bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of geohistorical data in identifying a recent human‐induced range expansion of a predatory gastropod in the Colorado River delta, Mexico
Authors: Smith Jansen A. , Dietl Gregory P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThroughout the Colorado River basin, numerous dams have captured and diverted the entirety of the basin's c. 1.85 × 1010 m3 year−1 of water, altering the downstream delta ecosystem. In the absence of pre‐dam studies, geohistorical data can play a critical role in reconstructing ecological aspects of the past ecosystem. Here, we use geohistorical data to test the hypothesis that a shell‐drilling naticid gastropod predator, Notocochlis chemnitzii, has recently undergone a human‐induced range expansion to the Colorado River delta (CRD). Based on uncertainty in the literature surrounding the membership of N. chemnitzii in the CRD benthic community before the dams were built, we predicted that, for pre‐dam samples, N. chemnitzii would be absent and there would be less variance in predator size selectivity and drillhole stereotypy.LocationColorado River delta, Mexico.MethodsAt two localities we sampled naticid shells and collected bivalve prey from the tidal flat and pre‐dam era cheniers – dune‐like structures composed primarily of molluscan remains. Naticids were sorted and counted by species. Variation in the stereotypic placement of drillholes in the pre‐ and post‐dam construction eras was assessed by grouping drillholes into a nine‐sector grid superimposed on the prey's shell. Predator size was regressed on bivalve prey size to assess variation in predator size selectivity pre‐ and post‐damming of the Colorado River.ResultsAs predicted, we found no N. chemnitzii in cheniers of pre‐dam age, whereas another naticid species, Neverita reclusiana, was common. Notocochlis chemnitzii and N. reclusiana were found in the actively forming chenier and on the tidal flat. As expected with the addition of another naticid species, the preferred site of drilling and size selectivity of prey by predators changed significantly between cheniers from the pre‐ and post‐dam construction eras due to variation in prey‐handling behaviour by different naticid species.Main conclusionsGeohistorical evidence, from body and trace fossils, suggests that N. chemnitzii has recently expanded its geographical range to the CRD, whereas N. reclusiana has long dwelled in the delta. Geohistorical baseline data are an underutilized source of information that can provide unique ecological perspectives for restoration efforts in estuaries of dammed rivers world‐wide.
Comparison of Edwardsiella ictaluri isolates from different hosts and geographic origins
Authors: Griffin M J , Reichley S R , Greenway T E , Quiniou S M , Ware C , Gao D X , Gaunt P S , Yanong R P E , Pouder D B , Hawke J P , Soto E 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe intraspecific variability of E. ictaluri isolates from different origins was investigated. Isolates were recovered from farm‐raised catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Mississippi, USA, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in the Western Hemisphere and zebrafish (Danio rerio) propagated in Florida, USA. These isolates were phenotypically homologous and antimicrobial profiles were largely similar. Genetically, isolates possessed differences that could be exploited by repetitive‐sequence‐mediated PCR and gyrB sequence, which identified three distinct E. ictaluri genotypes: one associated with catfish, one from tilapia and a third from zebrafish. Plasmid profiles were also group specific and correlated with rep‐PCR and gyrB sequences. The catfish isolates possessed profiles typical of those described for E. ictaluri isolates; however, plasmids from the zebrafish and tilapia isolates differed in both composition and arrangement. Furthermore, some zebrafish and tilapia isolates were PCR negative for several E. ictaluri virulence factors. Isolates were serologically heterogenous, as serum from a channel catfish exposed to a catfish isolate had reduced antibody activity to tilapia and zebrafish isolates. This work identifies three genetically distinct strains of E. ictaluri from different origins using rep‐PCR, 16S, gyrB and plasmid sequencing, in addition to antimicrobial and serological profiling.
THE EFFECTS OF ANALYST FORECAST PROPERTIES AND COUNTRY‐LEVEL INSTITUTIONS ON THE COST OF DEBT
Authors: Boubakri Narjess , El Ghoul Sadok , Guedhami Omrane , Samet Anis 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe investigate the link between analyst forecast characteristics and the cost of debt financing in international markets, and the influence of country‐level institutions. Using a sample of 3,768 bond issues from 42 non‐U.S. countries from 1996 to 2014, we find statistically and economically significant evidence that analysts lower bond yield spreads. Furthermore, this relation is stronger in firms operating in countries with weak institutions governing property rights, creditor protection, and disclosure standards. Overall, our findings imply that financial analysts play an important role as information intermediaries, and show that this relation is especially important in countries with weak institutional environments.
An Australian Multi‐Regional Waste Supply‐Use Framework
Authors: Fry Jacob , Lenzen Manfred , Giurco Damien , Pauliuk Stefan 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe production of waste creates both direct and indirect environmental impacts. A range of strategies are available to reduce the generation of waste by industry and households, and to select waste treatment approaches that minimize environmental harm. However, evaluating these strategies requires reliable and detailed data on waste production and treatment. Unfortunately, published Australian waste data are typically highly aggregated, published by a variety of entities in different formats, and do not form a complete time‐series. We demonstrate a technique for constructing a multi‐regional waste supply‐use (MRWSU) framework for Australia using information from numerous waste data sources. This is the first MRWSU framework to be constructed (to the authors' knowledge) and the first sub‐national waste input‐output framework to be constructed for Australia. We construct the framework using the Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab), a cloud‐hosted computational platform for building Australian multi‐regional input‐output tables. The structure of the framework complies with the System of Environmental‐Economic Accounting (SEEA). We demonstrate the use of the MRWSU framework by calculating waste footprints that enumerate the full supply chain waste production for Australian consumers.
Maxillary Full‐Arch Immediately Loaded Implant‐Supported Fixed Prosthesis Designed and Produced by Photogrammetry and Digital Printing: A Clinical Report
Authors: Peñarrocha‐Oltra David , Agustín‐Panadero Rubén , Pradíes Guillermo , Gomar‐Vercher Sonia , Peñarrocha‐Diago Miguel 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe present clinical report describes the use of a photogrammetry system (PICcamera) for obtaining impressions and designing and producing an immediately loaded CAD/CAM provisional fixed prosthesis delivered in the mouth within 24 hours after implant placement in the maxilla. The stereo camera was used to capture the implant positions, automatically taking 350 images in less than 2 minutes. This photogrammetry system takes 10 pictures per second with a margin of error of under 10 μm between two scan bodies, and identifies the spatial position of each implant without physical contact. The three‐dimensional data for each implant are registered in vector format, together with all interrelated implant angles and distances. The information is stored in an STL file (PICfile). Information on soft tissues was obtained from an irreversible hydrocolloid impression that was poured in stone and scanned. An immediately loaded screw‐retained fixed prosthesis was made from acetalic resin using CAD/CAM, and its passive fit was evaluated in the mouth using the Sheffield test and screw resistance test.
Potential of tannin‐rich plants, Leucaena leucocephala, Glyricidia sepium and Manihot esculenta, to reduce enteric methane emissions in sheep
Authors: Archimède H. , Rira M. , Barde D. J. , Labirin F. , Marie‐Magdeleine C. , Calif B. , Periacarpin F. , Fleury J. , Rochette² Y. , Morgavi D. P. , Doreau M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAn in vivo trial was conducted in sheep to investigate the effect of three tropical tannin‐rich plants (TRP) on methane emission, intake and digestibility. The TRP used were leaves of Glyricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Manihot esculenta that contained, respectively, 39, 75 and 92 g condensed tannins/kg DM. Methane was determined with the sulphur hexafluoride tracer technique. Eight rumen‐cannulated sheep of two breeds (four Texel, four Blackbelly) were used in two 4 × 4 Latin square designs. Four experimental diets were tested. They consisted in a tropical natural grassland hay based on Dichanthium spp. fed alone (C) or in association with G. sepium (G), L. leucocephala (L) or M. esculenta (M) given as pellets at 44% of the daily ration. Daily organic matter intake was higher in TRP diets (686, 984, 1054 and 1186 g/day for C, G, L and M respectively; p < 0.05) while apparent organic matter total tract digestibility was not affected (69.9%, 62.8%, 65.3% and 64.7% for C, G, L and M respectively; p > 0.05). Methane emission was 47.1, 44.9, 33.3 and 33.5 g/kg digestible organic matter intake for C, G, L and M, respectively, and was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for L and M than for G and C. Our results confirm the potential of some TRP to reduce methane production. The strong decrease in methane and the increase in intake with TRPs may be due to their presentation as pellets.
Optimum Level of Dietary n‐3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids for Juvenile Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Liao Mingling , Ren Tongjun , Chen Wei , Jiang Zhiqiang , Yang Huan , Han Yuzhe 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA feeding trial was conducted to estimate the optimum level of dietary n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) for juvenile sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicas, based on growth performance and fatty acid compositions. Diets with five n‐3 HUFAs levels (0.15, 0.22, 0.33, 0.38, and 0.46%) were fed to sea cucumber juveniles (1.97 ± 0.01 g) once a day for 60 d. The sea cucumbers fed diets containing 0.22% n‐3 HUFAs showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio than the sea cucumbers fed diets containing 0.15% n‐3 HUFAs, but not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those of sea cucumbers fed diets containing 0.33, 0.38, and 0.46% n‐3 HUFAs. The sea cucumbers fed diets containing 0.46% n‐3 HUFAs showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher eicosapentaenoic acid and saturated fatty acid than the sea cucumber fed diets containing 0.15% n‐3 HUFAs, but not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those of sea cucumbers fed diets containing 0.22, 0.33, and 0.38% n‐3 HUFAs. The results of growth performance and n‐3 HUFA compositions of body wall indicated that the optimum level of dietary n‐3 HUFAs for juvenile sea cucumber is between 0.22 and 0.46%.
Effects of Broodstock Age and Sperm Collection Time over a Natural Spawning Period on Sperm Cryopreservation in Farmed Greenlip Abalone, Haliotis laevigata
Authors: Liu Yibing , Li Xiaoxu , Xu Tong , Robinson Nicholas , Qin Jianguang 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effects of broodstock age (2‐ and 3‐yr‐old), and sperm collection time at the beginning, middle, and end of a natural spawning period, on the ability of sperm to tolerate cryopreservation in farmed greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata. The quality of sperm was assessed by motility, fertilization rate, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and acrosome integrity (AI). The sperm collected at the middle of a natural spawning period had significantly higher quality than those collected at the beginning and the end of the spawning period in terms of plasma membrane integrity, MMP, and AI of fresh and post‐thaw sperm, post‐thaw sperm motility, and fertilization rate. No significant difference was found between 2‐ and 3‐yr‐old animals in most quality parameters evaluated. The results suggested that sperm collected during the middle of the spawning season should be used for cryopreservation. The efficiency of genetic improvement programs can be further enhanced by using sperm collected from 2‐yr‐old abalone which has a similar ability to tolerate cryopreservation as 3‐yr‐old counterparts.
Mouth Growth and Prey Selection in Juveniles of the European Long‐snouted Seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus
Authors: Blanco Andreu , Planas Miquel 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSeahorses are ambush predators that swallow the prey through their tubular snout. In order to better understand mouth growth and its effect on prey preference by juveniles of the seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus, experimental assays were carried out by feeding juveniles (0–30 – d after male's pouch release [dar]) on a mixture of rotifers, Brachionus plicatilis; Artemia nauplii; and copepods; Acartia tonsa. Mouth development in juveniles was accomplished by growth of upper and lower jaws, which were linearly correlated with juvenile length, whereas mouth width (MW) and height (MH) grew exponentially with juvenile size. Additionally, MW and MH were exponentially correlated, so that the transversal section of the mouth increased linearly with juvenile age and length. Gut content and Ivlev' selectivity index demonstrated a permanent rejection of rotifers for the whole experimental period and a clear preference of juveniles for copepods from 0 to 15 dar and for Artemia nauplii afterwards. Results also suggest that juveniles are able to ingest larger prey than those provided as the limiting factor in prey ingestion was not MW, as for many marine fish larvae, but mouth area. A tentative feeding schedule to successfully feed H. guttulatus juveniles from 0 to 30 dar is proposed.
The putative impacts of the non‐native seaweed Sargassum muticum on native communities in tidepools of Southern California and investigation into the feasibility of local eradication
Authors: Smith Jayson R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe ecological impacts of introduced seaweeds have been relatively understudied. Current research suggests that seaweed invasions often result in alterations of native marine communities and disruptions of normal ecosystem functioning, but the effects on native communities can vary among invasive seaweed species, among habitats and over small and large spatial scales. In this study, the impacts of Sargassum muticum, a non‐native brown alga introduced into southern California, USA, several decades ago, were examined by comparing community structure in rocky inter‐tidal pools with and without the seaweed. Sargassum muticum appeared to have little impact on the native community despite measures revealing changes in the abiotic conditions of pools, with S. muticum presence reducing light penetration and ameliorating pool temperature changes during low tides. In other regions and habitat types, S. muticum presence often, but not consistently, resulted in declines in macrophyte diversity and/or abundance and increases in faunal assemblages. The lack of effects of S. muticum in this study, combined with variable impacts by S. muticum and other invasive seaweeds worldwide, suggests that predicting the effects of introduced seaweeds is problematic and warrants further research. Regardless of the effects on native communities, there is often a desire to eradicate or control the spread of non‐native seaweeds. In this study, localized S. muticum eradication attempts, including manipulations of a native canopy and herbivorous urchins, proved unsuccessful as full recovery occurred in ~9 months. While eradication efforts conducted worldwide have resulted in mixed success, there is a trend that early detection and rapid response can increase success, highlighting a need for systematic monitoring and establishment of regional rapid response plans.
Another look at Aquinas's Objections to Capital Punishment
Authors: Marcar G.P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAccording to Thomas Aquinas, a sovereign government may legitimately execute sinners in pursuance of the common good. Aquinas outlines his defence of Capital Punishment (‘CP’) in the Summa Theologica (‘ST’) 2–2, q.64, a.2 and the Summa Contra Gentiles (‘SCG’), Book 3, Chapter 146. Aquinas's stance on this issue is well known and his argument in favour of CP has been extensively discussed. This article will focus instead on the objections Aquinas raises to the institution of CP in the ST and SCG, along with his responses to these objections. After providing a brief sketch of Aquinas's account of legal punishment, Aquinas's argument for the legitimacy of CP will then be outlined. The objections which Aquinas raises to CP will then be individually examined, along with his reply to each. After examining the underpinnings of Aquinas's objections and responses, the outline of a critique will be offered which draws upon the thought of Augustine and Karl Barth.
Effects of Intrauterine Devices in Mares: A Histomorphological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of the Endometrium
Authors: Klein V , Müller K , Schoon HA , Reilas T , Rivera del Alamo MM , Katila T 
Published: December 2015

ContentsOestrous suppression by intrauterine devices (IUDs) is caused by prolongation of luteal function, but the biological mechanism is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate mechanisms which could explain the action of IUDs. Thirty mares were age‐matched and either inseminated (AI, n = 15) or fitted with an IUD (IUD, n = 15) and subsequently divided into four groups: AI‐P, pregnant (n = 8); AI‐N, non‐pregnant (n = 7); IUD‐P, prolonged luteal phase (n = 7); and IUD‐N, normal luteal phase (n = 8). The median ages were 5.5 and 7 years in AI‐P and IUD‐P groups and 14 and 11 years in AI‐N and IUD‐N groups, respectively. On Day 15 after ovulation, an endometrial biopsy was obtained to study histomorphological and immunohistochemical expression patterns of uterine proteins (uteroferrin, UF; uterocalin, UC; uteroglobin, UG), oestrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR), proliferation marker Ki‐67 and content of inflammatory cells. Expression of UF was higher in IUD mares; the difference between pregnant and IUD‐P mares was significant. Mares exhibiting a prolonged luteal phase (AI‐P, IUD‐P) showed only mild angiosclerosis and lower expression of both ER and PR than mares with a normal luteal phase (AI‐N, IUD‐N). No significant differences were detected in the numbers of inflammatory cells, with the exception of macrophages, which were more numerous in AI‐P than AI‐N mares. Although inflammatory cells were not detected in IUD mares, increased UF levels may indicate chronic inflammation. Young age and normality of the endometrial blood vessels may improve the efficacy of IUDs.
Effect of Chlamydomonas plastid terminal oxidase 1 expressed in tobacco on photosynthetic electron transfer
Authors: Feilke Kathleen , Streb Peter , Cornic Gabriel , Perreau François , Kruk Jerzy , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe plastid terminal oxidase PTOX is a plastohydroquinone:oxygen oxidoreductase that is important for carotenoid biosynthesis and plastid development. Its role in photosynthesis is controversially discussed. Under a number of abiotic stress conditions, the protein level of PTOX increases. PTOX is thought to act as a safety valve under high light protecting the photosynthetic apparatus against photodamage. However, transformants with high PTOX level were reported to suffer from photoinhibition. To analyze the effect of PTOX on the photosynthetic electron transport, tobacco expressing PTOX‐1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr‐PTOX1) was studied by chlorophyll fluorescence, thermoluminescence, P700 absorption kinetics and CO2 assimilation. Cr‐PTOX1 was shown to compete very efficiently with the photosynthetic electron transport for PQH2. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed that the PQ pool was highly oxidized in the transformant. Immunoblots showed that, in the wild‐type, PTOX was associated with the thylakoid membrane only at a relatively alkaline pH value while it was detached from the membrane at neutral pH. We present a model proposing that PTOX associates with the membrane and oxidizes PQH2 only when the oxidation of PQH2 by the cytochrome b6f complex is limiting forward electron transport due to a high proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane.
MODELLING OF HUMAN EXPERT DECISION MAKING IN RESERVOIR OPERATION
Authors: Wan Ishak Wan Hussain , Ku-Mahamud Ku Ruhana , Md Norwawi Norita 
Published: December 2015

Reservoir is one of the structural approaches for flood mitigation and water supply. During heavy raining season, reservoir operator has to determine fast and accurate decision in order to maintain both reservoir and downstream river water level. In contrast to less rainfall season, the reservoir needs to impound water for the water supply purposes. This study is aimed to model human expert decision making specifically on reservoir water release decision. Reservoir water release decision is crucial as reservoir serve multi purposes. The reservoir water release decision pattern that comprises of upstream rainfall and current reservoir water level has been form using sliding window technique. The computational intelligence method called artificial neural network was used to model the decision making.
CALCULATION OF ROD FORCE OF THE TRUSS CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Darman F Saragih , Marcedes, Purba , Bambang Winarno 
Published: December 2015

The calculation of the forces of truss construction can be determined by graphical method, known as Cremona method and analytical method, known as Ritter method. Calculations in both ways can take much time and is dependent on the number of connecting points and considerable loading simulations. This paper describes an alternative analytical calculation method, which combines the two methods, namely the connection balance method and the optimization calculation method. And the last method is available in Microsoft Excel Solver (MES). The connection balance method is the fulfillment of the balance equation of SFx = 0 and SFy = 0 at each joint of the truss. The way of the balance fulfillment in this paper is different from the way of Ritter. In the way of Ritter, the balance fulfillment is applied to each connection point, one by one point. The connection point can be calculated if at the point there are maximum two unknown rod force and minimum one known rod force. While by using the MES program, the balance of connecting point is simultaneously computed for the entire construction. MES program works by simulating/finding the value of variables, and at the same time fulfilling the defined objective function and constraint functions. In this case, the variables are all the rod forces, while the constraint functions are the balance equation at all connecting point. An objective function can be taken from one of the SFx = 0 or SFy = 0 from one connecting point only. This paper has recorded 10 different types of geometric shapes of certain truss construction (statically determined) which can be considered to represent the ones in the field (including the form of Howe, Pratt, and Warren for the roof truss and bridge truss). Then the mathematical models that were adjusted to the MES program were created for each of the ten truss constructions. Based on the created mathematical models, the forces of the rods were then calculated using the MES program. For validation purposes, the calculation results are compared with the calculations result using the analytical Ritter method. It can be concluded that the presented calculation method is highly satisfactory, especially for the analysis of statically determined truss construction.