bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire is a stronger driver of forest composition than logging in the boreal forest of eastern Canada
Authors: Boucher Yan , Auger Isabelle , Noël Jean , Grondin Pierre , Arseneault Dominique 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimsOur study aimed to: (1) document the preindustrial (1925) forest composition prior to extensive logging; (2) document the magnitude of changes from 1925 to 2005; and (3) identify the relative influence of logging and natural disturbances as drivers of the present‐day forest composition.LocationBoreal forest in central Quebec, eastern Canada.MethodsWe used a dense network of georeferenced historical (~1925) forest plots (n = 30 033) to document preindustrial forest composition. We evaluated the magnitude of changes with the present‐day using modern plots (1980s to 2000s). We reconstructed a long‐term, spatially explicit history of logging, spruce budworm outbreaks (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.], SBO), and fire using historical maps and field surveys.ResultsIn the preindustrial period, late successional coniferous taxa (Abies balsamea and Picea spp.) dominated the landscape, whereas early successional deciduous taxa (Betula spp. and Populus spp.) were confined to recently burned areas. In the present‐day landscape, large areas dominated by late successional coniferous taxa have been replaced by early successional deciduous taxa. Forest communities dominated by early successional deciduous taxa increased sharply throughout the study area. Logging has been a minor driver of these changes compared to fire and SBOs.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the importance of documenting the long‐term history of both anthropogenic and natural disturbances in order to assess their relative contributions to the development of the present‐day forest ecosystems. Natural disturbances have remained the main drivers of forest composition during the 20th century, whereas logging played a less important role. In the current context of global change, long‐term experimental research is required to help forecast impacts of natural disturbances and forest management on boreal forest composition.
Population genetic structure of the urban fox in Sapporo, northern Japan
Authors: Kato Y. , Amaike Y. , Tomioka T. , Oishi T. , Uraguchi K. , Masuda R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn some countries, the red fox Vulpes vulpes has been rapidly expanding its range into urban and suburban areas, where it is referred to as the ‘urban fox’. In the city of Sapporo, northern Japan, the population of urban foxes has been increasing since the 1990s. Because the red fox carries several zoonoses, it is important to understand its population structure and migration status in urban areas, for not only basic biology but also public health. In this study, to clarify population genetic structure and gene flow, we examined the genotypes of nine microsatellite loci for 578 road‐killed foxes collected in and around residential areas of Sapporo from 2002 to 2014 (except for 2009 and 2010). Based on the genotype data and spatial information for the sampled animals, we detected three subpopulations within the urban fox population. Boundaries separating the three subpopulations were a river and a railway crossing in central Sapporo. The subpopulations separated by the railway were more genetically differentiated than those separated by the river, and the railway, which is surrounded by crowded roads, may have had a greater effect on gene flow and genetic differentiation. Levels of genetic differentiation among the subpopulations in Sapporo, however, were lower than those of urban fox populations studied in other countries. Our results suggest that there is weak gene flow among the subpopulations in Sapporo.
The prevalence of steatohepatitis in chronic hepatitis B patients and its impact on disease severity and treatment response
Authors: Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Pongpaibul Ananya , Kaosombatwattana Uayporn , Bhanthumkomol Patommatat , Bandidniyamanon Wimolrak , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Tanwandee Tawesak 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe clinical significance of steatohepatitis in chronic hepatitis B remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for steatohepatitis in chronic hepatitis B, and to determine its correlation with liver fibrosis and response to antiviral therapy.MethodsLiver histopathology of 256 consecutive chronic hepatitis B patients with serum hepatitis B virus DNA >2000 IU/mL were analysed with clinical and laboratory characteristics. Virological and biochemical responses were prospectively assessed in the 112 patients treated with antiviral monotherapy.ResultsHepatic steatosis was observed in 38% of the entire cohort, and steatohepatitis was diagnosed in 18% of patients with hepatic steatosis according to Brunt's classification. The presence of steatohepatitis was associated with overweight/obese (odds ratio, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.32‐27.2) and hypertriglyceridaemia (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.07‐8.15). None of the viral characteristics including HBeAg status, genotypes and viraemia levels was associated with the presence of steatohepatitis. Steatohepatitis was an independent predictor of significant fibrosis (odds ratio, 10.0; 95% CI, 2.08‐48.5) and advanced fibrosis (odds ratio, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.11‐10.7) after adjusting for viraemia levels and features of the metabolic syndrome. The rates of suppression of serum hepatitis B virus DNA <20 IU/mL combined with aminotransferase normalization at week 48 of antiviral therapy were not different between the steatohepatitis and non‐steatohepatitis groups (43% vs 53%; P=.475).ConclusionsSteatohepatitis is not uncommon in chronic hepatitis B patients. It is associated with metabolic syndrome but not viral factor. This study demonstrates that steatohepatitis is related to the severity of liver fibrosis but it does not affect response to antiviral therapy.
A multiobjective fuzzy linear programming model for sustainable integrated operation of a multireservoir system
Authors: Arunkumar R. , Jothiprakash V. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIrrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water, with high significance in India as the majority of its people depend on it. Rainfall uncertainties, and uneven distribution of utilizable water over space and time, have presented a serious challenge to irrigation water management and crop production. Surface water reservoirs play a major role in supplying irrigation water and also addressing uneven water distribution to some degree. Varying water requirements for different crops under multiple canals, however, requires that planners develop an optimal crop planning for the efficient operation of a multireservoir irrigation system. The spatial and temporal water transfer within a multireservoir irrigation system necessitates integrated operation of all the involved reservoirs. Thus, integrated operation of a multireservoir system is a fundamental requirement for efficient irrigation water management, and also become a key issue for sustainable agricultural development. This study derived an optimal crop plan for the integrated operation of a complex multireservoir system with intrabasin water transfer, using a multiobjective fuzzy linear programming (MOFLP) approach. The MOFLP model resulted in a level of satisfaction of 0.46, with an irrigation intensity of 102.18%, and a total crop area of 149 232.10 ha. The optimal policies were furthermore assessed with various statistical indicators with a simulation model, indicating they are performing well, with high reliability and resilience for longer periods.
The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the decomposition of inundated terrestrial plant detritus of different quality in simulated reservoir formation
Authors: Fonseca André Luiz dos S. , Bianchini Irineu , Pimenta Cristiane M.M. , Soares Cássio B.P. , Mangiavacchi Norberto 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe formation of reservoirs usually incorporates the inundation of terrestrial vegetation in the basin. The decomposition of organic matter from the flooded vegetation may have several implications for reservoir functioning, including eutrophication and dissolved oxygen depletion. The hydrostatic pressure increases with depth in a reservoir, and its influence on the decomposition process has not previously been evaluated. This study was undertaken to evaluate the decomposition of terrestrial plant detritus of different qualities (leaves and branches) under different hydrostatic pressure conditions. Detritus were placed separately in glass bottles in the laboratory and incubated in tight stainless steel pressure vessels, simulating three different depths (surface, 30 and 100 m). The masses (mg) of particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic carbon (IC) were determined for the 4 months of the detritus decomposition simulated in this study. The mass values were transformed in percentages of the initial detritus carbon. The results of temporal variations of the compounds studied were fitted to a first‐order biphasic decay model. The hydrostatic pressure exhibited no significant effects on litter decomposition. On the other hand, the detritus chemical composition (i.e. the presence of labile and refractory compounds) was the determining factor for the decomposition curve shape and for the differences observed between the leaves and branches. The greatest POC loss from leaves, and resulting larger DOC mass, indicated the leaves were more labile than the branches. The results also indicated the branches are the main detritus remaining in a reservoir over time.
Sediment in Mosul Dam reservoir using the HEC‐RAS model
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad E. , Al‐Ansari Nadhir , Issa Issa E. , Knutsson Sven 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMosul Dam, located on the Tigris River north of Iraq, is experiencing sedimentation problems, especially near the Al‐Jazeera pumping station that supplies the irrigation water for the Al‐Jazeera project. The sources of the sediment accumulated within the reservoir are from the Tigris River, as well as ten side valleys on both sides of the reservoir. The sediment inflow rate into the reservoir and the released values are considered on the basis of the operation schedule of the dam for the considered period from 1986 to 2011. The sediment loads were estimated on the basis of available measurements and estimated literature values. The HEC‐RAS 4.1 model was used for flows and sediments in the main river and reservoir. The model was calibrated for flow simulations (coefficient of determination r2 = 0.87) and sediment routing based on bed level, (with resultant r2 = 0.98 and Mean Absolute Deviation of 0.95). The Ackers–White equation was used in the HEC‐RAS model for sediment routing because of the wide range of sediment sizes in the study case. The resultant total accumulated sediment load volume was 1.13 km3, a value that is very close to the measured values (1.143 km3) obtained from a previous bathymetric survey. Furthermore, the model indicated most of the sediment (80.7%) was deposited during the first five of the dam operation.
Sediment distribution and its impacts on Hirakud Reservoir (India) storage capacity
Authors: Dutta Subhasri , Sen Dhrubajyoti 
Published: October 2016

AbstractConstruction of dams causes reduced flow velocities, inducing gradual deposition of sediments carried by the inflowing stream, and resulting in sedimentation and ultimately diminishing reservoir storage capacity. This study focuses on sedimentation of Hirakud Reservoir in Odisha, India, using available reservoir capacity and numerical simulation data. Reduced trap efficiency, observed and projected capacity curves, rising reservoir bed level and the capacities of the different storage zones for various projected years are analysed. The area‐reduction method indicates the loss in the live, gross and dead storage will be 58%, 63% and 100%, respectively, of their original capacities by 2057, which represents 100 years of impounding of water in the reservoir. If the present sediment inflow rate continues without regular flushing of the deposited sediment, it is predicted the reservoir bed level will rise to the full reservoir level of 192.02 m by the year 2110. Brune's trap efficiency and step method indicate the gross storage zone of Hirakud Reservoir will be completely depleted by the end of 2110, with the trap efficiency reduced to zero. The empirical area‐reduction method is found to be more suitable for determining the storage capacities of Hirakud Reservoir in the absence of sedimentation survey data. An attempt was also made to solve the combined hydrodynamic and sediment transport equations numerically to predict morphological changes in Hirakud Reservoir. The finite‐element code TELEMAC‐2D and finite‐volume code for SISYPHE, respectively, were applied to solve the above set of equations in order to predict the bed profiles at different reservoir cross sections for the period of 1958–2008. Analysis of the simulated results demonstrates that, considering the model inputs, the model performs well in simulating the morphology and dynamic characteristics of a reservoir. Projection of the numerical results indicates a complete loss of reservoir operational life due to sedimentation by around 2150.
Connectivity and stock composition of loggerhead turtles foraging on the North African continental shelf (Central Mediterranean): implications for conservation and management
Authors: Karaa Sami , Maffucci Fulvio , Jribi Imed , Bologna Marco Alberto , Borra Marco , Biffali Elio , Bradai Mohamed Nejmeddine , Hochscheid Sandra 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, is a highly migratory species with a complex life cycle that involves a series of ontogenetic habitat shifts and migrations. Understanding the links amongst nesting populations and foraging habitats is essential for the effective management of the species. Here we used mixed stock analysis to examine the natal origin of loggerhead turtles foraging on the North African continental shelf off Tunisia, one of the most important Mediterranean neritic habitats. An 815‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced from 107 individuals sampled from 2007 to 2009. No temporal variation in haplotype frequencies was detected. Juveniles (n = 87) and adults (n = 23) exhibited weak but significant genetic differentiation that resulted in different stock compositions. Libya was the main source population but the proportion of turtles from this rookery was higher in adults (median = 80%) than in juveniles (median = 35%). Western Greece was the second most important contributing population. Juvenile stock composition derived from mixed stock analysis and the estimates produced by numerical simulation of hatchling dispersion in the Mediterranean Sea were significantly correlated, supporting the recent theory that loggerheads imprint on possible future neritic habitats during the initial phase of their life. This association was not significant for adults, suggesting that other factors contribute to shaping their distribution. Overall, our results show that human activities on the South Tunisian continental shelf pose an immediate threat to the survival of the Libyan rookery.
Influence of stent implantation on erythrocyte aggregation in human native coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts
Authors: Baars Theodor , Kahlert Philipp , Baars Albert , Preibsch Heike , Rassaf Tienush , Heusch Gerd , Kleinbongard Petra 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveStent implantation into atherosclerotic coronary vessels induces the release of particulate debris and soluble vasoactive substances, which impair downstream microvascular function. Microvascular perfusion, however, is also determined by hemorheological parameters. We therefore analyzed now changes in erythrocyte (RBC) aggregation in coronary arterial blood during stent implantation.MethodsSymptomatic male patients with stable angina pectoris and stenosis in their native right coronary artery (RCA) or saphenous vein graft on right coronary artery (SVG‐RCA) were enrolled. Coronary arterial blood was taken before and coronary aspirate during stent implantation with a distal occlusion/aspiration device. RBC aggregation was determined using the erythrocyte adhesiveness/aggregation test. The ratio of clot‐free area to whole area of a spread blood drop was quantified (rCFA). To evaluate the impact of soluble factors within aspirate plasma on RBC aggregation, separated RBCs of healthy volunteers were exposed to patients' coronary arterial blood and aspirate samples.ResultsrCFA was comparably increased in coronary aspirate of RCAs and SVG‐RCAs after stent implantation (RCA: 25.7±2.1% vs 32.2±2.1%; SVG‐RCA: 28.9±1.9% vs 33.3±2.0%, P<.01). The rCFA of healthy volunteers was increased after adding coronary aspirate plasma.ConclusionsStent implantation into atherosclerotic coronary arteries induces an increase in RBC aggregation, potentially contributing to impaired microvascular perfusion.
Molybdenum and iron mutually impact their homeostasis in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants
Authors: Vigani Gianpiero , Di Silvestre Dario , Agresta Anna Maria , Donnini Silvia , Mauri Pierluigi , Gehl Christian , Bittner Florian , Murgia Irene 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Molybdenum (Mo) and iron (Fe) are essential micronutrients required for crucial enzyme activities in plant metabolism. Here we investigated the existence of a mutual control of Mo and Fe homeostasis in cucumber (Cucumis sativus).

Plants were grown under single or combined Mo and Fe starvation. Physiological parameters were measured, the ionomes of tissues and the ionomes and proteomes of root mitochondria were profiled, and the activities of molybdo‐enzymes and the synthesis of molybdenum cofactor (Moco) were evaluated.

Fe and Mo were found to affect each other's total uptake and distribution within tissues and at the mitochondrial level, with Fe nutritional status dominating over Mo homeostasis and affecting Mo availability for molybdo‐enzymes in the form of Moco. Fe starvation triggered Moco biosynthesis and affected the molybdo‐enzymes, with its main impact on nitrate reductase and xanthine dehydrogenase, both being involved in nitrogen assimilation and mobilization, and on the mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component.

These results, together with the identification of > 100 proteins differentially expressed in root mitochondria, highlight the central role of mitochondria in the coordination of Fe and Mo homeostasis and allow us to propose the first model of the molecular interactions connecting Mo and Fe homeostasis.
Below‐ground frontiers in trait‐based plant ecology
Authors: Laliberté Etienne 
Published: October 2016

SummaryTrait‐based approaches have led to significant advances in plant ecology, but are currently biased toward above‐ground traits. It is becoming clear that a stronger emphasis on below‐ground traits is needed to better predict future changes in plant biodiversity and their consequences for ecosystem functioning. Here I propose six ‘below‐ground frontiers’ in trait‐based plant ecology, with an emphasis on traits governing soil nutrient acquisition: redefining fine roots; quantifying root trait dimensionality; integrating mycorrhizas; broadening the suite of root traits; determining linkages between root traits and abiotic and biotic factors; and understanding ecosystem‐level consequences of root traits. Focusing research efforts along these frontiers should help to fulfil the promise of trait‐based ecology: enhanced predictive capacity across ecological scales.

Contents

Summary
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I.
The promise of trait‐based plant ecology
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II.
Redefining fine roots
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III.
Quantifying trait dimensionality
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IV.
Integrating mycorrhizas
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V.
Broadening the suite of below‐ground traits
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VI.
Determining trait–environment linkages
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VII.
Understanding ecosystem‐level consequences
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VIII.
Conclusions
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Acknowledgements
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References
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal interactions of mycoheterotrophicThismiaare more specialized than in autotrophic plants
Authors: Gomes Sofia I. F. , Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Bidartondo Martin I. , Merckx Vincent S. F. T. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryIn general, plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi exchange photosynthetically fixed carbon for soil nutrients, but occasionally nonphotosynthetic plants obtain carbon fromAMfungi. The interactions of these mycoheterotrophic plants withAMfungi are suggested to be more specialized than those of green plants, although direct comparisons are lacking.We investigated the mycorrhizal interactions of both green and mycoheterotrophic plants. We used next‐generationDNAsequencing to compare theAMcommunities from roots of five closely related mycoheterotrophic species ofThismia(Thismiaceae), roots of surrounding green plants, and soil, sampled over the entire temperate distribution ofThismiain Australia and New Zealand.We observed that the fungal communities of mycoheterotrophic and green plants are phylogenetically more similar within than between these groups of plants, suggesting a specific association pattern according to plant trophic mode. Moreover, mycoheterotrophic plants follow a more restricted association with their fungal partners in terms of phylogenetic diversity when compared with green plants, targeting more clustered lineages of fungi, independent of geographic origin.Our findings demonstrate that these mycoheterotrophic plants target more narrow lineages of fungi than green plants, despite the larger fungal pool available in the soil, and thus they are more specialized towards mycorrhizal fungi than autotrophic plants.
Knowledge and Attributability
Authors: Boult Cameron 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA prominent objection to the so‐called ‘knowledge norm of belief’ is that it is too demanding or too strong. I argue that a prominent way of motivating the objection leads to an impasse in the epistemic norms debate. A way out of the impasse becomes available when we take a closer look at some distinctions in the theory of responsibility. There are at least three relevant notions of responsibility. I argue that a weaker notion of responsibility – attributability – should be used to motivate the objection. This opens up space to move beyond the impasse.
Physicians’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Use of Opioids in Long‐Term Care Facilities
Authors: Griffioen Charlotte , Willems Eva G. , Kouwenhoven Sanne M. , Caljouw Monique A.A. , Achterberg Wilco P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundInsufficient pain management in vulnerable older persons living in long‐term care facilities is common, and opiophobia might contribute to this. As opiophobia and its related factors have not been investigated in long‐term care, this study evaluates the degree of knowledge of opioids among elderly‐care physicians (ECPs) and ECP trainees, as well as their attitudes and other factors possibly influencing the clinical use of opioids in these facilities.MethodsA questionnaire was designed and distributed among ECPs and ECP trainees by email, regional symposia, and all three university training faculties for elderly‐care medicine in the Netherlands.ResultsRespondents were 324 ECPs and 111 ECP trainees. Fear of addiction did not influence the prescription of opioids. Main barriers to the clinical use of opioids were patients’ reluctance to take opioids (83.3%); unknown degree of pain (79.2%); and pain of unknown origin (51.4%). ECPs’ average knowledge scores were sufficient: those who felt that their knowledge of opioids was poor scored lower than those who felt that their knowledge was good.ConclusionsFactors identified in this study may help provide better pain management for vulnerable older persons living in a long‐term care facility. Also, more patient information on the pros and cons of opioid use is needed, as well as appropriate tools for better clinical assessment of pain in a long‐term care population.