bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stable isotope composition and parasitic infections of harbor seal young‐of‐the‐year used as prey‐based diet indicators
Authors: de la Vega Camille , Lebreton Benoit , Lehnert Kristina , Asmus Ragnhild , Siebert Ursula , Asmus Harald 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe stable isotope composition (δ13C and δ15N values) of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) is influenced by their diet. Young‐of‐the‐year during lactation and postweaning fast are expected be enriched in 15N compared to foraging seals. We studied the temporal variation of stable isotope composition of young‐of‐the‐year and adults to determine from which point in time the young‐of‐the‐year tissues (i.e., muscles and vibrissae) are influenced by independent foraging only. These results were compared with the development of trophically transmitted parasitic infections. The δ15N values in young‐of‐the‐year muscles decreased from June (20.3‰ ± 0.5‰) to October (18.5‰ ± 0.4‰), while those of foraging seals were all year long below 19.2‰. This decrease coincides with the increase of parasitic infections in young‐of‐the‐year, reflecting a shift to fish diet. Together these results suggest that the muscles of the young‐of‐the‐year older than 5–6 mo reflect independent foraging and that they can therefore be used in community diet studies. The nursing signal in vibrissae was unclear, as the δ15N values of young‐of‐the‐year were stable over time, whereas those of adults varied seasonally. However, δ15N values of nursing pups were significantly higher than those of adults in May and June, maybe due to their reliance on milk.
Shark bite injuries on three inshore dolphin species in tropical northwestern Australia
Authors: Smith Felix , Allen Simon J. , Bejder Lars , Brown Alexander M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPredation risk has a profound influence on the behavior of marine mammals, affecting grouping patterns and habitat use. Dolphins frequently bear evidence of shark bites, which can provide an indirect measure of predation pressure. Using photo‐identification data, we investigated the prevalence of shark bites on three sympatric species of inshore dolphin, the Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni), Australian humpback (Sousa sahulensis), and Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), among four study sites in northwestern Australia. Bite prevalence varied markedly between species, with 72% of snubfin, 46% of humpback, and 18% of bottlenose dolphins exhibiting evidence of shark bites. Binomial logistic regression confirmed a high likelihood of bite presence on snubfin dolphins, and at one particular site for snubfin and bottlenose dolphins. The prevalence of tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) bites on snubfin dolphins was high, and bites attributed to other carcharhinid sharks were observed on all species. While acknowledging methodological differences with other studies, the prevalence of shark bites on snubfin dolphins is among the highest reported for any dolphins, suggesting predation risk represents an important but varying influence thereon. This study provides a baseline for future investigations into the affect of predation risk on the behavioral ecology of these sympatric species.
Can dispersal investment explain why tall plant species achieve longer dispersal distances than short plant species?
Authors: Thomson Fiona J. , Letten Andrew D. , Tamme Riin , Edwards Will , Moles Angela T. 
Published: August 2017

Summary

Tall plant species disperse further distances than do short species, within and across dispersal syndromes, yet the driver underpinning this relationship is unclear. The ability of taller plants to invest more in dispersal structures may explain the positive relationship between plant height and dispersal distance. Here, we quantify the cross‐species relationships between presence of dispersal structures, dispersal investment plant height and dispersal distance.

Plant height, dispersal syndrome and dispersal investment data were collated for 1613 species from the literature, with dispersal distance data collated for 114 species.

We find that species with high dispersal investment disperse further than do species with low dispersal investment. Tall species have a greater probability of having dispersal structures on their seeds compared with short species. For species with dispersal structures on their seeds, plant height is very weakly related to dispersal investment.

Our results provide the first global confirmation of the dispersal investment–distance hypothesis, and show dispersal investment can be used for predicting species dispersal distances. However, our results and those of previous studies indicate plant height is still the best proxy for estimating species dispersal distances due to it being such a readily available plant trait.
Simultaneous evaluation of the effects of geographic, environmental and temporal isolation in ecotypic populations ofSolidago virgaurea
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Horie Kenji , Ishikawa Naoko , Nagano Atsushi J. , Yasugi Masaki , Kudoh Hiroshi , Ito Motomi 
Published: August 2017

SummaryEarly stages of ecological speciation can create populations with an ecology and reproduction timing distinct from those of related populations. Landscape genetic models incorporating environmental heterogeneity and population‐specific reproductive traits enable the processes of population genetic differentiation to be inferred.We investigated genome‐wide genetic variation in ecotypic populations ofSolidago virgaureasensu lato, a herbaceous plant inhabiting a wide range of habitats (woodlands, serpentine barrens and alpine grasslands) and displaying remarkable variation in flowering time.Simultaneous evaluation of environmental factors revealed an overwhelming effect of soil type differences on neutral genetic differentiation, compared with elevational differences. This result probably reflects the abrupt environmental changes generated by geological boundaries, whereas mountain slopes exhibit clinal changes, facilitating gene exchange between neighbouring populations. Temporal isolation was positively associated with genetic differentiation, with some early‐flowering serpentine populations having allele frequencies distinct from adjacent nonserpentine populations.Overall, this study highlights the importance of ecological processes and of evolution of flowering time to promote genetic differentiation ofS. virgaureapopulations in a complex landscape.
Disruption of stomatal lineage signaling or transcriptional regulators has differential effects on mesophyll development, but maintains coordination of gas exchange
Authors: Dow Graham J. , Berry Joseph A. , Bergmann Dominique C. 
Published: August 2017

Summary

Stomata are simultaneously tasked with permitting the uptake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis while limiting water loss from the plant. This process is mainly regulated by guard cell control of the stomatal aperture, but recent advancements have highlighted the importance of several genes that control stomatal development.

Using targeted genetic manipulations of the stomatal lineage and a combination of gas exchange and microscopy techniques, we show that changes in stomatal development of the epidermal layer lead to coupled changes in the underlying mesophyll tissues. This coordinated response tends to match leaf photosynthetic potential (Vcmax) with gas‐exchange capacity (gsmax), and hence the uptake of carbon dioxide for water lost.

We found that different genetic regulators systematically altered tissue coordination in separate ways: the transcription factor SPEECHLESS (SPCH) primarily affected leaf size and thickness, whereas peptides in the EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR (EPF) family altered cell density in the mesophyll. It was also determined that interlayer coordination required the cell‐surface receptor TOO MANY MOUTHS (TMM).

These results demonstrate that stomata‐specific regulators can alter mesophyll properties, which provides insight into how molecular pathways can organize leaf tissues to coordinate gas exchange and suggests new strategies for improving plant water‐use efficiency.
Susceptibility of partially desalivated rats to erosive tooth wear by calcium‐supplemented beverages
Authors: Aldosari MA , Scaramucci T , Liu SS‐Y , Warrick‐Polackoff JM , Eckert GJ , Hara AT 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the susceptibility of partially desalivated rats to erosive tooth wear (ETW); the anti‐erosive effect of a calcium‐supplemented beverage; and the quantification of ETW by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT).MethodsThe study population consisted of thirty‐eight rats, divided into partially desalivated (n = 19) and normal salivary flow (n = 19). They were randomly allocated into three subgroups (n = 6–7): A‐diet soda, B‐diet soda + calcium, C‐water (control). Solutions were provided ad libitum for 28 days, and the rats were euthanized afterwards. Each left hemi‐mandible was scanned using micro‐CT for enamel volume (three molars) calculation. Visual analysis of photographs of the lingual surface of first molars was performed independently by three blinded examiners. Data were statistically analysed (α = .05).ResultsMicro‐CT revealed no significant differences between partially desalivated or normal groups. Rats consuming A had more enamel loss than those consuming B or C, which did not differ from each other. For visual analysis, desalivation did not affect ETW. Rats consuming C showed the lowest ETW, followed by B and then A, for both partially desalivated and normal rats. Spearman correlation between the two ETW quantification methods was −.65.ConclusionsPartial desalivation did not increase ETW. Ca‐containing beverage prevented ETW. Micro‐CT quantified ETW, although it was not as sensitive as visual analysis.
Protein analysis of the spermatophore reveals diverse compositions in both the ampulla and the spermatophylax in a bushcricket
Authors: Lehmann Gerlind U. C. , Lehmann Karola , Neumann Boris , Lehmann Arne W. , Scheler Christian , Jungblut Peter R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNuptial gifts are male mating investments, which, in bushcrickets, comprise the sperm‐containing ampulla and the attached spermatophylax. The functions of the spermatophylax are to deter females from premature removal of the sperm‐containing ampulla, which is a nutrient resource for females, as well as a source of compounds that influence female behaviour to increase male evolutionary fitness. Placing these functions into a proteomic perspective, we analyze the protein composition of nuptial gifts from male Poecilimon ampliatus (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878) bushcrickets using large two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with nano‐liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and de novo sequencing. We separate the proteins with high resolution and detect approximately 600 protein spots in the seminal fluid (ampulla) and 300 in the spermatophylax. There is only a small fraction of overlap in protein spots, whereas the majority differ between the two compartments. As a result of the lack of a sequenced genome and protein data for this non‐model insect, we are unable to identify the proteins. We discuss the diversity of proteins, as well as their size range, in light of potential protein costs and potential functions.
Facile Synthesis of BiOI Nanoparticles at Room Temperature and Evaluation of their Photoactivity Under Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Mahmoodi Vahid , Ahmadpour Ali , Rohani Bastami Tahereh , Hamed Mousavian Mohammad Taghi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study, highly photoactive BiOI nanoparticles (NPs) under sunlight irradiation were synthesized by a facile precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at room temperature. The as‐prepared catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS). The results of XRD showed that PVP did not have any significant effect on tetragonal crystalline structure of BiOI. Also, using different amounts of PVP in the synthesis led to different morphologies and sizes of BiOI particles. It was found that using 0.2 g of PVP in the synthesis method changed morphology from 1‐μm platelets to NPs with size under 10 nm. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of prepared photocatalysts was evaluated in the photodegradation of reactive blue 19 (RB19) dye under sunlight irradiation. The BiOI synthesized using 0.2 g PVP (BiOI0.2) showed higher degradation efficiency compared to BiOI prepared without any additive. Excellent visible light photocatalytic properties of nano‐scaled BiOI0.2 samples compared to BiOI platelets could be attributed to higher surface‐to‐volume ratio and narrow band‐gap energy of as‐prepared BiOI0.2 NPs.
Why The Big Picture Matters: Political and Media Populism in Western Europe since the 1970s.
Authors: Manucci Luca , Weber Edward 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWhile a vast theoretical literature argues that we live in populist times, the success of populism beyond its electoral dimension is rarely investigated empirically. This paper analyses the development of populism in five Western European countries (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) from the 1970s to the 2010s. First, it measures whether political parties articulate populist discourses more and more often in their election manifestos. Second, the paper tests whether the presence of populism has increased over time in newspaper articles. The results show that populism is not a new phenomenon and that there is no linear increase over the decades. Moreover, while election manifestos are significantly more populist in the 2010s than in previous decades, populism in newspaper articles remains rather stable at a low level, suggesting that the media curb rather than foster populist discourses.
Anti‐human neutrophil antigen‐1a, ‐1b, and ‐2 antibodies in neonates and children with immune neutropenias analyzed by extracted granulocyte antigen immunofluorescence assay
Authors: Onodera Rie , Kurita Emi , Taniguchi Kikuyo , Karakawa Shuhei , Okada Satoshi , Kihara Hirotaka , Fujii Teruhisa , Kobayashi Masao 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDAnti‐human neutrophil antigen (HNA) antibodies have been implicated in the development of neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAN) and autoimmune neutropenia (AIN). There are many conventional assay methods that detect anti‐HNA antibodies. However, a method to measure multiple samples and detect several anti‐HNA antibodies simultaneously is needed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe developed a new method, the extracted granulocyte antigen immunofluorescence assay (EGIFA), to analyze anti‐HNA‐1a, ‐1b, and ‐2 antibodies in sera. The results obtained by EGIFA were evaluated in comparison with those from several standard assay methods. Anti‐HNA antibodies in serum samples from nine familial cases with suspected NAN (n = 19) and children with suspected AIN (n = 88) were also measured by EGIFA.RESULTSThe evaluation of nine serum samples with anti‐HNA antibodies suggested that EGIFA demonstrated equivalent specificity and superior sensitivity to monoclonal antibody–specific immobilization of granulocyte antigens and had comparable sensitivity to the granulocyte indirect immunofluorescence test. EGIFA successfully detected anti‐HNA‐1a or ‐1b antibodies in seven of nine familial cases with suspected NAN. EGIFA detected anti‐HNA antibodies in 40.9% of children with suspected AIN. Among them, isolated anti‐HNA‐1a or ‐1b antibody was detected in 4.5 or 12.5% of children, respectively, and anti‐HNA‐2 antibody was identified in 3.4% of children. The 30.8% (16 of 52) of children negative for anti‐HNA antibody by EGIFA were positive for anti‐HLA antibody.CONCLUSIONEGIFA facilitated the measurement of anti‐HNA‐1a, ‐1b, and/or ‐2 antibodies in sera. The prompt measurement of anti‐HNA antibodies will improve the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with suspected NAN or AIN.
Pet‐associated Campylobacteriosis: A persisting public health concern
Authors: Campagnolo E. R. , Philipp L. M. , Long J. M. , Hanshaw N. L. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryCampylobacteris regarded as a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States. We report on a case of laboratory‐confirmedCampylobacter jejuniinfection in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania among members of a household living with a laboratory‐confirmed but non‐speciatedCampylobacter‐infected puppy. We describe an outbreak of likely dog‐associated campylobacteriosis, the risk factors, potential routes of exposure and the clinical features in the exposed family members, which began shortly after exposure to the recently purchased dog. We also provide public health recommendations to preventCampylobacterinfections in veterinary care providers, pet owners and those planning to adopt pets in the future. Finally, this report underscores the importance of the One Health approach when public health responders, human and animal healthcare providers and clinical diagnostic laboratories are tasked with developing effective strategies when investigating, detecting and responding to zoonoses (diseases shared between animals and humans).
A Learner Corpus-Based Study on Verb Errors of Turkish EFL Learners
Authors: Can Cem 
Published: August 2017

As learner corpora have presently become readily accessible, it is practicable to examine interlanguage errors and carry out error analysis (EA) on learner-generated texts. The data available in a learner corpus enable researchers to investigate authentic learner errors and their respective frequencies in terms of types and tokens as well as contexts in which they regularly occur. The need to consider these authentic learner errors in the design of useful language learning programs and remedial teaching materials has been widely emphasized by many researchers (see e.g., Juozulynas, 1994; Mitton, 1996; Cowan, Choi, & Kim, 2003; Ndiaye & Vandeventer Faltin, 2003; Allerton et al., 2004). This study aims at analyzing inflectional, derivational and word form errors for verbs produced by Turkish EFL learners across six distinct proficiency levels, A1-A2; B1-B2; C1-C2, as defined by Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (henceforth CEFR) (Council of Europe, 2001). The corpus used in this study is the Cambridge Learner Corpus (CLC), the largest annotated test performance corpora which enables the investigation of the linguistic and rhetorical features of the learner performances in the above stated proficiency bands. The findings from this study seem to indicate that, across different proficiency levels and across different registers and genres, the most common verb error categories are incorrect tense of verb (TV), wrong verb choice (RV), wrong verb form (FV), missing verb (MV), and verb agreement (AGV) errors. This study’s approach uses the techniques of computer corpus linguistics and has its roots in the Error Analysis framework as proposed by Corder (1971): identification, description, classification and explanation of errors.
Using simulation to iteratively test and re-design a cognitive aid for use in the management of severe local anaesthetic toxicity
Authors: McIntosh Catherine A , Donnelly David , Marr Robert 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionCognitive aids, such as a guideline for the management of severe local anaesthetic (LA) toxicity, are tools designed to help users complete a task. Human factors experts recommend the use of simulation to iteratively test and re-design these tools. The purpose of this study was to apply human factors engineering principles to the testing and iterative re-design of three existing cognitive aids used for the management of severe LA toxicity and to use these data to develop a ‘new’ cognitive aid.MethodsTwenty anaesthetist–anaesthetic assistant pairs were randomised into four groups. Each of the first three groups received one of three different existing cognitive aids during a standardised simulated LA toxicity crisis. Postsimulation semistructured interviews were conducted to identify features beneficial and detrimental to the format and usability of the aid. Synthesis of the interview data with established checklist design recommendations resulted in a prototype aid, which was subjected to further testing and re-design by the fourth group (five more pairs) under the same conditions thus creating the final iteration of the new aid.ResultsFeatures of the new aid included a single-stream flowchart structure, single-sided, large-font design with colour contrast, simplified instructions and no need for calculations. This simplified tool contains only the information users reported as essential for the immediate crisis management.ConclusionsUtilisation of formative usability testing and simulation-based user-centred design resulted in a visually very different cognitive aid and reinforces the importance of designing aids in the context in which they are to be used. Simplified tools may be more appropriate for use in emergencies but more detailed guidelines may be necessary for training, education and development of local standard operating procedures. Iterative simulation-based testing and re-design is likely to be of assistance when developing aids for other crises, and to eliminate design failure as a confounder when investigating the relationship between use of cognitive aids and performance.
Innovative haematological parameters for early diagnosis of sepsis in adult patients admitted in intensive care unit
Authors: Buoro Sabrina , Manenti Barbara , Seghezzi Michela , Dominoni Paola , Barbui Tiziano , Ghirardi Arianna , Carobbio Alessandra , Marchesi Gianmariano , Riva Ivano , Nasi Alessandra , Ottomano Cosimo , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: August 2017

AimsThis study was aimed to investigate the role of erythrocyte, platelet and reticulocyte (RET) parameters, measured by new haematological analyser Sysmex XN and C reactive protein (CRP), for early diagnosis of sepsis during intensive care unit (ICU) stay.MethodsThe study population consisted of 62 ICU patients, 21 of whom developed sepsis during ICU stay and 41 who did not. The performance for early diagnosing of sepsis was calculated as area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics curves analysis.ResultsCompared with CRP (AUC 0.81), immature platelet fraction (IPF) (AUC 0.82) showed comparable efficiency for identifying the onset of sepsis. The association with the risk of developing sepsis during ICU stay was also assessed. One day before the onset of sepsis, a decreased of RET% was significantly associated with the risk of developing sepsis (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.87), whereas an increased of IPF absolute value (IPF#) was significantly associated with the risk of developing sepsis (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.24) 2 days before the onset of sepsis. The value of CRP was not predictive of sepsis at either time points.ConclusionsIPF# and RET% may provide valuable clinical information for predicting the risk of developing sepsis, thus allowing early management of patients before the onset of clinically evident systemic infections.