bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructing Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction via a simple thermal annealing route for achieving enhanced photocatalytic activity and selectivity
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Su Yiguo , Zhao Qihang , Du Chunfang , Liu Zhiliang 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis work reports on the construction of a Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction via a simple thermal annealing method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the phase transformation from BiOCl to Bi24O31Cl10 could be realized during the thermal annealing process. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) binding energy shifts, Raman spectra and Fouier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the formation of the Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction. The obtained Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl photocatalyst showed excellent conversion efficiency and selectivity toward photocatalytic conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under visible light irradiation. The radical scavengers and electron spin resonance (ESR) results suggested that the photogenerated holes were the dominant reactive species responsible for the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and superoxide radicals were not involved in the photocatalytic process. The in-situ generation of Bi24O31Cl10/BiOCl heterojunction may own superior interfacial contact than the two-step synthesized heterojunctions, which promotes the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers and is favorable for excellent photocatalytic activities.
Focus in Indian English and Hindi late and simultaneous bilinguals
Authors: Puri Vandana 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to investigate the acoustic correlates of focus in late and simultaneous bilinguals of Hindi and Indian English (IE). The main acoustic correlates of focus in American/British English are duration, amplitude and F0 and in Hindi are duration, F0 excursion and post-focal pitch compression. In the present study, I look at duration, RMS amplitude and F0 excursion in broad focus, narrow focus and post-focus declarative present tense, past tense and perfect aspect (both transitive and intransitive verbs) Hindi and IE sentences, to explore if there are any differences in the two bilingual groups and to understand the acoustic correlates of focus in IE and Hindi.
Does bilingualism protect against cognitive aging?
Authors: Watson Caitlin Wei-Ming , Manly Jennifer J. , Zahodne Laura B. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Recent studies of bilingualism as a protective factor in cognitive aging have reported conflicting findings, and researchers have begun to explore the methodological complications that may explain differences across studies. This article details the current research landscape and addresses several issues relevant to the study of bilingualism and late-life cognitive function: study design, establishing causal relationships, confounding factors, operationalizing bilingualism, predicting cognitive level versus cognitive change, and incorporating brain structural variables to interrogate cognitive reserve.
Putting together bilingualism and executive function
Authors: Valian Virginia 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Three important issues bear on understanding the connection between bilingualism and executive function. The first is the absence of a fine-grained task analysis for executive functions and other cognitive processes. The second is the absence of a theory of the cognitive mechanisms underlying the deployment of two or more languages and thus the absence of a solid basis on which to make predictions about what domain-general performances, if any, bilinguals should excel in. The third is the relation between neural and behavioral consequences of bilingualism. These three issues must be taken in account in trying to understand the variability among findings showing benefits of bilingualism for executive function.
Growth and Fatty Acid Composition of Two Strains of Arctic Char Fed Diets Formulated with Low Fish Oil Inclusion in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Burr Gary S , Wolters William R , Barrows Frederic T 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Arctic Char Salvelinus alpinus is a highly desirable species for aquaculture due to their fast growth, culture conditions, and reputation as a sustainably produced fish as a result of closed containment culture. A study was conducted to evaluate performance and highly unsaturated fatty acid retention in two Arctic Char stocks—one commercial stock and one from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—fed one of three diets containing different lipids (27% total): 11% fish oil and 11% soy–canola (diet 1, reference diet), 5% fish oil and 18% canola oil (diet 2), and 5% fish oil and 17% poultry oil (diet 3). Protein sources did not vary among the diets, and the lipid sources for the reference diet were similar to those included in commercial grower diets. After 250 d, fish from the USDA stock (1,736 ± 28 g [mean ± SE]) had significantly higher average weight, approximately 510 g greater, compared with the commercial stock (1,226 ± 19 g). Average weight gain was not significantly different among the diets but tended to be higher in diet 2 (P = 0.09), and the USDA stock (~1,409 ± 27 g gained) had higher average weight gain compared with the commercial stock (~924 ± 18 g gained). Specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly different among the diets; fish fed diet 2 had the highest growth rate (0.62%/d compared with 0.59%/d and 0.58%/d for the other two diets) and the USDA stock had a significantly higher SGR compared with the commercial stock (0.65 ± 0.01%/d compared with 0.54 ± 0.01%/d). Fillet yield did not vary among diets or stocks. The average fillet yield was 67.4% of the gutted weight and 62.2% of the total weight. Selected fatty acid profiles did vary by stock and all fatty acid profiles showed dietary effects. The USDA stock had superior growth, and diet had the greatest influence on the fatty acid profile of the fillets.
Combining incidence and demographic modelling approaches to evaluate metapopulation parameters for an endangered riparian plant
Authors: Charney Noah D. , Record Sydne 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Metapopulations are a central concept in ecology and conservation biology; however, estimating key parameters such as colonization rates presents a substantial obstacle to modelling metapopulations in many species. We develop spatial and non-spatial simulation models that combine incidence- and demographic-based approaches to build a relationship between observed patch occupancy, habitat turnover rates, colonization rates and dispersal scales. Applying these models to long-term observations of Pedicularis furbishiae (Furbish’s lousewort), a rare plant endemic to the Saint John River, we predict that observed habitat patches averaging 550 m in length receive colonizing seedlings with a yearly probability of 0.45 or 0.54, based on two different models. Predictions are consistent with a standard analytic metapopulation formulation modified to partition extinction drivers during the early and the late phases of a population’s life cycle. While the specific results rest on several simplifying assumptions, the models allow us to understand the impact that increasing rates of habitat turnover would have on the future survival of this species.
Two strategies by epiphytic orchids for maintaining water balance: thick cuticles in leaves and water storage in pseudobulbs
Authors: Yang Shi-Jian , Sun Mei , Yang Qiu-Yun , Ma Ren-Yi , Zhang Jiao-Lin , Zhang Shi-Bao 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Epiphytes are an important component of tropical and subtropical flora, and serve vital ecological functions in forest hydrology and nutrient fluxes. However, they often encounter water deficits because there is no direct contact between their roots and the soil. The strategies employed by epiphytes for maintaining water balance in relatively water-limited habitats are not completely understood. In the present study, we investigated the anatomical traits, water loss rates, and physiology of leaves and pseudobulbs of four Dendrobium species with different pseudobulb morphologies to understand the roles of leaf and pseudobulb in maintaining water balance of epiphytic orchids. Our results showed that two species ( D. chrysotoxum and D. officinale ), with lower rates of water loss, have thicker leaves and upper cuticles, but lower epidermal thickness and leaf dry mass per area. In contrast, the other two species ( D. chrysanthum and D. crystallinum ) with thinner cuticles and higher rates of water loss, have less tissue density and greater saturated water contents in their pseudobulbs. Therefore, our results indicate that these latter two species may resist drought by storing water in the pseudobulbs to compensate for their thin cuticles and rapid water loss through the leaves. Under the same laboratory conditions, excised pseudobulbs with attached leaves had lower rates of water loss when compared with samples comprising only excised leaves. This implies that epiphytic orchids utilize two different strategies for sustaining water balance: thick cuticles to conserve water in leaves and water storage in pseudobulbs. Our results also show that Dendrobium species with thin cuticles tend to have pseudobulbs with high water storage capacity that compensates for their faster rates of water loss. These outcomes contribute to our understanding of the adaptive water-use strategies in Dendrobium species, which is beneficial for the conservation and cultivation of epiphytic orchids.
Rapid increase in growth and productivity can aid invasions by a non-native tree
Authors: Dudeque Zenni Rafael , Lacerda da Cunha Wanderson , Sena Guilherme 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Research on biological invasions has produced detailed theories describing range expansions of introduced populations. However, current knowledge of evolutionary factors associated with invasive range expansions, especially those related to rapid evolution of long-lived organisms, is still rudimentary. Here, we used a system of six 40-year-old invasive pine populations that originated from replicated introduction events to study evolution in productivity, growth, and chemical defence traits. We tested the hypotheses that invasive populations were undergoing rapid phenotypic change as populations spread, that populations exhibit trade-offs between evolution in growth and chemical defences, and that rates of rapid evolution in plant growth and productivity effect rates of invasion. Although all invasions started from replicated pools of genetic material and equal propagule pressure, we found divergence in mean values for the six invasive populations in the six traits measured. Not only were there between-population variations but also invasive populations were also rapidly changing along each invasive population expansion. Two populations displayed greater leaf areas (LAs) and smaller specific LAs (SLAs) during range expansion. Four populations had faster growth rates at the leading edge of the invasion front in comparison with plants at the rear edge. In terms of total plant defences, non-volatile resin increased in plants along one invasion gradient and decreased in a second, total needle phenolics increased in plants along one invasion gradient and total wood phenolics increased in plants along the one invasion gradient and decreased in a second. We found no trade-offs between investments in growth and chemical defence. Also, faster rates of change in growth rate and LA were positively associated with greater dispersal distances of invasive populations, suggesting rapid evolution may increase invasiveness. Understanding the roles of both natural and human-mediated ecological and evolutionary processes in population-level dynamics is key to understanding the ability of non-native species to invade.
PEP_scaffolder: using (homologous) proteins to scaffold genomes
Authors: Zhu Bai-Han , Song Ying-Nan , Xue Wei , Xu Gui-Cai , Xiao Jun , Sun Ming-Yuan , Sun Xiao-Wen , Li Jiong-Tang 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Motivation: Recovering the gene structures is one of the important goals of genome assembly. In low-quality assemblies, and even some high-quality assemblies, certain gene regions are still incomplete; thus, novel scaffolding approaches are required to complete gene regions.
Results: We developed an efficient and fast genome scaffolding method called PEP_scaffolder, using proteins to scaffold genomes. The pipeline aims to recover protein-coding gene structures. We tested the method on human contigs; using human UniProt proteins as guides, the improvement on N50 size was 17% increase with an accuracy of ∼97%. PEP_scaffolder improved the proportion of fully covered proteins among all proteins, which was close to the proportion in the finished genome. The method provided a high accuracy of 91% using orthologs of distant species. Tested on simulated fly contigs, PEP_scaffolder outperformed other scaffolders, with the shortest running time and the highest accuracy.
Availability and Implementation: The software is freely available at http://www.fishbrowser.org/software/PEP_scaffolder/
Contact: lijt@cafs.ac.cn
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Microbial community and its potential as descriptor of environmental status
Authors: Caruso Gabriella , Azzaro Maurizio , Caroppo Carmela , Decembrini Franco , Monticelli Luis Salvador , Leonardi Marcella , Maimone Giovanna , Zaccone Renata , La Ferla Rosabruna 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Planktonic communities hold a relevant role within the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). In view of reaching the Good Environmental Status of marine ecosystems, within this Directive the phyto- and zooplanktonic communities have received great attention, while Prokaryotes (Bacteria, Archaea, and Cyanobacteria) have been neglected. Indeed, the relevance of microbes (particularly of the faecal pollution indicators) as water quality indicators, the role that microorganisms play within the biogeochemical fluxes and in the whole ecosystem functioning, are all important features that deserve to be focused within the MSFD. The present study aims at reviewing the main issues where prokaryotic variables find useful application as descriptors of environmental status, trying to develop a panel of prokaryotic indicators suitable for the environmental quality assessment. From a survey of scientific literature and on field datasets, prokaryotic abundance and activities (enzymatic hydrolysis, prokaryotic production, and respiratory rates) are here chosen as early warning sentinels to detect changes in environmental quality, using an integrated approach with trophic (chlorophyll-a, particulate and dissolved organic matter) measurements.
Individual variation in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) habitat and home range in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico
Authors: Pérez-Solano Luz Adriana , Gallina-Tessaro Sonia , Sánchez-Rojas Gerardo 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Historically, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) had a distribution area as large as the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, but in recent years, its populations have decreased and distribution areas have become isolated. This species exhibits a high degree of intraspecific variation in its use of habitat resources and home range size. In the Mapimí Biosphere Reserve, where the southernmost population of mule deer is located, over the course of 3 years, 7 females and 1 young male mule deer were monitored using radiotelemetry. Based on the deer location data, home range and habitat use were estimated for each deer. The mean (± SD) home range size for females was 14.70 km2 (± 5.89), the home range of the male was 18.05 km2. These estimates are among the smallest reported for the species. During the dry season, the use of certain topographic characteristics of the habitat was more similar among the individual deer than it was during the rainy season. The group of deer we sampled did not show preference for any particular type of vegetation, but rather used the majority of plant associations, depending on their availability. Preference was only exhibited by individual deer. The young male made use of the habitat similar to that of most of the females.
El venado bura (Odocoileus hemionus) históricamente tenía un área de distribución tan grande como el Desierto Chihuahuense de México, sin embargo, en los últimos años sus poblaciones y áreas de distribución se han visto reducidas y aisladas. Se sabe que la especie exhibe gran variación intraespecífica en el uso de los recursos del hábitat y en los ámbitos hogareños. Dentro de la Reserva de Biosfera de Mapimí donde se encuentra la población más sureña de los venados buras, a lo largo de 3 años se monitorearon mediante radiotelemetría, 7 hembras y 1 macho joven de venado bura. Utilizando las localizaciones se estimaron los ámbitos hogareños y el uso del hábitat de cada animal. El promedio (± DE) del tamaño del ámbito hogareño para las hembras fue de 14.70 km2 (± 5.89), el tamaño del ámbito hogareño del macho fue de 18.05 km2. Estas estimaciones son de las áreas más pequeñas reportadas para la especie. Durante la temporada de secas el uso de las características topográficas del hábitat entre individuos fue más parecido entre ellos que en lluvias. Entre el conjunto de venados que muestreamos, no se presentó preferencia por alguna asociación vegetal en particular, los individuos usan la mayoría de las asociaciones vegetales de acuerdo a su disponibilidad, las preferencias únicamente se observaron a nivel individual. El macho joven hizo un uso del hábitat similar al que hicieron la mayoría de las hembras.
Inhaled peppermint oil for postop nausea in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Briggs Patricia , Hawrylack Helen , Mooney Ruth 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Background.
Postoperative nausea is a common occurrence that is very uncomfortable for patients and may result in complications including pain, strain at the surgical site, aspiration, and possible dehiscence. Antiemetics used to manage the nausea cause many adverse reactions, such as dysrhythmias and/or drowsiness resulting in an unwillingness to ambulate or perform deep-breathing exercises.

Literature review.
Previous studies have reported a decrease in nausea following the use of peppermint oil.

Study methodology.
Researchers obtained informed consent from 123 patients for this study; 34 (28%) of them experienced nausea and were offered a nasal inhaler that contained peppermint oil.

Results.
The average nausea rating before the use of peppermint oil was 3.29 (SD, 1.0) on a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 being the greatest nausea. Two minutes later, the average nausea rating was 1.44 (SD, 1.3). Using paired t-tests, these differences were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.000).

Discussion.
The researchers concluded that peppermint oil inhalation is a viable first-line treatment for nausea in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.
Baseline Renal Function Tests and Adverse Outcomes in Pregnant Patients With Chronic Hypertension
Authors: Kuper Spencer G. , Tita Alan T. , Youngstrom Mallory L. , Allen Sarah E. , Tang Ying , Biggio Joseph R. , Harper Lorie M. 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE:
To examine the relationship between baseline renal function tests in pregnant patients with chronic hypertension and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS:
This was a retrospective cohort study of women with a singleton pregnancy and chronic hypertension with assessment of renal function (urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and serum creatinine) before 20 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was severe preeclampsia at less than 34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes were severe preeclampsia at any gestational age, any preeclampsia, preterm birth at less than 35 weeks of gestation, composite perinatal outcome (perinatal death, assisted ventilation, cord pH less than 7, 5-minute Apgar score 3 or less, or neonatal seizures), and small for gestational age. The association between baseline renal function and the primary outcome was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and objective cutoffs determined. Outcomes were compared between those with values above and below the cutoffs using univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS:
Seven hundred fifty-five pregnant women with chronic hypertension had baseline renal function assessment. The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and creatinine cutoffs for severe preeclampsia at less than 34 weeks of gestation were 0.12 or greater and 0.75 mg/dL or greater, respectively. The area under the ROC curves for severe preeclampsia at less than 34 weeks of gestation was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–0.8) for urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and 0.67 (95% CI 0.6–0.8) for creatinine. A urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 0.12 or greater was associated with an increased risk of developing severe preeclampsia at less than 34 weeks of gestation (16.4% compared with 2.6%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7.5, 95% CI 3.9–14.6) as was a creatinine 0.75 mg/dL or greater (15.7% compared with 4.6%, adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.9–6.3). Severe preeclampsia at less than 34 weeks of gestation occurred in only 1.6% of patients if their baseline tests were below both cutoffs.

CONCLUSION:
Baseline assessment of renal function can be used as a risk stratification tool in pregnant patients with chronic hypertension.
High-Dose Methylprednisolone to Prevent Platelet Decline in Preeclampsia
Authors: Pourrat Olivier , Dorey Marie , Ragot Stéphanie , de Hauteclocque Astrid , Deruelle Philippe , Dreyfus Michel , Pierre Fabrice 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate whether early administration of high-dose methylprednisolone limits the fall of platelets in preeclampsia.

METHODS:
A randomized trial of 180 mg methylprednisolone or placebo administered in divided doses over 36 hours was conducted in women admitted for preeclampsia and platelet counts below 150×109/L in four French academic centers. Patients were not included when platelet counts were below 50×109/L or when immediate delivery was required. The primary study outcome was the proportion of patients with platelet counts above 100×109/L 36 hours after the first dose of study medication. The total sample size needed to detect a 23% difference in the rate of this outcome between groups with a one-tailed α of 0.05 and 90% power was 94 patients.

RESULTS:
Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive methylprednisolone and 34 placebo between October 2007 and May 2011. Platelet counts above 100×109/L at 36 hours after the first dose of study medication were recorded in 30 (83%) in the active group and 29 (85%) in the placebo group (relative risk 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.80–1.20; P=.82). The only adverse potentially study-related event was hyperglycemia in one woman allocated to methylprednisolone.

CONCLUSION:
In women with preeclampsia and platelet counts under 150×109/L, methylprednisolone was not effective in maintaining platelet counts above 100×109/L.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
EU Clinical Trials Register, http://clinicaltrialsregister.eu, EudraCT 2006-004881-15-FR.