bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water level affects availability of optimal feeding habitats for threatened migratory waterbirds
Authors: Aharon‐Rotman Yaara , McEvoy John , Zhaoju Zheng , Yu Hui , Wang Xin , Si Yali , Xu Zhenggang , Yuan Zeng , Jeong Wooseog , Cao Lei , Fox Anthony D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractExtensive ephemeral wetlands at Poyang Lake, created by dramatic seasonal changes in water level, constitute the main wintering site for migratory Anatidae in China. Reductions in wetland area during the last 15 years have led to proposals to build a Poyang Dam to retain high winter water levels within the lake. Changing the natural hydrological system will affect waterbirds dependent on water level changes for food availability and accessibility. We tracked two goose species with different feeding behaviors (greater white‐fronted geese Anser albifrons [grazing species] and swan geese Anser cygnoides [tuber‐feeding species]) during two winters with contrasting water levels (continuous recession in 2015; sustained high water in 2016, similar to those predicted post‐Poyang Dam), investigating the effects of water level change on their habitat selection based on vegetation and elevation. In 2015, white‐fronted geese extensively exploited sequentially created mudflats, feeding on short nutritious graminoid swards, while swan geese excavated substrates along the water edge for tubers. This critical dynamic ecotone successively exposes subaquatic food and supports early‐stage graminoid growth during water level recession. During sustained high water levels in 2016, both species selected mudflats, but also to a greater degree of habitats with longer established seasonal graminoid swards because access to tubers and new graminoid growth was restricted under high‐water conditions. Longer established graminoid swards offer less energetically profitable forage for both species. Substantial reduction in suitable habitat and confinement to less profitable forage by higher water levels is likely to reduce the ability of geese to accumulate sufficient fat stores for migration, with potential carryover effects on subsequent survival and reproduction. Our results suggest that high water levels in Poyang Lake should be retained during summer, but permitted to gradually recede, exposing new areas throughout winter to provide access for waterbirds from all feeding guilds.
Linking songbird nest predation to seedling density: Sugar maple masting as a resource pulse in a forest food web
Authors: Fiola Marie‐Line , Vernouillet Alizée , Villard Marc‐André 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe ecological literature presents considerable evidence for top‐down forcing on the maintenance of species diversity. Yet, in temperate forests, bottom‐up forces often exert a strong influence on ecosystem functioning. Here, we report on the indirect influence of a pulsed resource, sugar maple (Acer saccharum) seed production, on nest survival in a migratory songbird. We hypothesized that seed production in year t would determine daily nest survival rate in year t + 1 through its effects on seed‐eating rodents. We used the density of sugar maple seedlings (with cotyledons) in year t + 1 as a proxy for seed production in year t and predicted that it would be inversely related to songbird nest survival the same year. We estimated the density of sugar maple seedlings, eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) activity, and daily nest survival rate in the ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) over four successive years in a northern hardwood forest of New Brunswick, Canada. Seedling density varied by two orders of magnitude between years, whereas an index of chipmunk activity changed by an order of magnitude. Both variables were positively correlated and negatively correlated to daily nest survival rate. A logistic‐exposure model including only seedling density received the greatest level of support (lowest AICc). Previous studies have reported the effect of sugar maple masting on seed‐eating rodent populations, but the strong link we report between seedling density and songbird nest survival is novel. A nocturnal seed‐eating nest predator, deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), was not considered in our models, which may explain why chipmunk was not the best predictor of daily nest survival rate. The trophic linkages we observed are remarkably strong for a temperate forest ecosystem and might become more prevalent in northeastern North America, at least on calcium‐rich soils, with the loss of large‐diameter beech trees as a result of beech bark disease.
Strong population genetic structure of an invasive species, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), in southern China
Authors: Wang Guihua , Hou Youming , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Jie , Li Jinlei , Chen Zhiming 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), was initially reported in China in the 1990s and is now considered one of the most successful invasive pests of palm plants in the country. A total of 14 microsatellite loci and one mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit Ι (cox I) gene fragment were used to investigate the genetic characteristics and structure of R. ferrugineus in southern China. High levels of genetic differentiation among populations and significant correlations between genetic and geographical distances indicated an important role of geographical distance in the distribution of the RPW in southern China. High gene flow between Fujian and Taiwan province populations illustrated the increased effects of frequent anthropogenic activities on gene flow between them. Genetic similarity (i.e., haplotype similarity) indicated that RPW individuals from Taiwan and Fujian invaded from a different source than those from Hainan. To some extent, the genetic structure of the RPW in southern China correlated well with the geographic origins of this pest. We propose that geographical distance, anthropogenic activities, and the biological attributes of this pest are responsible for the distribution pattern of the RPW in southern China. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that the most likely native sources of the RPW in southern China are India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
PIV Analysis of Particle Behavior in Electrostatic Precipitator
Authors: MIYASHITA HIROTAKA , EHARA YOSHIYASU , THUNODA TOMOHIRO , ENOMOTO JOE , INUI TAKASHI 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYAn electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is a means to collect particulate matter (PM). They are characterized by a high total particle collection efficiency with a low pressure drop. The particle behavior in ESP depends on the particle characteristic, electric field, space charge, and flow pattern. It is important to understand the particle behavior in ESP. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to grasp the particle behavior in ESP. In this paper, results of PIV of the particle flow velocity fields in a wire‐to‐plate type ESP model are presented. The ESP was an acrylic parallelepiped with a wire electrode and plate collecting electrode. The positive and negative dc voltages were applied to the wire electrode, placed at right angles to the main gas flow. The obtained results show that the particle flow velocity was increased with increasing discharge current. This is attributed to increase in ionic wind. The particle velocity right under of the wire electrode was the fastest.
Water sources for woody shrubs on hillslopes: An investigation using isotopic and sapflow methods
Authors: Dudley Bruce D. , Marttila Hannu , Graham Scott L. , Evison Ryan , Srinivasan M.S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractShrub encroachment into grasslands is a globally occurring process, but resulting changes to catchment water flows and stores are not yet well understood. We examined seasonal patterns of water sources for regenerating woody shrubs in seasonally dry montane farmland. We compared stable isotope ratios of shrub stem water to soil water pools at various depths within the vadose zone, groundwater, and stream water. We compared the results of these water source analysis with riparian plant water uptake measured using sap flux sensors and some potential drivers of sap flow rates (soil moisture and meteorological data). The stable isotope data indicated that the shrubs derived the majority of their water from shallow soil (top 10 cm), during the summer growing season. Sapflow measurements provided support for the isotope results, as riparian shrubs showed a springtime peak in water use and reduced sapflow rates during late summer driven by intermittent drying of shallow soil layers. Analysis of groundwater and streamwater indicated that these water sources were isotopically separated from plant and shallow soil water and fed primarily by precipitation falling during winter months. Our results indicate that transpiration of groundwater that may otherwise have fed streamflow is likely to be minor during early stages of shrub regeneration. This is important because shrubs are costly to remove and also have measureable benefits for sediment retention and soil fertility on montane farms.
Night and daytime water relations in five fast‐growing tree species: Effects of environmental and endogenous variables
Authors: Kupper Priit , Ivanova Hiie , Sõber Anu , Rohula‐Okunev Gristin , Sellin Arne 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOur aim was to investigate the responses of night and daytime water fluxes to environmental stimuli and endogenous drivers in 5 tree species with different water‐use strategies. Data analysis revealed that air vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and wind speed were the main drivers of night‐time sap flux density (Fnight) in all studied species. For Populus × wettsteinii, Populus tremula, Betula pendula, and Alnus glutinosa, VPD was also the major driver of daytime sap flux density (Fday). In Alnus incana, VPD explained less from the total variation in Fday than the photosynthetic photon flux density (QP). The Fday versus VPD regression slope decreased significantly (p < .001) in the following sequence P. × wettsteinii = P. tremula > B. pendula > A. glutinosa > A. incana. However, the Fnight versus VPD regression slope declined (p < .05) in sequence P. × wettsteinii > B. pendula > P. tremula > A. incana = A. glutinosa. P. × wettsteinii and B. pendula demonstrated highest net photosynthesis rates (Pn) among the all investigated species. Multiple regression analysis (independent factors: leaf dark respiration rate and sucrose, glucose, and starch contents) revealed that sucrose content was the only factor, which explained variation (R2 = 0.35; p < .01) in predawn leaf conductance (gpd). Our findings suggest that trees ability to open stomata and lose water at night does not depend directly on their daily water‐use strategy but is determined probably by species photosynthetic capacity, growth potential, and nitrogen‐use strategy.
Development of High‐Acceleration Linear Motor to Realize Resource Saving and High Productivity
Authors: AOYAMA YASUAKI , HASEGAWA YU , SASAKI MASATAKA , NAKATSUGAWA JUNNOSUKE , IWAJI YOSHITAKA , KOMURA AKIYOSHI 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYThe use of linear motors has been rapidly increasing in recent years in response to the rising demand for drive mechanisms with higher speed and acceleration to improve the throughput of semiconductor production equipment, machine tools, and so on. In this study, we have developed a new type of linear motor with an opposed magnetic pole structure and twin movers. To achieve higher acceleration of a linear motor, it is necessary to satisfy both large thrust and low inertia. In our proposed new type linear motor, the thrust is improved by increasing the facing area between the permanent magnets and magnetic pole teeth by using multistage movers. Furthermore, the magnetic leakage flux is reduced by multiplexing the magnetic flux path. In a short stroke (approximately 210 mm) drive, the high acceleration of 1670 m/s2 and maximum velocity of 14.2 m/s is demonstrated using a prototype linear motor (maximum thrust = 25 kN).
Why are Material Efficiency Solutions a Limited Part of the Climate Policy Agenda? An application of the Multiple Streams Framework to UK policy on CO2emissions from cars
Authors: Cooper‐Searle Simone , Livesey Finbarr , Allwood Julian M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Multiple Streams Framework is applied to investigate why material efficiency solutions are a limited part of the climate policy agenda. The case study under investigation is the UK agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emission from cars. Evidence from 14 semi‐structured interviews, document analysis and academic studies is used to develop and substantiate the arguments made. In the UK, inefficient material use is only perceived as a problem in so far as it increases in‐use vehicle emissions, which disadvantages some material efficiency solutions. The appeal of material efficiency solutions is further limited by a lack of real‐world and modelling evidence, creating uncertainty around the anticipated costs and impacts of any policy intervention. Recent political developments are unlikely to make the UK government more receptive to the problem of greenhouse gases arising from inefficient material use in the future. This is further compounded by policy lock‐in. Although a small community of policy entrepreneurs are promoting material efficiency solutions, they have disparate priorities, which impacts their effectiveness. The insights from this paper can inform future research and policy entrepreneurship to increase the likelihood of material efficiency solutions becoming a larger part of the climate policy agenda. The problem of climate change is too significant for any potential solutions to remain underexplored by policy‐makers in the UK and the rest of the world. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Policy and Governance published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Science‐Policy‐Practice Interfaces: Emergent knowledge and monarch butterfly conservation
Authors: Gustafsson Karin M. , Wolf Steven A. , Agrawal Anurag A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe study how knowledge is produced at the intersection of science, environmental policy and public engagement. Based on analysis of monarch butterfly conservation, we critically evaluate models of knowledge production. The monarch butterfly and its migration have engaged science and enchanted people for over a century, and current threats to monarchs catalyze debates and actions. This paper traces the historical development of knowledge regarding (i) long‐term monarch population trends, (ii) the monarch's dependence on a particular food plant, the milk‐weed, and (iii) the monarch as a pollinator. Our analysis indicates that knowledge production and science–policy–practice interfaces cannot be satisfactorily understood through reference to the classical linear model and more recent conceptions of relationally produced knowledge (i.e. co‐production). We identify powerful and sometimes contradictory knowledge claims that emerge from unmediated interactions among scientists, advocates, policy makers and diverse publics. The emergent model complements existing models of knowledge production, thereby expanding the conceptual foundation available for making sense of science–policy–practice interfaces. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
SDS‐PAGE procedure: Application for characterization of new entirely uncharged nucleic acids analogs
Authors: Pavlova Anna S. , Dyudeeva Evgeniya S. , Kupryushkin Maxim S. , Amirkhanov Nariman V. , Pyshnyi Dmitrii V. , Pyshnaya Inna A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSDS‐PAGE is considered to be a universal method for size‐based separation and analysis of proteins. In this study, we applied the principle of SDS‐PAGE to the analysis of new entirely uncharged nucleic acid (NA) analogues, – phosphoryl guanidine oligonucleotides (PGOs). The procedure was also shown to be suitable for morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs) and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). It was demonstrated that SDS can establish hydrophobic interactions with these types of synthetic NAs, giving them a net negative charge and thus making these molecules mobile in polyacrylamide slab gels under the influence of an electric field.
Free amino nitrogen concentration correlates to total yeast assimilable nitrogen concentration in apple juice
Authors: Boudreau Thomas F. , Peck Gregory M. , O'Keefe Sean F. , Stewart Amanda C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractYeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is essential for yeast growth and metabolism during apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) cider fermentation. YAN concentration and composition can impact cider fermentation kinetics and the formation of volatile aroma compounds by yeast. The YAN concentration and composition of apples grown in Virginia, USA over the course of two seasons was determined through analysis of both free amino nitrogen (FAN) and ammonium ion concentration. FAN was the largest fraction of YAN, with a mean value of 51 mg N L−1 FAN compared to 9 mg N L−1 ammonium. Observed YAN values ranged from nine to 249 mg N L−1, with a mean value of 59 mg N L−1. Ninety‐four percent of all samples analyzed in this study contained <140 mg N L−1 YAN, a concentration generally considered the minimum level needed in grape‐based wines for yeast to fully utilize all of the fermentable sugars. FAN concentration was correlated with total YAN concentration, but ammonium concentration was not. Likewise, there was no correlation between FAN and ammonium concentration.
On meta‐ and mega‐analyses for gene–environment interactions
Authors: Huang Jing , Liu Yulun , Vitale Steve , Penning Trevor M. , Whitehead Alexander S. , Blair Ian A. , Vachani Anil , Clapper Margie L. , Muscat Joshua E. , Lazarus Philip , Scheet Paul , Moore Jason H. , Chen Yong 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTGene‐by‐environment (G × E) interactions are important in explaining the missing heritability and understanding the causation of complex diseases, but a single, moderately sized study often has limited statistical power to detect such interactions. With the increasing need for integrating data and reporting results from multiple collaborative studies or sites, debate over choice between mega‐ versus meta‐analysis continues. In principle, data from different sites can be integrated at the individual level into a “mega” data set, which can be fit by a joint “mega‐analysis.” Alternatively, analyses can be done at each site, and results across sites can be combined through a “meta‐analysis” procedure without integrating individual level data across sites. Although mega‐analysis has been advocated in several recent initiatives, meta‐analysis has the advantages of simplicity and feasibility, and has recently led to several important findings in identifying main genetic effects. In this paper, we conducted empirical and simulation studies, using data from a G × E study of lung cancer, to compare the mega‐ and meta‐analyses in four commonly used G × E analyses under the scenario that the number of studies is small and sample sizes of individual studies are relatively large. We compared the two data integration approaches in the context of fixed effect models and random effects models separately. Our investigations provide valuable insights in understanding the differences between mega‐ and meta‐analyses in practice of combining small number of studies in identifying G × E interactions.
Long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 expression in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Yisheng , Wu Hangyu , Wang Fuyan , Ye Mei , Zhu Hong , Bu Shizhong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo monitor the expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and changes in metabolic profiles among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsA retrospective case–control study was conducted using data for women treated at a hospital in China between October 8, 2014, and April 15, 2015. Patients diagnosed with GDM using an oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy (n=50) were included. The control group comprised pregnant women without GDM (n=47). Serum levels of lncRNA MALAT1, lncRNA p21, and lncRNA H19 were assessed using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Plasma glucose and lipid levels were assessed biochemically.ResultsThe expression level of lncRNA MALAT1 was higher among the cases than the controls (P=0.007). Expression of IncRNA MALAT1 among the patients with GDM correlated with both lncRNA p21 (r=0.333, P=0.018) and lncRNA H19 (r=0.314, P=0.030). Levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol differed between the control group and patients with GDM (3.6 ± 2.6 mmol/L vs 3.8 ± 1.5 mmol/L and 6.54 ± 1.30 mmol/L vs 7.40 ± 0.90 mmol/L, respectively; P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.654 (95% confidence interval 0.543–0.768, P<0.001).ConclusionExpression of lncRNA MALAT1 could offer a novel biomarker to predict GDM.
Oxidative stress induces renal failure: A review of possible molecular pathways
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Farrokhi Farin R. , Rezaee Ramin , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIt has been reported that oxidative stress has a pivotal role in many disorders such as chronic kidney diseases. Free radicals can directly attack cellular elements, trigger intracellular signaling pathways, or induce systemic responses leading to renal damages. In the current review, we evaluated the literature focusing on the main recognized effects of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of chronic renal disorders. We searched the PubMed‐Medline and Scopus databases by using the following key words: oxidative stress, kidney, chronic kidney diseases, and free radicals and found about 200 related articles. Then, we focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic kidney diseases which can be induced by oxidative stress and explored how free radicals stimulate these mechanisms. By reviewing the literature, we found that there are almost nine important molecular pathways through which free radicals influence the renal function. Based on the retrieved data, oxidative stress has an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney diseases. Understanding these pathophysiologic pathways may lead us to find new approaches for the management of these debilitating disorders.
Partition functions and a generalized coloring‐flow duality for embedded graphs
Authors: Litjens Bart , Sevenster Bart 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLet G be a finite group and a class function. Let be a directed graph with for each vertex a cyclic order of the edges incident to it. The cyclic orders give a collection F of faces of H. Define the partition function , where denotes the product of the κ‐values of the edges incident with v (in cyclic order), where the inverse is taken for edges leaving v. Write , where the sum runs over irreducible representations λ of G with character and with for every λ. When H is connected, it is proved that , where 1 is the identity element of G. Among the corollaries, a formula for the number of nowhere‐identity G‐flows on H is derived, generalizing a result of Tutte. We show that these flows correspond bijectively to certain proper G‐colorings of a covering graph of the dual graph of H. This correspondence generalizes coloring‐flow duality for planar graphs.