bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do temporal changes in vegetation structure additional to time since fire predict changes in bird occurrence?
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Candy Steven G. , MacGregor Christopher I. , Banks Sam C. , Westgate Martin , Ikin Karen , Pierson Jennifer , Tulloch Ayesha , Barton Philip 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFire is a major ecological process in ecosystems globally. Its impacts on fauna can be both direct (e.g., mortality) and indirect (e.g., altered habitat), resulting in population recovery being driven by several possible mechanisms. Separating direct from indirect impacts of fire on faunal population recovery can be valuable in guiding management of biodiversity in fire‐prone environments. However, resolving the influence of direct and indirect processes remains a key challenge because many processes affecting fauna can change concomitantly with time since fire. We explore the mechanisms influencing bird response to fire by posing the question, can temporal changes in vegetation structure predict changes in bird occurrence on sites, and can these be separated from other temporal changes using the surrogate of time since fire? We conducted a 12‐yr study of bird and vegetation responses to fire at 124 sites across six vegetation classes in Booderee National Park, Australia. Approximately half of these sites, established in 2002, were burned by a large (>3000 ha) wildfire in 2003. To disentangle collinear effects of temporal changes in vegetation and direct demographic effects on population recovery that are subsumed by time since fire, we incorporated both longitudinal and cross‐sectional vegetation effects in addition to time since fire within logistic structural equation models. We identified temporal changes in vegetation structure and richness of plant and bird species that characterized burned and unburned sites in all vegetation classes. For nine bird species, a significant component of the year trend was driven by temporal trends in one of three vegetation variables (number of understory or midstory plant species, or midstory cover). By contrast, we could not separate temporal effects between time since fire and vegetation attributes for bird species richness, reporting rate, and the occurrence of 11 other bird species. Our findings help identify species for which indirect effects of vegetation dominate recovery and thus may benefit from vegetation management where conservation actions are required and, conversely, those species for which direct effects of time since fire drive recovery, where simply leaving a system to recover following the last disturbance will be sufficient.
The effects of roasting and seed moisture on the phenolic compound levels in cold‐pressed and hot‐pressed rapeseed oil
Authors: Siger Aleksander , Józefiak Marta 
Published: May 2016

The paper looks at the levels of phenolic compounds in cold‐pressed and hot‐pressed rapeseed oils produced from seeds of various moisture levels (5, 7.5, and 10%). The paper also considers the effects of seed roasting on the levels of these compounds. The quality of the obtained oils is determined using the peroxide and acid values. The levels of phenolic compounds are analyzed using HPLC. It is demonstrated that the oils produced from rapeseeds with 5% moisture content, and in particular from cold‐pressed oils, were characterized by the lowest peroxide values. The roasting of the seeds and their level of moisture both significantly affect the quality of the obtained oil. Oils obtained by hot‐pressing the seeds with 10% moisture contained over 30% more of these compounds. The roasting process has a significant influence on the amount of phenolic compounds in the test oils.Practical applications: Depending on the environmental conditions and post‐harvesting procedures, rapeseeds are characterized by varying water contents. To obtain high‐quality cold‐pressed or hot‐pressed oil with high levels of phenolic compounds, knowledge of the effects of seed moisture content on these parameters is necessary. The paper describes the effects of moisture content, as well as of seed roasting and of the oil production methods (cold‐pressing vs. hot‐pressing). There is no doubt that such information will be useful for both small and large manufacturing operations that produce cold‐pressed oils.The rapeseeds for pressing were prepared as roasted (160°C, 15 min) or unroasted and with different moisture levels (5, 7.5, and 10%). The oils were cold‐pressed and hot‐pressed. The levels of phenolic compounds in the resulting oils differed with statistical significance. A significant increase in the level of phenolic compounds in hot‐pressed oils was seen, though this was also dependent on the moisture of the rapeseeds.
Dynamics of a fringe mangrove forest detected by Landsat images in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Nardin William , Locatelli Silvia , Pasquarella Valerie , Rulli Maria Cristina , Woodcock Curtis E. , Fagherazzi Sergio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMangrove forests dominate many tropical coastlines and are one of the most bio‐diverse and productive environments on Earth. However, little is known of the large‐scale dynamics of mangrove canopies and how they colonize intertidal areas. Here we focus on a fringe mangrove forest located in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam; a fast prograding shoreline where mangroves are encroaching tidal flats. The spatial and temporal evolution of the mangrove canopy is studied using a time series of Landsat images spanning two decades as well as Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation data. Our results show that fast mangrove expansion is followed by an increase in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the newly established canopy. We observe three different dynamics of the mangrove fringe: in the southwest part of the fringe, near a deltaic distributary where the fringe boundary is linear, the canopy expands uniformly on the tidal flats with a high colonization rate and high NDVI values. In the northeast part of the fringe, near another distributary, the canopy expands at a much lower rate with low NDVI values. In the fringe center, far from the river mouths, the fringe boundary is highly irregular and mangroves expansion in characterized by sparse vegetated patches displaying low NDVI values. We ascribe these different dynamics to wave action and southwest longshore transport triggered by energetic northeasterly monsoons during winter. We further link the large‐scale dynamics of the fringe to small‐scale physical disturbances (waves, erosion and deposition) that might prevent the establishment of mangrove seedlings. Based on these results, we include mangrove encroachment in an already published conceptual model of progradation of the Mekong River Delta. We conclude that high NDVI values and a constantly linear vegetation–water interface are indicative of stable mangrove canopies undergoing fast expansion, probably triggered by sediment availability at the shore. Our results can be applied more generally to mangrove forests growing in minerogenic and high tidal range environments with high sediment inputs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National Competitiveness and Porter's Diamond Model: The Role of MNE Penetration and Governance Quality
Authors: Fainshmidt Stav , Smith Adam , Judge William Q. 
Published: May 2016

Plain language summaryThis study examines how national competitiveness, measured as productivity per worker, is fostered within an economy using a sample of 90 developed and developing economies. We build upon Porter's popular Diamond Model, but extend it by adding the quality of public governance and extent of multinational enterprise penetration as two additional elements. Our study shows that not all four elements of the original Diamond Model are required for an economy to be competitive. Instead, we find that there are four distinct paths to high levels of national competitiveness. Context for intense rivalry among firms appears in all four paths. Results also suggest that public governance quality is key to national competitiveness. The extent of multinational enterprise penetration, however, is not.Technical summaryWe examine Porter's Diamond Model in conjunction with multinational enterprise (MNE) penetration and governance quality as a system of elements that collectively affect national competitiveness. Utilizing fuzzy‐set analysis and data on 90 nations, we identify four configurations sufficient for high national competitiveness, all of which exhibit high governance quality as a core condition. In these four configurations, the extent of MNE penetration is either absent or does not matter, and strength in all Diamond Model elements is neither necessary nor sufficient for high national competitiveness. Uncovering these patterns allows us to advance a more comprehensive theoretical framework emphasizing public governance and the ways in which elements of the Diamond Model, governance quality, and MNE penetration combine as complements or substitutes to affect national competitiveness. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
A tracer‐based simulation approach to quantify seasonal dynamics of surface‐groundwater interactions in the Pantanal wetland
Authors: Schwerdtfeger J. , Hartmann A. , Weiler M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Pantanal wetland is one of the least explored regions of South America. It is characterized by an outstanding flora and fauna adapted to a seasonal flood pulse controlled by a dry and a wet season within each year. The resulting inundation covers in average an area of approximately 150 000 km2 and is seen as the most important driver for ecological integrity. Evaporation from the large floodplain is supposed to influence the climate of the whole continent. The regional groundwater is connected to the surface water and plays an important role for the characteristic flooding regime by regulating the wetland's water table. The water balance assessment of the wetland and the internal water exchange between surface and groundwater is therefore of high relevance for the conservation of the Pantanal biodiversity. Despite of its importance, water balance studies including groundwater–surface water interactions based on field data are rarely undertaken. This is mainly due to the remoteness and difficulty in accessing this area, which results in lack of data. In our study, we developed a new tracer‐based model to simulate the spatio–temporal surface and subsurface fluxes for a range of water bodies. The model was able to simulate these fluxes considering a dynamic simulation of inflow and outflow using a newly collected 2‐year dataset of water levels, stable water isotopes and chloride collected from several water bodies in the northern Pantanal region. Quantitative differences between water bodies according to their location in the floodplain were determined by the flooding regime and connectivity as well as site‐specific characteristics, such as hydraulic conductivity and water depth. Our model simulated water balance fluxes with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.61, whereas it simulated stable water isotopic compositions better than chloride. We present the first study based on field data for the Pantanal, which is able to quantify water balances fluxes. Because their representation in global climate and land cover products is insufficient, our simulation results are valuable for validating large‐scale models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of dual‐outputs‐single‐stage a‐Si:H TFT gate driver for high resolution TFT‐LCD application
Authors: Zheng Guang‐Ting , Liu Po‐Tsun , Wu Meng‐Chyi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA new gate driver has been designed and fabricated by amorphous silicon technology. With utilizing the concept of sharing the noise free block in a single stage for gate driver, dual‐outputs signals could be generated in sequence. By increasing the number of output circuit block in proposed gate driver, number of outputs per stage could also be adding that improves the efficiency for area reduction. Besides, using single driving thin‐film‐transistor (TFT) for charging and discharging, the area of circuit is also decreased by diminishing the size of pulling down TFT. Moreover, the proposed gate driver has been successfully demonstrated in a 5.5‐inch Full HD (1080xRGBx1920) TFT‐liquid‐crystal display panel and passed reliability tests of the supporting foundry.
Quantitative analysis of N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine molecular species in rat brain using solid‐phase extraction combined with reversed‐phase chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Triebl Alexander , Weissengruber Sabrina , Trötzmüller Martin , Lankmayr Ernst , Köfeler Harald 
Published: May 2016

A novel method for the sensitive and selective identification and quantification of N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine molecular species was developed. Samples were prepared using a combination of liquid–liquid and solid‐phase extraction, and intact N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine species were determined by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to positive electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. As a result of their biological functions as precursors for N‐acylethanolamines and as signaling molecules, tissue concentrations of N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamines are very low, and their analysis is additionally hindered by the vast excess of other sample components. Our sample preparation methods are able to selectively separate the analytes of interest from any expected biological interferences. Finally, the highest selectivity is achieved by coupling chromatographic separation and two N‐acyl chain specific selected reaction monitoring scans per analyte, enabling identification of both the N‐acyl chain and the phosphatidylethanolamine moiety. The validated method is suitable for the reliable quantification of N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine species from rat brain with a lower limit of quantification of 10 pmol/g and a linear range up to 2300 pmol/g. In total, 41 N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine molecular species with six different N‐acyl chains, amounting to a total concentration of 3 nmol/g, were quantified.
Condensed Mode Cooling for Ethylene Polymerization: Part III. The Impact of Induced Condensing Agents on Particle Morphology and Polymer Properties
Authors: Namkajorn Montree , Alizadeh Arash , Romano Dario , Rastogi Sanjay , McKenna Timothy F. L. 
Published: May 2016

The presence of different commonly used induced condensing agents (ICAs) in the gas phase polymerization of ethylene on the supported catalyst has a significant impact on the crystallinity and the molecular weight distribution of the resulting high density polyethylene. The crystallinity of the polymer is found to be higher in the presence of vaporized n‐pentane or n‐hexane, than in “dry mode” (i.e., with no ICA). This is primarily attributed to the mechanism of crystallization of polymer chains in presence of the solubilized ICA which might act to promote solvent vapor annealing. In addition, vaporized ICA also provokes a significant increase in the weight average molecular weight, with values being estimated at over one million.
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Double Modification of Polymer End Groups through Thiolactone Chemistry
Authors: Driessen Frank , Martens Steven , Meyer Bernhard De , Du Prez Filip E. , Espeel Pieter 
Published: May 2016

A straightforward synthetic procedure for the double modification and polymer–polymer conjugation of telechelic polymers is performed through amine‐thiol‐ene conjugation. Thiolactone end‐functionalized polymers are prepared via two different methods, through controlled radical polymerization of a thiolactone‐containing initiator, or by modification of available end‐functionalized polymers. Next, these different linear polymers are treated with a variety of amine/acrylate‐combinations in a one‐pot procedure, creating a library of tailored end‐functionalized polymers. End group conversions are monitored via SEC, NMR, and MALDI‐TOF analysis, confirming the quantitative modification after each step. Finally, this strategy is applied for the synthesis of block copolymers via polymer–polymer conjugation and the successful outcome is analyzed via LCxSEC measurements.
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Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Anthracene‐Functionalized β‐Cyclodextrin (CD‐AN) through Multi‐Micelle Aggregation
Authors: Zhang Yuannan , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Shi Zixing , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong 
Published: May 2016

Multi‐micelle aggregation (MMA) mechanism is widely acknowledged to explicate large spherical micelles self‐assembly, but the process of MMA during self‐assembly is hard to observe. Herein, a novel kind of strong, regular microspheres fabricated from self‐assembly of amphiphilic anthracene‐functionalized β‐cyclodextrin (CD‐AN) via Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne click reactions is reported. The obtained CD‐AN amphiphiles can self‐assemble in water from primary core–shell micelles to secondary aggregates with the diameter changing from several tens nm to around 600–700 nm via MMA process according to the images of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy as well as the dynamic light scattering measurements, followed by further crosslinking through photo‐dimerization of anthracene. What merits special attention is that such photo‐crosslinked self‐assemblies are able to disaggregate reversibly into primary nanoparticles when changing the solution conditions, which is benefited from the designed regular structure of CD‐AN and the rigid ranging of anthracene during assembly, thus confirming the process of MMA.
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Somatosensory deficits in post‐ACL reconstruction patients: A case–control study
Authors: Hoch Johanna M. , Perkins William O. , Hartman Jonathan R. , Hoch Matthew C. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Diminished cutaneous detection thresholds have been identified in patients with multiple orthopedic conditions, and these phenomena may occur in postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in lower extremity cutaneous detection thresholds exist in post‐ACLR patients when compared with healthy controls. Methods: Fifteen individuals who were post‐ACLR and 15 individuals who had no history of knee injury participated. Light touch cutaneous detection thresholds were assessed at 4 locations on the foot and ankle (first metatarsal, fifth metatarsal, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus). Nonparametric statistics examined group differences between the sites. Results: ACLR subjects had decreased cutaneous sensation at the first metatarsal and medial malleolus compared with healthy controls. Conclusions: Somatosensory deficits are present in post‐ACLR patients. Future research should investigate these phenomena longitudinally in post‐ACLR individuals along with somatosensory targeted interventions. Muscle Nerve 55: 5–8, 2017
Echo intensity independently predicts functionality in sedentary older men
Authors: Lopez Pedro , Wilhelm Eurico Nestor , Rech Anderson , Minozzo Felipe , Radaelli Regis , Pinto Ronei Silveira 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quadriceps muscle functionality features in nonactive older men to determine predictors of functional performance. Methods: Quadriceps functional parameters, including quadriceps echo intensity (QEI), rate of torque development (RTD), and the 30 s sit‐to‐stand test (30SS), were assessed in 50 healthy sedentary older men (66 ± 5.4 years). RTD/QEI ratios were also calculated to identify the best predictor of functional performance. Results: 30SS performance was associated with RTD, muscle thickness, RTD‐50/QEI, RTD‐100/QEI, RTD‐50/QEI/WBM, and RTD‐100/QEI/WBM. A multiple stepwise linear regression demonstrated that QEI was the best single predictor of functional performance, explaining ∼30% of the 30SS variance. Conclusions: These results indicate that QEI was the strongest contributor to functionality of nonactive older men, suggesting that QEI may be an alternative tool for screening of muscle impairment that leads to decreased functional performance in this population. Muscle Nerve 55: 9–15, 2017
Clinical features and long exercise test in Chinese patients with Andersen‐Tawil syndrome
Authors: Song Jie , Luo Sushan , Cheng Xin , Yue Dongyue , Zhu Wenhua , Lin Jie , Huang Jun , Lu Jiahong , Zhao Chongbo , Qiao Kai 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Andersen‐Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare multisystem channelopathy characterized by periodic paralysis, ventricular arrhythmias, and developmental dysmorphology. There are few reports concerning ATS in the Chinese population. We analyzed clinical features and evaluated the long exercise test as a tool for diagnosis of periodic paralysis in ATS. Methods: Direct sequencing of KCNJ2 was performed in 12 subjects from mainland China with suspected ATS. Clinical features, therapeutic responses, and long exercise tests (LET) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twelve patients were genetically confirmed to have ATS. A small mandible and clinodactyly were demonstrated in all patients. Premature ventricular contractions were the most prevalent form of cardiac arrhythmia. The LET revealed an early amplitude decrement. Conclusions: Chinese ATS patients shared some common clinical features with reported subjects in other countries. An early amplitude decrement in LET may be useful for diagnosis of ATS. Muscle Nerve 54: 1059–1063, 2016
Exploitation of a Seasonal Resource: Bird Hunting During the Late Natufian at Shubayqa 1
Authors: Yeomans L. , Richter T. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper discusses the Late Natufian avifaunal remains from Shubayqa 1, a Late Epipalaeolithic site situated in north‐east Jordan. The site has produced an exceptionally large and well‐preserved assemblage of bird bones recovered from a substantial midden deposit, and from the analysis of this material, we argue that there is evidence for en masse hunting of seasonally migrating waterfowl during the occupation of the site. The abundance of waterfowl and the hunting strategies employed to capture this prey must have resulted in a plentiful supply of meat, enabling the choicest parts of the birds to be quickly removed from the rest of the carcass. The tibiotarsus bones were also frequently taken back to the habitation site for use as a raw material, possibly for bead manufacture. Extensive hunting of the birds was not a result of resource pressure as often argued; instead, people chose to take advantage of a particularly abundant prey population during the winter months. This evidence casts a critical light on the suggestion that population growth and environmental change forced late Pleistocene hunter‐gatherers in the Levant to expand their subsistence base to include lower‐ranked prey species. Our data also have implications for the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the landscape. The presence of a few bones of birds other than waterfowl suggests these species had minimal importance to the diet of the inhabitants and bones from diurnal raptors may have been collected to be used in decorative items or as tools rather than reflecting the hunting of these species for food. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.