bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tree ring‐based metrics for assessing old‐growth forest naturalness
Authors: Di Filippo Alfredo , Biondi Franco , Piovesan Gianluca , Ziaco Emanuele 
Published: September 2016

SummaryOld‐growth studies commonly emphasize structural and age conditions, selecting proxy indicators of long‐term ecological processes. Transition dynamics from mature to old‐growth status reveal how natural legacies are progressively accumulated in forests after major disturbances, including human ones. In late‐successional, multi‐aged forests, the chronosequential ranking of developmental stages is a difficult task, as stand age provides little information, and time since last stand‐replacing disturbance cannot be easily determined.Canopy age features, disturbance/suppression history and growth trajectories were reconstructed from ring‐width series of canopy trees in a network of 19 old‐growth and managed European beech forests in the eastern Alps and central Apennines. A set of tree‐ring metrics able to describe the intensity and time distribution of biological and ecological processes (e.g. understorey suppression, canopy accession age) were used to describe the advancement of old‐growth status and compared to established metrics of forest structure.Tree‐ring metrics were site dependent, as biogeoclimate affects turnover rates and constrains the onset and recovery rate of old‐growth attributes. Under the same environmental conditions (high‐mountain, limestone‐bedrock beech forests), values of the best indicators (number/duration of growth suppression phases; synchronicity of first release; maximum and range of canopy tree age; canopy accession age of the slowest‐growing trees) increased monotonically (two to five times) from managed to secondary and primary old‐growth forests. Trees in well‐conserved primary old‐growth forests experienced several and long suppressions, showing the highest complexity in recruitment history, canopy accession and growth trajectories. The best tree‐ring metrics, condensed in a Naturalness Score to provide a synthetic functional ranking of forests, varied coherently with structural complexity, which represented stand dynamics more closely than biomass‐related metrics.Synthesis and applications. We propose a synthetic ranking of forest functional naturalness based on the ecological processes experienced by trees. This ranking helps to overcome the limitations associated with the use of arbitrary size‐ or age‐related thresholds of old‐growth status and provides a functional approach to establish chronosequences in ecological studies. The quantitative description of complex processes underpinning the unique biological and ecological features (e.g. extreme tree longevity) found in primary old‐growth forests enhances their irreplaceable value in nature conservation. The proposed framework of tree‐ring indicators describes functional traits tightly related to forest naturalness and may thus become a tool to identify and protect old‐growth forests, benchmark the impact of silvicultural practices, prescribe targets or evaluate the effectiveness of restoration programmes.
The landscape of anthropogenic mortality: how African lions respond to spatial variation in risk
Authors: Loveridge Andrew J. , Valeix Marion , Elliot Nicholas B. , Macdonald David W. 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Demography and conservation status of many wild organisms are increasingly shaped by interactions with humans. This is particularly the case for large, wide‐ranging carnivores.

Using 206 mortality records (1999–2012) of lions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, we calculated mortality rates for each source of anthropogenic mortality, modelled risk of anthropogenic mortality across the landscape accounting for time lions spent in different parts of the landscape, and assessed whether subsets of the population were more at risk.

Anthropogenic activities caused 88% of male and 67% of female mortalities; male mortality being dominated by trophy hunting while the sources for female mortality were more varied (bycatch snaring, retaliatory killing, hunting).

Landscapes of anthropogenic mortality risk revealed that communal subsistence farming areas, characterized by high risk (due to retaliatory killing) but avoided by lions, are population sinks. Trophy hunting areas and areas within protected areas bordering communal farmland, where bushmeat snaring is prevalent, form ‘ecological traps’ (or ‘attractive sinks’).

Lions avoided risky areas, suggesting they may make behavioural decisions based on perceptions of risk. Experienced adults used risky areas less and incorporated lower proportions of them in their home ranges than young individuals, suggesting that the latter may either be naïve or forced into peripheral habitats.

Synthesis and applications. This paper contributes to an understanding of how large carnivore populations are affected by anthropogenic mortality across the conservation landscape. This is critical to designing focussed, appropriate and cost‐effective conservation management strategies. Agricultural areas are intuitively identified by conservationists as being risky for carnivores due to retaliatory killing, with threats largely mitigated against by improving livestock protection. However, parts of protected areas may also form less easily identified ‘attractive sinks’ for carnivores. In particular, trophy hunting areas adjacent to national parks need careful management to avoid damaging effects of overhunting. Law enforcement is needed to reduce the effects of bushmeat poaching on predators and other wildlife in protected areas. To be most effective, resource‐limited antipoaching activities should prioritize wildlife‐rich areas close to human settlement as these tend to be hot spots for bushmeat poaching.
Slow decomposition of leaf litter from mature Fagus sylvatica trees promotes offspring nitrogen acquisition by interacting with ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Trap Jean , Akpa‐Vinceslas Marthe , Margerie Pierre , Boudsocq Simon , Richard Franck , Decaëns Thibaud , Aubert Michaël 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Leaf litter chemistry and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are key drivers of the below‐ground nitrogen (N) cycling within forest ecosystems. Their combined effects on litter decomposition and N competition between microbial decomposers and plants are still uncertain.

We conducted a glasshouse microcosm experiment with low or high ECM‐colonized beech (Fagus sylvatica) saplings, growing with litter collected from old or young beech trees growing on the same loamy soil. After 6 months of growth, we investigated litter decomposition rates, microbial respiration and the N pools within leaf litter, soil (different pools), microbial and plant shoot biomass.

We found that the mass loss of the litter from young trees was always higher than the litter from the mature trees. The microbial biomass N per unit soil carbon was low when the litter, especially from mature trees, was added, suggesting that the litter provided recalcitrant compounds and limited soil microbial activity. In contrast to the ‘Gadgil effect’ hypothesis, the high ECM‐colonized roots increased the litter decomposition rate and N immobilization in poorly decomposable litter in comparison with the litter incubated with the low ECM‐colonized roots. Finally, the high ECM‐colonized plants that received the poorly decomposable leaf litter exhibited the highest shoot N amount and biomass and were associated with the lowest microbial biomass N.

Two‐way anovas revealed that litter and ECM fungi occurrence together impacted final particulate organic N, microbial biomass N, the amount of shoot N and shoot biomass. Four N pools are key drivers of microbial biomass N and shoot N: particulate organic N, total N, soil ammonium concentration and litter N concentration.

Synthesis. Our results support the hypothesis that poorly decomposable leaf litter produced by mature beech trees and ECM fungi together decrease microbial N immobilization but increase tree N acquisition. Increasing N retention within the recalcitrant N forms in soil was identified as a key mechanism by which beech alters soil N cycling with potential positive feedbacks on its acquisition by the plant. Our result emphasizes the importance of considering within‐species litter‐trait variability in litter decomposition.
Feasibility of home‐based dietetic intervention to improve the nutritional status of older adults post‐hospital discharge
Authors: Hamirudin Aliza Haslinda , Walton Karen , Charlton Karen , Carrie Amanda , Tapsell Linda , Milosavljevic Marianna , Pang Glen , Potter Jan 
Published: September 2016

AimTo determine if a model of home‐based dietetic care improves dietary intake and weight status in a specific group of older adults post‐hospitalisation.MethodsThe Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients aged 65 years and over were recruited from hospitals in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia (n = 32 men, n = 36 women). Nutritional status was assessed at home at baseline (within two weeks post‐discharge) and three months post‐discharge using a diet history, a food frequency checklist and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Personalised dietary advice was provided by a single dietitian according to participants’ nutritional status.ResultsMean body weight improved significantly (P = 0.048), as well as mean MNA score (21.9 ± 3.5 vs 25.2 ± 3.1) (P < 0.001). Mean energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were adequate at baseline and three months, except for vitamin D. At three months, the underweight group (body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2) had significantly higher mean protein intake per body weight (1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg) compared to those who were a desirable weight (BMI 23–27 kg/m2) (1.4 ± 0.3 g/kg) or overweight (BMI>27 kg/m2) (1.1 ± 0.3 g/kg) peers (P < 0.001). There was significant improvement in energy intake contributed from oral nutrition supplements (+95.5 ± 388.2 kJ/day) and milk (+259.6 ± 659.8 kJ/day).ConclusionsDietetic intervention improved nutritional status 3 months after hospital discharge in older adults living in the community.
Different Flavonoids Can Shape Unique Gut Microbiota Profile In Vitro
Authors: Huang Jiacheng , Chen Long , Xue Bin , Liu Qianyue , Ou Shiyi , Wang Yong , Peng Xichun 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe impact of flavonoids has been discussed on the relative viability of bacterial groups in human microbiota. This study was aimed to compare the modulation of various flavonoids, including quercetin, catechin and puerarin, on gut microbiota culture in vitro, and analyze the interactions between bacterial species using fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) as carbon source under the stress of flavonoids. Three plant flavonoids, quercetin, catechin, and puerarin, were added into multispecies culture to ferment for 24 h, respectively. The bacterial 16S rDNA amplicons were sequenced, and the composition of microbiota community was analyzed. The results revealed that the tested flavonoids, quercetin, catechin, and puerarin, presented different activities of regulating gut microbiota; flavonoid aglycones, but not glycosides, may inhibit growth of certain species. Quercetin and catechin shaped unique biological webs. Bifidobacterium spp. was the center of the biological web constructed in this study.
Minimally Processed Functional Foods: Technological and Operational Pathways
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper offers a concise review of technical and operational concepts underpinning commercialization of minimally processed functional foods (FFs), foods with fresh‐like qualities commanding premium prices. The growing number of permitted nutritional content/health claims, many of which relate to well‐being, coupled with emerging extraction and food processing technologies offers new exciting opportunities for small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) specializing in fresh produce to play an active role in the health market. Supporting SMEs, governments could benefit from savings in healthcare costs and value creation in the economy. Consumers could benefit from novel FF formats such as refrigerated RTE (ready‐to‐eat) meals, a variety of fresh‐like meat‐, fish‐, and egg‐based products, fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables, cereal‐based fermented foods and beverages. To preserve these valuable commodities, mild biological (enzymatic treatment, fermentation and, bio‐preservation) and engineering solutions are needed. The latter include nonthermal techniques such as high‐pressure treatment, cook‐chill, sous‐vide, mirco‐encapsulation, vacuum impregnation and others. “De‐constructive” culinary techniques such as 3D food printing and molecular gastronomy as well as developments in nutrigenomics and digital technologies facilitate novel product formats, personalization and access to niche markets. In the operational sense, moving from nourishment to health improvement demands a shift from defensive market‐oriented to offensive market‐developing strategies including collaborative networks with research organizations.
No effect of elevation and fragmentation on genetic diversity and structure in Polylepis australis trees from central Argentina
Authors: Peng Yanling , Morales Laura , Hensen Isabell , Renison Daniel 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPhenological differences in flowering arising along elevational gradients may be caused by either local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity. Local adaptation can lead to reproductive isolation of populations at different elevational zones and thus produce elevational genetic structuring, while phenotypic plasticity does not produce elevational genetic structuring. In this study, we examined the effects of elevation and fragmentation on genetic diversity and structure of Polylepis australis populations, where individuals exhibit phenological differences in flowering along an elevational gradient. We assessed the polymorphism of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers in adults and saplings from one conserved and one fragmented forest covering elevations from 1600 to 2600 m asl. Over 98% of variation was found within populations, and we found very low and similar genetic differentiation along elevational gradients for adults and saplings in both continuous and fragmented forests. In addition, there was no significant relationship between genetic diversity and elevation. Results indicated that phenological differences along elevational gradients are more likely caused by phenotypic plasticity than local adaptation, and fragmentation does not appear to have affected genetic diversity and differentiation in the studied populations. Results therefore imply that if necessary, seeds for reforestation purposes may be collected from different elevations to the seeding or planting sites.
Commissions of inquiry and policy change: Comparative analysis and future research frontiers
Authors: Inwood Gregory J. , Johns Carolyn M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCanadian governments have spawned hundreds of federal and provincial commissions of inquiry (COIs). Many scholars have completed in‐depth analysis of particular COIs but less attention has been paid to policy impact and comparisons across COIs. This study addresses the following questions. What role do COIs play in policy change? Would policy change likely have occurred without the COI? Why do some COIs result in policy change and others do not? This analysis reports on findings from in‐depth case studies of ten COIs. It uses a theoretical framework focusing on ideas, institutions, actors and relations to examine whether and how COIs lead to policy and administrative change.
Synthesis, in vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies of novel coumarin‐isatin derivatives as α‐glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Wang Guangcheng , Wang Jing , He Dianxiong , Li Xin , Li Juan , Peng Zhiyun 
Published: September 2016

This study synthesized a series of novel coumarin‐isatin derivatives and evaluated them for α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. The majority of the screened compounds exhibited excellent inhibition activities with IC50 values of 2.56 ± 0.08–268.79 ± 3.04 μm, when compared to acarbose. Among the newly derivatives, compound 5p was found to be the most active compound in the library of coumarin‐isatin derivatives. Furthermore, enzyme kinetic studies showed that compound 5p is a non‐competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 2.14 μm. Molecular docking analysis revealed the existence of hydrophobic and hydrogen interactions between compound 5p and the active site of α‐glucosidase. Our results indicate that coumarin‐isatin derivatives as a new class of α‐glucosidase inhibitors.
Ocular surface microbiome in meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Watters Grant A , Turnbull Philip R , Swift Simon , Petty Alex , Craig Jennifer P 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the ocular microbiome in meibomian gland dysfunction in Auckland, New Zealand.DesignProspective, cross‐sectional, observational, university‐based study.ParticipantsParticipants resident in New Zealand for ≥2 years (n = 157) were classified as normal (n = 66), mild (n = 41) or moderate‐to‐severe meibomian gland dysfunction (n = 50). Contact lens wear and anterior blepharitis status were recorded, as well as symptoms and clinical features.MethodsBacteria collected from lid margin swabs, before and after gland expression, were isolated and identified by conventional microbiological culture techniques. Aerobic isolates were identified in all 157 participants, and both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated in a subset of 87 subjects.Main Outcome MeasuresBacterial incidence according to meibomian gland dysfunction statusResultsSymptoms, bulbar hyperaemia, conjunctival staining, lipid layer grade and tear film stability, but not corneal staining, showed moderate association with meibomian gland dysfunction severity. Participants with and without meibomian gland dysfunction showed a similar microbiome, unaffected by gland expression. Anterior blepharitis, a common co‐morbidity, was not an independent predictor of the microbiome. Sterile cultures were more common in contact lens wearers than non‐wearers. The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus was higher than anticipated across all severity groups, and that of coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and streptococci was lower.ConclusionsModest differences in relative proportions of bacteria compared with other studies support climatic variations in the ocular surface microbiome. Similarity in microbiome profile, irrespective of meibomian gland dysfunction severity, anterior blepharitis presence or contact lens wear, suggests potential for commonality in treatment.
Clinical presentations, risk factors and outcomes of ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis
Authors: Dave Vivek Pravin , Pathengay Avinash , Nishant Kumar , Pappuru Rajeev R , Sharma Savitri , Sharma Pranjali , Narayanan Raja , Jalali Subhadra , Mathai Annie , Das Taraprasad 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients diagnosed with ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis and the role of intravitreal imipenem in these cases.DesignRetrospective consecutive interventional case series at a tertiary eye care centre in South India.ParticipantsConsecutive cases of ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis from April 2010 to December 2014. Fifty‐six cases diagnosed during this time period were included.MethodsAll cases were managed with vitreous biopsy/vitrectomy, microscopy and undiluted vitreous culture, antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates and received intravitreal antibiotics.Main Outcome MeasuresAnatomic and visual outcome of these cases, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of intravitreal imipenem and outcome of cases injected with it.ResultsCommonest presentation was acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery (27 eyes, 48.21%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 33 eyes (58.93%; 95% CI 46.05–71.81%). Nineteen eyes (34%; 95% CI 21.59–46.41%) developed phthisis; 14 eyes (25%; 95% CI 13.66–36.34%) had vision <20/200; 17 eyes (30.35%; 95% CI 18.31–42.39%) eyes had an ambulatory vision >20/200 (logMAR 1); 6 eyes (10.71%; 95% CI 2.61–18.81%) had a reading vision >20/40 (logMAR 0.3). Trend was towards better anatomic (72.73% vs. 40%) (P = 0.05) and visual improvement in the imipenem group (logMAR 3.94 + 0.21 to 2.43 + 1.4; P = 0.002), as compared with non‐imipenem group (logMAR 2.99 + 1.3 to 2.55 + 1.4; P = 0.13).ConclusionsOutcome of ceftazidime‐resistant Gram‐negative endophthalmitis is poor. P. aeruginosa is the commonest isolated organism. All cases were sensitive to imipenem. There was a trend towards better anatomic outcome in imipenem‐treated eyes.
Electromyography evaluation of masseter and temporalis, bite force, and quality of life in elderly patients during the adaptation of mandibular implant‐supported overdentures
Authors: Sônego Mariana Vilela , Goiato Marcelo Coelho , dos Santos Daniela Micheline 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of the installation of two implant‐supported overdentures until such treatment is complete. Although this treatment is well established in the literature, there are no studies comparing what happens to muscles and the quality of life (QoL) of patients during the treatment.MethodsWe selected 13 completely edentulous patients, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, to rehabilitate with mandibular overdentures retained by two dental implants and a complete denture as antagonists. We evaluated the efficacy of the treatment and its evolution in five steps: (i) initially, with the old complete dentures, (ii) after the implants' placement with the mandibular prosthesis relined, (iii) after the placement of the healing abutments, (iv) after the installation and adaptation of new prostheses, and (v) after a 3‐month follow‐up period. At each stage, we evaluated patients via temporal and masseter electromyography (EMG), molar and incisive bite force, and QoL.ResultsThe results for EMG found a decrease in muscle activity during rest, the mastication of raisins, and lateral movements when the overdentures were installed. For the bite force and QoL, there was a gradual improvement from the placement of the healing abutments period (P ˂ 0.05), which was sustained until the follow‐up.ConclusionsComfort and stability improved during the treatment, demonstrated by the QoL and bite force results. These results are positive for elderly patients who might refuse an implant‐supported overdenture due to treatment length.