bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes of colony mortality in bumblebees
Authors: Goulson D. , O'Connor S. , Park K. J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDespite considerable interest in bumblebees and their conservation, few data are available on basic life‐history parameters such as rates of nest predation and the proportion of wild nests that survive to reproduction. Here, we use a combination of data collected by volunteers and our own direct observations which together describe the fate of 908 bumblebee nests in the UK between 2008 and 2013. Overall, 75% of nests produced gynes, with marked differences between species; the recently arrived species, Bombus hypnorum, had the highest proportion of colonies surviving to gyne production (96%), with the long‐tongued Bombus hortorum having the lowest success in reaching gyne production (41%). There were also large differences between bumblebee species in the timing of nesting, gyne production and nest mortality, with B. hypnorum and Bombus pratorum nests starting early, producing most gynes before mid‐summer, and then dying off in June, whereas at the other end of the spectrum Bombus pascuorum nests started late and produced gynes mainly in August. There was evidence for the partial or complete destruction of 100 nests. The main reported causes were excavation by a large mammal, probably primarily Meles meles (50%). Human disturbance was the second greatest cause of nest mortality (26%), followed by flooding (7%). Wax moth infestations were common (55% of nests), with B. hypnorum nests most frequently infested. However, infestation did not results in reduced likelihood of gyne production, perhaps because infestations often do not become severe until after some gynes have been produced. Our study provides novel insights into the little‐studied biology of wild bumblebee nests and factors affecting their survival; collecting similar datasets in the future would enable fascinating comparisons as to how parameters such as nest survival and reproduction are changing over time, and are affected by management interventions for bees.
Genome‐wide association analysis identifies potential regulatory genes for eumelanin pigmentation in chicken plumage
Authors: Yang L. , Du X. , Wei S. , Gu L. , Li N. , Gong Y. , Li S. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryPlumage color in chicken is determined by the proportion of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigmentation. As the main ingredient in plumage melanin, eumelanin plays a key role in the dark black, brown and grey coloration. However, very few studies have been performed to identify the related genes and mutations on a genome‐wide scale. Herein, a resource family consisting of one backcross population and two F2 cross populations between a black roster and Yukou Brown I parent stockbreed was constructed for identification of genes related to eumelanin pigmentation. Chickens with eumelanin in their plumage were classified as the case group, and the rest were considered the control group. A genome‐wide association study of this phenotype and genotypes using Affymetrix 600K HD SNP arrays in this F2 family revealed 13 significantly associated SNPs and in 10 separate genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 5. Based on previous studies in model species, we inferred that genes, including NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) and sonic hedgehog (SHH), may play roles in the development of neural crest cells or melanoblasts during the embryonic period, which may also affect the eumelanin pigmentation. Our results facilitate the understanding of the genetic basis of eumelanin pigmentation in chicken plumage.
Control of breathing and ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia in deer mice native to high altitudes
Authors: Ivy C. M. , Scott G. R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimWe compared the control of breathing and heart rate by hypoxia between high‐ and low‐altitude populations of Peromyscus mice, to help elucidate the physiological specializations that help high‐altitude natives cope with O2 limitation.MethodsDeer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) native to high altitude and congeneric mice native to low altitude (Peromyscus leucopus) were bred in captivity at sea level. The F1 progeny of each population were raised to adulthood and then acclimated to normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia (12 kPa, simulating hypoxia at ~4300 m) for 5 months. Responses to acute hypoxia were then measured during stepwise reductions in inspired O2 fraction.ResultsLowlanders exhibited ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia (VAH), in which hypoxia acclimation enhanced the hypoxic ventilatory response, made breathing pattern more effective (higher tidal volumes and lower breathing frequencies at a given total ventilation), increased arterial O2 saturation and heart rate during acute hypoxia, augmented respiratory water loss and led to significant growth of the carotid body. In contrast, highlanders did not exhibit VAH – exhibiting a fixed increase in breathing that was similar to hypoxia‐acclimated lowlanders – and they maintained even higher arterial O2 saturations in hypoxia. However, the carotid bodies of highlanders were not enlarged by hypoxia acclimation and were similar in size to those of normoxic lowlanders. Highlanders also maintained consistently higher heart rates than lowlanders during acute hypoxia.ConclusionsOur results suggest that highland deer mice have evolved high rates of alveolar ventilation and respiratory O2 uptake without the significant enlargement of the carotid bodies that is typical of VAH in lowlanders, possibly to adjust the hypoxic chemoreflex for life in high‐altitude hypoxia.
Association of the 5‐HT2A receptor gene promoter polymorphism‐1438G/A with anorexia nervosa and psychopathological traits in the Chinese Han population: A preliminary study
Authors: Kang Qing , Chen Jue , Yu Shunying , Yuan Aihua , Zhang Yanxia , Zhang Ran , Jiang Wenhui , Zhang Chen , Zhang Haiyin , Zhang Mingdao , Xiao Zeping 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore the possible role of the 5‐HT2A‐1438G/A polymorphism in the susceptibility to anorexia nervosa (AN) in the Chinese Han population.MethodsThe ‐1438G/A polymorphism of 249 female AN patients, 228 matched healthy controls, and 198 trios was genotyped using SNaP shot assay. Psychopathological traits of eating‐disordered behaviors in AN subjects were examined using the Chinese version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire.ResultsNeither the case‐control analysis nor the transmission disequilibrium test revealed significant associations between the ‐1438G/A polymorphism and AN (P > .05). However, AA homozygote patients with AN had lower weight and shape concern scores of the EDE‐Q6.0 than those of GA heterozygotes (P < .05).DiscussionOur findings suggested that female AN patients with 5‐HT2A −1438AA genotype may be characterized by less severe eating‐disordered psychopathological traits in the Chinese Han population.
Changes in floristic composition and physiognomy are decoupled along elevation gradients in central Argentina
Authors: Giorgis Melisa A. , Cingolani Ana M. , Gurvich Diego E. , Tecco Paula A. , Chiapella Jorge , Chiarini Franco , Cabido Marcelo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractQuestionsMost vegetation descriptions tacitly assume that floristic composition and physiognomy are tightly linked. However, the two vegetation properties may not respond in a similar way to environmental and disturbance gradients, leading to uninformed management planning and difficulties when attempting to restore degraded ecosystems. In this context, we addressed two main questions: (1) how close are relations between floristic and physiognomic types as defined by numerical vegetation classification in mountain ecosystems; and (2) how are floristic and physiognomic types distributed along the elevation gradient?LocationCentral mountains of Argentina, between 500 and 1700 m a.s.l.MethodsWe selected 437 sites where we performed complete floristic and physiognomic relevés. We classified eight physiognomic and eight floristic types. We tested the relationship between the two classifications through a chi square analysis. We tested the association between elevation and each physiognomic and floristic type with random permutations.ResultsIn general, floristic types were significantly and positively associated with more than one physiognomic type and vice versa. Physiognomic and floristic types responded differently to the elevation gradient. Floristic types were restricted to different sections of the gradient, although having large overlap among them. In contrast, seven out of the eight physiognomic types did not show elevation restriction, being distributed along the complete elevation gradient. The open low woodland with shrubs was the only restricted physiognomy, significantly absent from the upper part of the gradient.ConclusionsWe highlight the importance of considering the two vegetation properties independently when characterizing vegetation patterns in heterogeneous systems, since they show decoupled responses to environmental gradients. We note that the assumption of a direct link between floristic composition and physiognomy may induce bias into the understanding of vegetation patterns and processes. Hence, we encourage managers and restoration practitioners to consider the complete range of possible physiognomic types under each floristic type.
The Role of Mothers' Child‐Based Worth in Their Affective Responses to Children's Performance
Authors: Ng Florrie Fei‐Yin , Pomerantz Eva M. , Lam Shui‐fong , Deng Ciping 
Published: June 2017

This research examined whether American and Chinese mothers' tendencies to base their worth on children's performance contributes to their affective responses to children's performance. Study 1 used daily interviews to assess mothers' warmth (vs. hostility) and children's school performance (N = 197; Mage = 12.81 years). In Study 2, such affect was observed in the laboratory following children's manipulated performance on cognitive problems (N = 128; Mage = 10.21 years). The more mothers based their worth on children's performance, the more their warmth (vs. hostility) decreased when children failed in Study 1. This pattern was evident only among Chinese mothers in Study 2. In both studies, child‐based worth did not contribute to mothers' affective responses to children's success.
Young Infants’ Word Comprehension Given An Unfamiliar Talker or Altered Pronunciations
Authors: Bergelson Elika , Swingley Daniel 
Published: June 2017

To understand spoken words, listeners must appropriately interpret co‐occurring talker characteristics and speech sound content. This ability was tested in 6‐ to 14‐months‐olds by measuring their looking to named food and body part images. In the new talker condition (n = 90), pictures were named by an unfamiliar voice; in the mispronunciation condition (n = 98), infants’ mothers “mispronounced” the words (e.g., nazz for nose). Six‐ to 7‐month‐olds fixated target images above chance across conditions, understanding novel talkers, and mothers’ phonologically deviant speech equally. Eleven‐ to 14‐months‐olds also understood new talkers, but performed poorly with mispronounced speech, indicating sensitivity to phonological deviation. Between these ages, performance was mixed. These findings highlight the changing roles of acoustic and phonetic variability in early word comprehension, as infants learn which variations alter meaning.
Condition explains individual variation in mobbing behavior
Authors: Abolins‐Abols Mikus , Ketterson Ellen D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDuring mobbing, individuals approach predators with the apparent aim of reducing the risk of predation. The intensity of mobbing may depend on the costs and benefits of this behavior, which likely vary among individuals and between different social contexts. We studied whether Dark‐eyed junco male mobbing behavior is related to social environment, individual condition, and age during experimentally induced mobbing events. Based on risk‐taking theory, we predicted that individuals with high residual reproductive value—younger individuals and those in better condition—would show weaker mobbing behavior. We also expected to see weaker mobbing when the total number of individuals in the mobbing assemblage was small. All subjects were caught to assess condition and age. Focal males were then attracted to simulated mobbing events using heterospecific alarm calls. Social environment did not explain individual variation in mobbing behavior in focal juncos. Community‐wise, the relationship between the closest approach and group size was not significantly different from chance. Junco males in better condition approached the predator less closely and were less likely to give alarm calls. Age did not explain variation in mobbing. Both the mean approach and probability of giving alarm calls by junco males were repeatable, in contrast to the size and composition of mobbing assemblages in junco territories, which were inconsistent. Our results show that variation in mobbing can be linked to individual state, which likely affects the costs and benefits of mobbing.
Direct ink writing of ceramic matrix composite structures
Authors: Franchin Giorgia , Wahl Larissa , Colombo Paolo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe present the development of an ink containing chopped fibers that is suitable for direct ink writing (DIW), enabling to obtain ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structures with complex shape. We take advantage of the unique formability opportunities provided by the use of a preceramic polymer as both polymeric binder and ceramic source. Inks suitable for the extrusion of fine filaments (<1 mm diameter) and containing a relatively high amount of fibers (>30 vol% for a nozzle diameter of 840 μm) were formulated. Despite some optimization of ink rheology still being needed, complex CMC structures with porosity of ~75% and compressive strength of ~4 MPa were successfully printed. The process is of particular interest for its ability to orient the fibers in the extrusion direction due to the shear stresses generated at the nozzle tip. This phenomenon was observed in the production of polymer matrix composites, but it is here employed for the first time for the production of ceramic matrix ones. The possibility to align high aspect ratio fillers using DIW opens the path to layer‐by‐layer design for optimizing the mechanical and microstructural properties within a printed object, and could potentially be extended to other types of fillers.
Novel dual heterojunction between MoS2 and anatase TiO2 with coexposed {101} and {001} facets
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Lili , Yu Weipeng , Jiang Fan , Zhang Erpan , Wang Hongbo , Kong Zhe , Xi Junhua , Ji Zhenguo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis work prepared an anatase TiO2 by controlling coexposed {101} and {001} facets. The anatase TiO2 was composited with MoS2, and the photocatalytic behavior was studied. The relationship between the exposed ratio of {001} facets and the enhancement proportion by the composite was compared. An appropriate exposed ratio of {001} facets, instead of a high ratio, can cause the highest enhancement proportion for photocatalytic activity. This finding confirmed that exposed {001} facets are not the main factors for improving photocatalytic activity. Dual heterojunction was observed to form between MoS2 and anatase TiO2 with coexposed {101} and {001} facets, which is a crystal‐face heterojunction between {101} and {001} facets and a semiconductor heterojunction between MoS2 and {001} facets of TiO2. In this dual heterojunction, photo‐induced electrons in TiO2 will flow into {101} facets of TiO2, instead of MoS2, whereas the photo‐induced holes in TiO2 will flow into MoS2 to reach a high separation efficiency. This finding further revealed the elevating mechanism of constructing heterojunction based on coexposed crystal faces.
Perfusion of isolated rat kidney with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells/Extracellular Vesicles prevents ischaemic injury
Authors: Gregorini Marilena , Corradetti Valeria , Pattonieri Eleonora Francesca , Rocca Chiara , Milanesi Samantha , Peloso Andrea , Canevari Silvana , De Cecco Loris , Dugo Matteo , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Mantelli Melissa , Maestri Marcello , Esposito Pasquale , Bruno Stefania , Libetta Carmelo , Dal Canton Antonio , Rampino Teresa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractKidney donation after circulatory death (DCD) is a less than ideal option to meet organ shortages. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) with Belzer solution (BS) improves the viability of DCD kidneys, although the graft clinical course remains critical. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) promote tissue repair by releasing extracellular vesicles (EV). We evaluated whether delivering MSC‐/MSC‐derived EV during HMP protects rat DCD kidneys from ischaemic injury and investigated the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Warm ischaemic isolated kidneys were cold‐perfused (4 hrs) with BS, BS supplemented with MSC or EV. Renal damage was evaluated by histology and renal gene expression by microarray analysis, RT‐PCR. Malondialdehyde, lactate, LDH, glucose and pyruvate were measured in the effluent fluid. MSC‐/EV‐treated kidneys showed significantly less global ischaemic damage. In the MSC/EV groups, there was up‐regulation of three genes encoding enzymes known to improve cell energy metabolism and three genes encoding proteins involved in ion membrane transport. In the effluent fluid, lactate, LDH, MDA and glucose were significantly lower and pyruvate higher in MSC/EV kidneys as compared with BS, suggesting the larger use of energy substrates by MSC/EV kidneys. The addition of MSC/EV to BS during HMP protects the kidney from ischaemic injury by preserving the enzymatic machinery essential for cell viability and protects the kidney from reperfusion damage.
High‐resolution anorectal manometry: A comparison of solid‐state and water‐perfused catheters
Authors: Rasijeff A. M. P. , Withers M. , Burke J. M. , Jackson W. , Scott S. M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundAnorectal manometry is the most commonly performed investigation for assessment of anorectal dysfunction. Findings from previous studies comparing water‐perfused (WP) and solid‐state (SS) techniques in the anorectum are conflicting. We compared anal sphincter pressure at rest and during dynamic maneuvers (squeezing and coughing) in healthy volunteers using SS and WP high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) employing equivalent catheter configurations, a standardized protocol, and identical data acquisition and analysis software.MethodsSixty healthy volunteers (40F; median age: 40; range: 18‐74) underwent WP and SS HR‐ARM in randomized order. Anal resting pressure, and squeeze and cough increments were measured. Median pressure and 5th and 95th percentiles were calculated for each maneuver and compared using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Bland and Altman plots were used to assess agreement between the systems. The impact of gender and parity was also explored.Key ResultsAnal sphincter pressure measurements during squeeze (P<.001) and cough (P<.001) were significantly higher using SS HR‐ARM than WP HR‐ARM. No differences were seen at rest between the two types of catheter (nulliparous: P=.304; parous: P=.390; males: P=.167). Normal ranges for SS and WP manometry from this small group of healthy volunteers are presented.Conclusions & InferencesGreater sensitivity to rapid pressure change is one of the advantages associated with SS HR‐ARM. This is reflected in the differences observed during dynamic maneuvers performed during this study. Catheter type should be taken into consideration when selecting normal ranges for comparison to disease states.
The deeper self: an expanded view of consciousness
Authors: Paulson Steve , Hustvedt Siri , Solms Mark , Shamdasani Sonu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs science continues to explore the mysteries of the unconscious, two critical questions remain. First, can unconscious impulses, desires, and feelings be willfully raised to the level of the conscious self?, and, if so, would the unveiling of unconscious mechanisms lead to genuine self‐knowledge or empowerment? Second, can we methodically tap into the unconscious to gear ourselves along more creative lines? If the unconscious is a source of intuitive and creative inspiration, how might a more expansive understanding of consciousness help us to flourish? How can we harness the intuitive parts of ourselves to think “outside the box,” transcending the limitations of preconceived categories? And along those same lines, how would an expanded view of the unconscious frame our spiritual experiences or offer spiritual nourishment? Writer Siri Hustvedt, historian of psychology Sonu Shamdasani, and neuropsychologist Mark Solms will tackle everything from noetic experiences and the role of intuition to the phenomenon of peak experience and Jung's “collective unconscious.”
Multichannel feeding by spider functional groups is driven by feeding strategies and resource availability
Authors: Perkins Matthew J. , Inger Richard , Bearhop Stuart , Sanders Dirk 
Published: June 2017

Multichannel feeding, whereby consumers feed across resource channels such as upon herbivore and detritivore resources, acts to link discrete compartments of a food web with implications for ecosystem functioning and stability. Currently however, we have little understanding which feeding strategies of consumers underlie multichannel feeding. We therefore link spider functional group and resource density‐dependent or density‐independent feeding strategies to multichannel feeding by quantifying not only consumer diet, but also the relative availability of resources. Here we analysed herbivore (green) and detritivore (brown) prey use by spider communities in grasslands, and tested if available prey biomass proportions were linked to observed spider dietary proportions.Different spider functional groups each linked green and brown resource channels, but while green prey were always consumed in proportion to their relative biomass, brown prey were consumed independently of proportion by some functional groups. Additionally, we found greater intraguild predation by cursorial spiders when green resources were relatively scarcer, suggesting green prey was preferred, and needed to be compensated for when rare. Overall, we observed a stronger consumer connection to the green than brown resource channel, yet this green connection was more variable due to greater range in green resource availability across grasslands and density‐dependent consumption on green prey. Consequently, multichannel feeding by spiders was determined by density‐dependent and density‐independent feeding strategies that varied by spider functional group and across resources channels. Our results demonstrate that the role of multichannel feeding by spiders in linking separate food web compartments is a dynamic component of food web structure in these wild grasslands.