bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which companion plants affect the performance of green peach aphid on host plants? Testing of 12 candidate plants under laboratory conditions
Authors: Ben Issa Refka , Gautier Hélène , Costagliola Guy , Gomez Laurent 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntercropping of companion plants (CPs) that release distinct volatile compounds with horticultural crops has been proposed to improve pest management. AlthoughCPextracts or essential oils have been reported to be efficient in disturbing the settling of insects such as aphids, the effect of using actualCPs remains relatively unknown. Our aim was to screen odorousCPspecies for their effect on the performance of green peach aphid,Myzus persicaeSulzer (Hemiptera:Aphididae), when released on adjacent pepper plants. Intercropping was tested in growth chambers using potted plants to avoid root interactions and homogenise the abiotic environment ofCPs. Our results indicated that eightCPspecies—rosemary, African marigold, French marigold, geranium, lavender, basil, chives, and pot marigold—affected aphid performance by reducing the reproductive performance and/or settlement of females. Rosemary followed by African and French marigold was associated with the largest reduction in adult female and nymph number. Chemical analyses indicated that rosemary and French marigold emit specific volatiles. In contrast, fourCPspecies (false yellowhead, thyme, savoury, and peppermint) were not associated with a significant change in aphid performance and emitted a lower diversity of volatiles. This screening ofCPs under controlled conditions may be considered as a first step towards the identification of volatiles emitted by actual plants that can affect aphid performance and help the choice ofCPs to optimise intercropping strategies.
No evidence of parthenogenesis‐inducing bacteria involved in Thripoctenus javae thelytoky: an unusual finding in Chalcidoidea
Authors: Monti Maurilia M. , Nugnes Francesco , Gualtieri Liberata , Gebiola Marco , Bernardo Umberto 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAll Hymenoptera have a haplodiploid mode of sex determination. Although most species reproduce by arrhenotokous parthenogenesis, there are many thelytokous species, in which unfertilized eggs develop into diploid females. Thelytoky can be genetic or due to microbial infection. In the large Chalcidoidea superfamily, thelytokous parthenogenesis is almost always associated with infection of endosymbionts of the genera Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Rickettsia. Thripoctenus javae (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a larval parasitoid of the greenhouse thrips Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an important worldwide pest. Both the host and its parasitoid reproduce by thelytokous parthenogenesis. The main goal of this study was to test whether endosymbiotic bacteria, either those known to induce thelytokous parthenogenesis or other sex‐manipulators, are responsible for thelytoky of two geographically distinct populations of T. javae. We used sequencing of ribosomal ITS2 and 28S‐D2 and mitochondrial COI genes to molecularly characterize the two populations, antibiotic and heat treatments, and FISH of ovaries, for thelytoky studies. It was impossible to revert thelytokous individuals back to sexual reproduction and no evidence of bacterial infection was found in parthenogenetic T. javae females. This makes T. javae the second chalcidoid in which thelytokous reproduction appears not to be associated with the presence of bacterial endosymbionts.
Fate of mouse carcasses in a Northern Woodland
Authors: TRUMBO STEPHEN T. 
Published: August 2016

1. Small, vertebrate carrion is a significant input into terrestrial ecosystems. The relative importance of different recyclers of carrion is poorly understood because of seasonal and habitat variation and methodological differences among studies. Many studies, in particular, do not account adequately for the activity of burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.).2. The present work, utilising a previously unstudied woodland, addresses this concern by: placing only two carcasses in the field at one time, using microsites only once, and providing a means to easily recover successful burying beetles.3. Burying beetles buried 77.5% of experimental mouse carcasses over their breeding season, and typically did so within three activity periods after placement (30 of 31 burials).4. The results and a brief review suggest that burying beetles are the dominant summer competitor for small, vertebrate carrion in mid‐ and northern latitude woodlands. Information on the age of carcasses utilised by burying beetles also provides an ecological context for laboratory studies of behaviour, life history, and microbial interactions.
Prediction on fatigue life of U‐notched PMMA plate
Authors: Liu W. , Yao X. , Ma Y. , Chen X. , Guo G. , Ma L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this paper, fatigue life prediction of U‐notched polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plate is numerically investigated based on the combination of fatigue damage mechanism and fatigue crack propagation mechanism. First, strength and stiffness degeneration criterions during the fatigue process are established on the basis of nonlinear progressive damage evolution, and the fatigue crack initiation life is estimated. Second, fatigue crack propagation phase is analysed through virtual crack closure technique. The fatigue crack propagation life before totally fracture is also predicted. Finally, finite element models of PMMA plate weakened by lateral symmetric U‐notch are built up using ABAQUS, and the total fatigue life of notched plate is calculated by combining the crack initiation life with the crack propagation life. These results will play an important role for evaluating the fatigue life of U‐notched PMMA plate.
Remaking Government in Canada: Dares, Resilience, and Civility in Westminster Systems
Authors: Lindquist Evert A. , Eichbaum Chris 
Published: August 2016

By 2015 concern had emerged about the trajectory of Canada's Westminster model and the state of democratic governance under successive Harper governments, particularly with respect to transparency and relationships with public servants, which among other things led to the election of the Trudeau government in October 2015. This article compares these developments with the wholesale reform experiences in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. We consider not only the evolving bargains between prime ministers and their ministers, political advisors, top officials, and legislatures, but also between party leaders and political parties, and between governments and civil society. Second, we characterize far‐reaching reforms as “dares,” intended to change the trajectory of Westminster systems, which carry political risks. Third, we consider the resilience of Westminster systems in the face of significant change and inaction. The Harper reforms were not nearly as dramatic as those of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia during the late 1980s but did change the bargain with civil society, foundational to Westminster systems.
The essential principles of responsible government have stood up well to the test of experience, and will serve as well tomorrow as they have in the past. However, parliamentary government is an inherently evolutionary form of government. Task Force on Public Service Values and Ethics (, 17)
Demonstrating the financial impact of clinical libraries: a systematic review
Authors: Madden Anne , Collins Pamela , McGowan Sondhaya , Stevenson Paul , Castelli David , Hyde Loree , DeSanto Kristen , O'Brien Nancy , Purdon Michelle , Delgado Diana 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this review is to evaluate the tools used to measure the financial value of libraries in a clinical setting.MethodsSearches were carried out on ten databases for the years 2003—2013, with a final search before completion to identify any recent papers.ResultsEleven papers met the final inclusion criteria. There was no evidence of a single ‘best practice’, and many metrics used to measure financial impact of clinical libraries were developed on an ad hoc basis locally. The most common measures of financial impact were value of time saved, value of resource collection against cost of alternative sources, cost avoidance and revenue generated through assistance on grant submissions. Few papers provided an insight into the longer term impact on the library service resulting from submitting return on investment (ROI) or other financial impact statements.ConclusionsThere are limited examples of metrics which clinical libraries can use to measure explicit financial impact. The methods highlighted in this literature review are generally implicit in the measures used and lack robustness. There is a need for future research to develop standardised, validated tools that clinical libraries can use to demonstrate their financial impact.
Expression patterns of Ikaros family members during positive selection and lineage commitment of human thymocytes
Authors: Mitchell Julie L. , Seng Amara , Yankee Thomas M. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe Ikaros family of transcription factors is essential for normal T‐cell development, but their expression pattern in human thymocytes remains poorly defined. Our goal is to determine how protein levels of Ikaros, Helios and Aiolos change as human thymocytes progress through the positive selection and lineage commitment stages. To accomplish this goal, we used multi‐parameter flow cytometry to define the populations in which positive selection and lineage commitment are most likely to occur. After human thymocytes express CD3 and receive positive selection signals, the cells down‐regulate expression of CD4 to become transitional single‐positive (TSP) CD8+ thymocytes. At this stage, there was a transient increase in the Ikaros, Helios and Aiolos protein levels. After the TSP CD8+ developmental stage, some thymocytes re‐express CD4 and become CD3hi double‐positive thymocytes before down‐regulating CD8 to become mature single‐positive CD4+ thymocytes. Except for regulatory T cells, Helios protein levels declined and Aiolos protein levels transiently increased during CD4+ T‐cell maturation. For thymocytes progressing toward the CD8+ T‐cell lineage, TSP CD8+ thymocytes increase their expression of CD3 and maintain high levels of Aiolos protein as the cells complete their maturation. In summary, we defined the TSP CD8+ developmental stage in human T‐cell development and propose that this stage is where CD4/CD8 lineage commitment occurs. Ikaros, Helios and Aiolos each undergo a transient increase in protein levels at the TSP stage before diverging in their expression patterns at later stages.
Use of customised pressure‐guided elastic bandages to improve efficacy of compression bandaging for venous ulcers
Authors: Sermsathanasawadi Nuttawut , Chatjaturapat Choedpong , Pianchareonsin Rattana , Puangpunngam Nattawut , Wongwanit Chumpol , Chinsakchai Khamin , Ruangsetakit Chanean , Mutirangura Pramook 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCompression bandaging is a major treatment of chronic venous ulcers. Its efficacy depends on the applied pressure, which is dependent on the skill of the individual applying the bandage. To improve the quality of bandaging by reducing the variability in compression bandage interface pressures, we changed elastic bandages into a customised version by marking them with circular ink stamps, applied when the stretch achieves an interface pressure between 35 and 45 mmHg. Repeated applications by 20 residents of the customised bandage and non‐marked bandage to one smaller and one larger leg were evaluated by measuring the sub‐bandage pressure.The results demonstrated that the target pressure range is more often attained with the customised bandage compared with the non‐marked bandage. The customised bandage improved the efficacy of compression bandaging for venous ulcers, with optimal sub‐bandage pressure.
Topical cetirizine and oral vitamin D: a valid treatment for hypotrichosis caused by ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Rossi A. , Miraglia E. , Fortuna M.C. , Calvieri S. , Giustini S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundEctodermal dysplasia is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by abnormal development of two or more of the following ectodermal‐derived structures: hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands. The hair is the most frequently affected structure. Hair shaft abnormalities are of great concern to these patients, but no effective treatments are available.MethodsWe describe three girls with congenital hypotrichosis (9, 5 and 6 years old) caused by ectodermal dysplasia treated with topical cetirizine solution (2 mL. once daily) and oral vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU daily).ResultsAfter 6 months of treatment, the density of hair on the scalp increased in all patients.The vellus hair was replaced by terminal hair. Hair regrowth was evaluated both from the clinical and trichoscopic point of view.ConclusionWe propose a combination of topical cetirizine and oral vitamin D as a rational treatment of choice in congenital hypotrichosis caused by ectodermal dysplasia.
Beard alopecia areata: a multicentre review of 55 patients
Authors: Saceda‐Corralo D. , Grimalt R. , Fernández‐Crehuet P. , Clemente A. , Bernárdez C. , García‐Hernandez M.J. , Arias‐Santiago S. , Rodrigues‐Barata A.R. , Rodríguez‐Pichardo A. , García‐Lora E. , Jaén P. , Camacho F.M. , Vañó‐Galván S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata on the beard area (BAA) is a common clinical manifestation, but there are no studies about its characteristics.ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, evolution, diagnostic findings and therapeutic choices in a series of patients with BAA.MethodsThis retrospective multicentre review included patients diagnosed with BAA as the first and unique clinical manifestation with at least 12 months of follow‐up. Diagnosis was performed based on the typical clinical features. Extra‐beard involvement was monitored in all cases.ResultsOverall, 55 male patients with a mean age of 39.1 years (range 20–74) were included. Twenty‐five patients (45.5%) developed alopecia of the scalp during follow‐up and more than 80% of cases appeared in the first 12.4 months. Clinical presentation of AA on the scalp was patchy AA (less than 5 patches) (52%), multifocal AA (28%), AA totalis (12%) and AA universalis (8%). Multivariate analysis revealed a trend of association between scalp involvement and family history of AA without statistical significance.ConclusionsAccording to this study, BAA may progress to scalp AA in a significant number of patients (45.5% of the patients with a follow‐up interval of at least 12 months). In the group of patients who developed scalp AA, 80% of them did it within the first 12 months, so follow‐up of patients with BAA is highly encouraged.
Diagnosis and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection by toxin enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction in an island population
Authors: Kumar Shankar , Pollok Richard , Muscat Ivan , Planche Timothy 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackground and AimClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a potentially life‐threatening cause of diarrhea. Correct laboratory diagnosis is essential to differentiate CDI from other causes of diarrhea. A positive fecal C. difficile toxin (CDT) is the best indicator of CDI, but the significance of a positive fecal nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) remains unclear. Our aim was to elucidate the significance of CDI diagnostics in patients in Jersey.MethodsA retrospective, 5‐year study was conducted at an island district general hospital of patients who developed CDI. Patients were grouped according to CDT and NAAT status and their association with outcome (indicators of severity and 30‐day case‐fatality rate) compared.ResultsA total of 207 specimens were toxin positive, 92 NAAT positive and toxin negative, and 39 had a stool sample negative by both toxin and NAAT testing. A positive toxin stool sample was associated with both significantly higher white cell count (14.5 × 109/L vs 11.3 × 109/L, P = 0.003) and C‐reactive protein (114.7 mg/dL vs 82.9 mg/dL, P = 0.001), but NAAT positivity was not (P = 0.269, 0.728). A positive CDT assay was a significant independent predictor of death (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89 [95% CI: 1.04–3.43], P = 0.046), but a positive NAAT in CDT negative samples was not (OR: 1.02 [95% CI: 0.34–3.12], P = 1.0).ConclusionsThe findings of this study, derived from evolving clinical practice, provide greater clarity in the interpretation of CDI diagnostics. In CDT‐negative disease, a positive NAAT neither predicts disease severity nor mortality. NAAT‐positive and toxin‐negative patients require instigation of infection control measures, but the need for specific treatment remains unclear.
Effects of cranial integration on hominid endocranial shape
Authors: Zollikofer Christoph P. E. , Bienvenu Thibaut , Ponce de León Marcia S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBecause brains do not fossilize, the internal surface of the braincase (endocast) serves as an important source of information about brain growth, development, and evolution. Recent studies of endocranial morphology and development in great apes, fossil hominins, and modern humans have revealed taxon‐specific differences. However, it remains to be investigated to which extent differences in endocranial morphology reflect differences in actual brain morphology and development, and to which extent they reflect different interactions of the brain and its case with the cranial base and face. Here we address this question by analyzing the effects of cranial integration on endocranial morphology. We test the ‘spatial packing’ and ‘facial orientation’ hypotheses, which propose that size and orientation of the neurocranium relative to the viscerocranium influence endocranial shape. Results show that a substantial proportion of endocranial shape variation along and across ontogenetic trajectories is due to cranial integration. Specifically, the uniquely globular shape of the human endocast mainly results from the combination of an exceptionally large brain with a comparatively small face. Overall, thus, cranial integration has pervasive effects on endocranial morphology, and only a comparatively small proportion of inter‐ and intra‐taxon variation can directly be associated with variation in brain morphology.
Prevalence and risk factors for viral blipping in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with nucleos (t) ide analogues
Authors: Brahmania M. , Brouwer W. P. , Hansen T. , Mazzulli T. , Feld J. , Wong D. , Kowgier M. , Janssen H. L. A. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe clinical relevance of viral blipping during nucleos (t) ide analogue (NA) treatment is unclear in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We investigated the prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes for those with viral blipping during NA treatment. A retrospective cohort study investigated consecutively treated CHB patients from May 2008 to February 2015 on the NAs such as entecavir (ETV), tenofovir (TDF) and lamivudine (LAM). Included patients were previously treatment naive. Viral blipping was defined as serum HBV DNA >20 IU/mL on one occasion, and not >200 IU/mL, with subsequent measurement returning to undetectable levels, that is <20 IU/mL. A total of 242 treatment‐compliant CHB patients were included with 44 (18.2%) experiencing viral blipping. In multivariable Cox regression, Asian race (HR=7.40, 95% CI 1.01–54.29, P<.049), LAM therapy (vs ETV/TDF, HR=2.53, 95% CI 1.29–4.95, P<.007), higher creatinine (per SD, HR=1.47, 95% CI 1.21–1.79, P<.001), HBeAg positivity (HR=2.68, 95% CI 1.39–5.03, P<.003) and longer time to achieve undetectable HBV DNA (per month, HR=1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08, P=.001) were associated with an increased risk of viral blipping. Viral blipping did not show any significant association with viral breakthrough, HBsAg loss, ALT flares or disease progression. Viral blipping is a frequent event during NA therapy; however, it did not lead to any clinically significant outcomes. Thus, it may not require more frequent blood work and patient visits in clinical practice.
Effects of Dietary Lysine Levels on Growth, Intestinal Digestive Enzymes, and Coelomic Fluid Nonspecific Immune Enzymes of Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, Juveniles
Authors: Liu Chenmin , Han Yuzhe , Ren Tongjun , Jiang Zhiqiang , Wang Fuqiang , Liao Mingling , Wang Jing 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA 56‐d feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lysine levels on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzymes, and nonspecific immune response of Apostichopus japonicus juveniles. Five semipurified diets were formulated to contain graded levels of lysine (from 0.28 to 2.32% of dry matter). Although no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in survival rate, final weight (FW), and body weight gain (BWG), the FW and BWG increased from 0.28 to 1.19% with increasing dietary lysine levels, then showed a declining tendency. Broken‐line regression analysis of BWG indicated sea cucumber requires lysine at 0.76% of dry diet. Proximate composition, lysine content of the body wall, and total amino acid profiles were not affected by dietary treatments. Intestinal protease level increased with increasing dietary lysine level from 0.28 to 1.19%, then decreased. Acid phosphatase and superoxide dismutase activities of the sea cucumbers were not affected by various dietary lysine levels; however, significantly (P < 0.05) higher alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in sea cucumbers fed 2.32% lysine diet than those fed diets having 0.28 and 1.89% lysine. Overall, sea cucumber juveniles fed with diets containing between 0.76 and 1.19% lysine showed better growth performance, digestive enzymes, and nonspecific immune enzyme activities.
Aerobic photoreactivity of synthetic eumelanins and pheomelanins: generation of singlet oxygen and superoxide anion
Authors: Szewczyk Grzegorz , Zadlo Andrzej , Sarna Michal , Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Sarna Tadeusz 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIn this work, we examined photoreactivity of synthetic eumelanins, formed by autooxidation of DOPA, or enzymatic oxidation of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid and synthetic pheomelanins obtained by enzymatic oxidation of 5‐S‐cysteinyldopa or 1:1 mixture of DOPA and cysteine. Electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry and spin trapping were used to measure oxygen consumption and formation of superoxide anion induced by irradiation of melanin with blue light, and time‐resolved near‐infrared luminescence was employed to determine the photoformation of singlet oxygen between 300 and 600 nm. Both superoxide anion and singlet oxygen were photogenerated by the synthetic melanins albeit with different efficiency. At 450‐nm, quantum yield of singlet oxygen was very low (~10−4) but it strongly increased in the UV region. The melanins quenched singlet oxygen efficiently, indicating that photogeneration and quenching of singlet oxygen may play an important role in aerobic photochemistry of melanin pigments and could contribute to their photodegradation and photoaging.