‐III, 300 mOsm kg−1 H2O; pH 7.4). The positive control group (Pc) corresponded to immediate measurement after tooth extraction, and two negative controls (Nc) corresponded to 3 h and 24 h of dry time. PDL cells were extracted, and cell viability analysed by Trypan blue exclusion. Data were analysed statistically using two‐way anova followed by the Tukey test and one‐way anova followed by the Dunnett test (P < 0.05).ResultsAt 3 h and 24 h, ACP‐404‐I had a performance similar to those of ACP‐404‐II and pH‐CW, with significantly higher (P = 0.004) percentages of viable cells than ACP‐404‐III and CW. The positive control group had a significantly higher (P = 0.002) percentage of viable cells than the negative control groups, CW and ACP‐404‐III, irrespective of the period evaluated.ConclusionPowdered coconut water formulas, ACP‐404‐I and ACP‐404‐II, preserved viability for up to 24 h.
Effects of pretreatment and drying methods on molecular structure, functional properties and thermal stability of fibre powder exhibiting colour from Centella asiatica L.
Authors: Ngamwonglumlert Luxsika , Devahastin Sakamon , Chiewchan Naphaporn 
Published: December 2015

SummaryEffects of pretreatment and drying methods and particle size on characteristics of fibre powder from Centella asiatica L. leaves were investigated. Thermal stability of oil‐based colour solutions was also assessed. Steaming and combined steaming and alkaline soaking resulted in the powder with more greenness and higher chlorophylls contents, while combined steaming and acid soaking yielded dark yellow powder with lower chlorophylls contents. Chemical soaking led to the powder with decreased water holding capacity and solubility. Vacuum‐drying reduced chlorophylls degradation, hence retention of the greenness of the powder. Increased particle size resulted in decreased lightness of the powder, but in increased lightness of the solutions; water and oil holding capacities of the powder increased with the particle size. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the powder corresponded to its colour and functional property changes. Colour of the solutions changed only slightly upon heating at 80 and 180 °C for 1 h.
Disruption of the chemical communication of the European agrobiont ground‐dwelling spider Pardosa agrestis by pesticides
Authors: Leccia F. , Kysilková K. , Kolářová M. , Hamouzová K. , Líznarová E. , Korenko S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractLycosid spiders are among the most abundant and diverse insectivores occurring in all agroecosystems. Certain pest management practices, such as the application of pesticides, can disrupt their role in insect pest control. Therefore, understanding the effects of pesticides, including sublethal effects, is essential for the assessment of chemical effects on beneficial arthropods. We investigated the sexual chemical communication of the beneficial agrobiont spider Pardosa agrestis and its disruption by two widely used pesticides, the glyphosate‐based herbicide Roundup and the pyrethroïd‐based insecticide Nurelle D. A two‐choice olfactometer and Y‐maze were used to study the effectiveness of female airborne and dragline pheromone cues and the disruptive effect of the pesticides. Males of P. agrestis did not locate females via airborne cues, but were very receptive to female dragline silk and male dragline silk. When both female dragline silk and male dragline silk were provided at the same time, the males preferred female silk. Pesticide treatments significantly affected the male ability to follow female cues deposited on dragline silk. The 3‐h residues of both Roundup and Nurelle D significantly disrupted the male ability to follow female cues deposited on dragline silk. Treatment by 48‐h residues significantly disrupted the male ability only in the case of Nurelle D. Our results demonstrate that pesticides reduce the ability of male spiders to search for a mate due to the disruption of the male's ability to detect the silk cues of the female.
Fine‐tuning by strigolactones of root response to low phosphate
Authors: Kapulnik Yoram , Koltai Hinanit 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStrigolactones are plant hormones that regulate the development of different plant parts. In the shoot, they regulate axillary bud outgrowth and in the root, root architecture and root‐hair length and density. Strigolactones are also involved with communication in the rhizosphere, including enhancement of hyphal branching of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Here we present the role and activity of strigolactones under conditions of phosphate deprivation. Under these conditions, their levels of biosynthesis and exudation increase, leading to changes in shoot and root development. At least for the latter, these changes are likely to be associated with alterations in auxin transport and sensitivity. On the other hand, strigolactones may positively affect plant–mycorrhiza interactions and thereby promote phosphate acquisition by the plant. Strigolactones may be a way for plants to fine‐tune their growth pattern under phosphate deprivation.
Is obesity associated with healing after non‐surgical periodontal therapy? A local vs. systemic evaluation
Authors: Duzagac E. , Cifcibasi E. , Erdem M. G. , Karabey V. , Kasali K. , Badur S. , Cintan S. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundWe aimed to detect the role of obesity on the healing response to periodontal therapy in terms of serum lipids, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and both serum and gingival crevicular fluid adipocytokines.Material and MethodsThirty patients with periodontitis with (CPO) (n = 15) and without (n = 15) obesity and 15 healthy controls were included. Serum high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, triglyceride, CRP levels and levels of adiponectin, interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐10 were evaluated before and 3 mo after initial periodontal therapy. Clinical periodontal measurements were also recorded at baseline and 3 mo.ResultsPeriodontal parameters improved significantly in both periodontitis groups with or without obesity (p < 0.05) with no significant difference in terms of gain clinical attachment level (p > 0.05) and change in numbers of sites with probing depth ≥ 4 mm. High‐density lipoprotein significantly increased in both groups (p > 0.05). CRP decreased significantly solely in the normal weight group. IL‐6, IL‐10 and TNF‐α levels in gingival crevicular fluid improved significantly based on therapy in both groups (p < 0.05). Only TNF‐α decreased significantly in the CPO, while adiponectin and IL‐10 in addition to TNF‐α improved significantly in the group of patients with periodontitis without obesity.ConclusionPatients with CPO respond to periodontal therapy as well as the non‐obese controls. This similar response is accompanied with consistent adipokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid. However, obesity affects the CRP and serum adipocytokine levels in response to therapy.
A Novel Method of Determining Wax Cohesiveness by Using A Texture Analyzer
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Ning , Xu Lirong , Yu Xiuzhu , Zhang Rui , Wang Tong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn the current study, a new method for determining cohesiveness of waxes has been developed by using texture analyzer with blade probe. The texture analyzer was used to measure peak area from 0 to maximum force (rupture) during compression testing, which present the wax cohesiveness. When the handling temperature was 60C higher than the melting point of waxes, holding time was more than 6 h, the thickness of waxes was about 4 mm, the distant between two fulcrums was 20 mm (10 mm/10 mm), and the relative standard deviations of determinations were less than 10%. The analytical conditions were found to have no significant effect on the measurements. The peak area of waxes was correlated with the sensory evaluation; therefore, using a texture analyzer to determine wax cohesiveness is feasibility.Practical ApplicationsCohesiveness is an important parameter of wax texture properties. However, a standard method of determining wax cohesiveness is lacking. Texture analyzers are widely used to determine the cohesiveness of various foods, such as cheese, vegetables, meat, and so on. This article established a novel method to determine wax cohesiveness by using a texture analyzer with blade probe. It could provide guidance for the establishment of a standard method.
Streptococcus equi Detection Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Equine Nasopharyngeal and Guttural Pouch Wash Samples
Authors: Boyle A.G. , Rankin S.C. , Duffee L. , Boston R.C. , Wheeler‐Aceto H. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundBacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the detection of Streptococcus equi in nasopharyngeal washes (NPW) and guttural pouch lavage (GPL) samples have low sensitivity. In human diagnostics, processing of samples with flocked swabs has improved recovery rates of bacterial agents because of improved surface area and elution factors.HypothesisFor S. equi subsp. equi (S. equi) detection in NPW and GPL samples we hypothesized that: direct‐PCR would be more reliable than flocked swab culture (FS culture); flocked swab PCR (FS‐PCR) would be equivalent to direct‐PCR; and FS culture would be more reliable than traditional culture.SamplesA total of 193 samples (134 NPW and 59 GPL) from 113 horses with either suspected S. equi infection, convalescing from a known S. equi infection, or asymptomatic horses screened for S. equi.MethodsProspective study. Samples were submitted for S. equi direct‐PCR. Using logistic regression, direct‐PCR (gold standard) was compared to FS culture, traditional culture, and FS‐PCR also performed.ResultsDirect‐PCR was statistically more sensitive than FS‐PCR, FS culture, and traditional culture (P < .001). All methods had sensitivities <70% relative to the direct‐PCR. FS culture had a similar sensitivity relative to traditional culture. The odds of GPL samples being positive on direct‐PCR (P = .030) and FS‐PCR were greater than those for NPW samples (P = .021).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUse of flocked swabs during laboratory preprocessing did not improve detection of S. equi via either PCR or bacterial culture from samples. Direct‐PCR is the preferred method of detection of S. equi.
Multilocus phylogeography reveals nested endemism in a gecko across the monsoonal tropics of Australia
Authors: Moritz C. , Fujita M. K. , Rosauer D. , Agudo R. , Bourke G. , Doughty P. , Palmer R. , Pepper M. , Potter S. , Pratt R. , Scott M. , Tonione M. , Donnellan S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMultilocus phylogeography can uncover taxonomically unrecognized lineage diversity across complex biomes. The Australian monsoonal tropics include vast, ecologically intact savanna‐woodland plains interspersed with ancient sandstone uplands. Although recognized in general for its high species richness and endemism, the biodiversity of the region remains underexplored due to its remoteness. This is despite a high rate of ongoing species discovery, especially in wetter regions and for rock‐restricted taxa. To provide a baseline for ongoing comparative analyses, we tested for phylogeographic structure in an ecologically generalized and widespread taxon, the gecko Heteronotia binoei. We apply coalescent analyses to multilocus sequence data (mitochondrial DNA and eight nuclear DNA introns) from individuals sampled extensively and at fine scale across the region. The results demonstrate surprisingly deep and geographically nested lineage diversity. Several intra‐specific clades previously shown to be endemic to the region were themselves found to contain multiple, short‐range lineages. To infer landscapes with concentrations of unique phylogeographic diversity, we probabilistically estimate the ranges of lineages from point data and then, combining these estimates with the nDNA species tree, estimate phyloendemism across the region. Highest levels of phyloendemism occur in northern Top End, especially on islands, across the topographically complex Arnhem escarpment, and across the sandstone ranges of the western Gulf region. These results drive home that deep phylogeographic structure is prevalent in tropical low‐dispersal taxa, even ones that are ubiquitous across geography and habitats.
Controlling false discoveries in genome scans for selection
Authors: François Olivier , Martins Helena , Caye Kevin , Schoville Sean D. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPopulation differentiation (PD) and ecological association (EA) tests have recently emerged as prominent statistical methods to investigate signatures of local adaptation using population genomic data. Based on statistical models, these genomewide testing procedures have attracted considerable attention as tools to identify loci potentially targeted by natural selection. An important issue with PD and EA tests is that incorrect model specification can generate large numbers of false‐positive associations. Spurious association may indeed arise when shared demographic history, patterns of isolation by distance, cryptic relatedness or genetic background are ignored. Recent works on PD and EA tests have widely focused on improvements of test corrections for those confounding effects. Despite significant algorithmic improvements, there is still a number of open questions on how to check that false discoveries are under control and implement test corrections, or how to combine statistical tests from multiple genome scan methods. This tutorial study provides a detailed answer to these questions. It clarifies the relationships between traditional methods based on allele frequency differentiation and EA methods and provides a unified framework for their underlying statistical tests. We demonstrate how techniques developed in the area of genomewide association studies, such as inflation factors and linear mixed models, benefit genome scan methods and provide guidelines for good practice while conducting statistical tests in landscape and population genomic applications. Finally, we highlight how the combination of several well‐calibrated statistical tests can increase the power to reject neutrality, improving our ability to infer patterns of local adaptation in large population genomic data sets.